PIRSA Minerals

Jump to content

 

Navigation

 

Exploration

Minerals are the property of the Crown in South Australia, and access to land for exploration is gained through provisions of the Mining Act 1971 and Regulations.
 
The regulation, administration and technical procedures relating to mineral exploration are dealt with by the Minerals and Energy Resources Division, PIRSA.
 
Exploration Licence - Definition
An Exploration Licence (EL) is the principal title issued for exploration in the state. An EL authorises the licensee, subject to the Act, Regulations and conditions of the licence, to explore for all minerals and/or opal other than extractive minerals (i.e. building construction materials).
 
An EL excludes current mining tenements (mineral claims, retention leases and mining leases) and any other areas not available for exploration (national parks, Commonwealth land, coastlines, etc.).

 

Exploration in South Australia

The following information is directed at all explorers wishing to carryout exploration activities in South Australia. The reference material comprises Information Sheets, Forms, Guidelines and Procedures that all explorers should be familiar with when working within South Australia.

 

Information Sheets

The following information sheets provide a wide range of information from the initial application for an EL and submitting work programs and rehabilitation programs to surrendering ground and applying for a mining lease.

 

Forms

Submission of the appropriate form is vital when holding an EL and proposing, conducting and finishing an exploration program.

 

Guidelines and Procedures

The following documents address specific topics and issues that all explorers should be aware of when conducting an exploration program.

 

SARIG

The South Australian Resources Information Geoserver (SARIG) is an online database and Geographic Information System (GIS) that provides current tenement information and an EL application lodgement service.
 
SARIG also offers access to PIRSA’s geoscientific libraries which house archived open file envelopes, report books and other reference material pertinent to South Australian mineral explorers.
 
There is no charge for downloading information directly from the SARIG site.

 

Hardcopy Maps and Datasets

Customised hardcopy maps and plans of tenement, geology and geophysical data is available though the PIRSA Customer Services Centre. Contact the centre for more information.
 
South Australian geoscientific datasets and GIS packages are also available through the PIRSA Customer Services Centre.

 

M5 - Mineral Exploration Licences Information Sheet  (.PDF) 226KB

Mineral Exploration Licences - General Conditions, Procedures And Information. PIRSA Information Sheet M5. This is an excellent starting place for those wishing to explore for minerals in South Australia.

Exploration 

Read and download the GENERAL EXPLORATION GUIDELINES important to exploration in South Australia.

Access To Land

Read and download LAND ACCESS information that affects mineral exploration and mining in South Australia.

Environment and Vegetation 

Read and download ENVIRONMENTAL guidelines important to mineral exploration and mining in South Australia.

Applying for Work Approval 

Here you will find guidelines on the format and content required when applying for work approval.

Information Sheets  (.HTML) 32KB

A full list of PIRSA information sheets is available here in the Publications Section of the Minerals Channel.

South Australian Legislation Information 

Review and link to the Acts and Regulations that effect mineral exploration and development in South Australia.