Grants up to $150,000 for exploration of critical minerals and high-tech metals to supply global manufacturing and support long-term sustainability for the NSW resources sector.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
- An overview of New Frontiers Exploration Program
- Every detail you will need to know
- Resources and help to get the grant
What is the New Frontiers Exploration Program
The New Frontiers Exploration Program supports explorers to search for new deposits of critical minerals and high-tech metals essential for the manufacture of batteries, electric vehicles and other renewable technologies.
The program aims to secure the long-term sustainability of the NSW resources sector by investing in exploration and discovery that helps meet current and future demand for critical minerals.
The program has been expanded to now include exploration geophysics, opening the funding opportunity to more explorers.
NFEP level of support
Grant
- Drilling programs – maximum of $100,000
- Geophysical acquisition – maximum of $50,000
- Single applicant – maximum of $150,000
- Up to 50% of total drilling program costs and/or exploration geophysics costs
Co-contribution
- Minimum 50% of total drilling program costs and/or exploration geophysics costs
NFEP important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest here with GrantHelper
NFEP important details that you will need to know
NFEP objectives
The program is intended to support the long-term sustainability of the NSW resources sector by encouraging mineral exploration and discovery:
- that will ensure a sustainable economic resource pipeline for the state, particularly in greenfield areas in the state
- that will test new geological ideas and models, and/or in regions with significant cover, and/or targets critical minerals
- that will create stronger relationships between government and industry
Organisations eligible for NFEP support
Applications are encouraged from a wide range of active NSW exploration companies holding an appropriate title in NSW.
You must be a legal entity to be eligible for funding and have suitable land access arrangements in place.
Projects eligible for NFEP support
The program will provide funds to successful applicants for exploration drilling and geophysical programs (Group 1, 6 and 10 minerals under the Mining Act 1992 only) which demonstrate strong prospectivity, sound financial planning and a proven technical base.
Applicants may submit multiple applications based on different projects in their exploration programs. Separate applications must include only one type of activity (drilling or geophysics).
See the guidelines for full details of eligible projects.
Costs eligible for NFEP support
Funding can only be claimed for the direct costs of drilling and/or geophysical survey costs, and must be directly related to the target described in the application.
The Department recognises that exploration is a dynamic and iterative process, so variations to drill hole collar locations, orientations and target depths or geophysical parameters may be permitted, subject to written approval from the Department.
See the guidelines for full details of eligible costs.
Information to prepare for the NFEP application
You must attach the following documents with your application:
- organisation type information (if required)
- map and project information (if not included on application)
- public liability insurance ($10m), workers compensation and comprehensive motor vehicle certificates
See the guidelines and application form for full details of information requirements.
Applying for NFEP
Applications are submitted via email to the Department of Regional NSW.
Book a no obligation discovery session with GrantHelper to increase your chances of success.
NFEP assessment criteria
The technical assessment criteria are:
| Ref | Criteria | Weighting |
| 1 | Describe how your proposed program tests sound geological models and innovative concepts and ideas | 30% |
| 2 | Describe how your proposed program advances exploration in previously under-explored areas and/or targets critical minerals (e.g., does the program test an area previously untested, undrilled, under-drilled or where previous work was ineffective?) | 35% |
| 3 | Describe the work you have already undertaken to define the exploration targets | 25% |
| 4 | Provide details of the proposed work program and the anticipated information that will be acquired as part of the exploration program (e.g., element suite to be assayed, downhole geophysical methods and modelling, petrology, geochronology, isotopic analysis, etc) | 10% |
See the guidelines for full details of assessment criteria.
NFEP resources
How do I get NFEP?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure your organisation is eligible for the funding. Organisations that do not meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- a well-defined exploration program, including details of work already undertaken, that targets under-explored areas and/or critical minerals
- sound geological modelling and innovative concepts and ideas
- sound financial planning and the necessary organisational capability and capacity to support successful completion of the project within the agreed timeline
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