Posted on 13 Oct 2025
The government of Western Australia has awarded AUD 6.6 million ($4.32m) to 39 projects to co-fund the drilling for minerals, including copper, nickel, lithium, and gold.
Kallanish understands the grants are part of the state’s long-running exploration incentive (EIS) scheme known as Co-funded Exploration Drilling Program, under which the government supports early-stage exploration of mineral deposits. The 39 projects, which were successful under Round 32 of the scheme, are required to be drilled before November 2026.
The latest round was dominated by gold, accounting for 64% of successful projects, either as a standalone target or in combination with other minerals, the government said Thursday.
The successful projects include Azure Minerals’ Andover lithium project, Cannon Resources’ Fisher East nickel project, Cherish Metal’s Lanfranchi nickel project, and TechGen Metals’ Blue Devil copper and gold project. Northern Minerals’ Browns Range project is the only rare earths development on the list.
“The Cook government is committed to positioning WA as a global supplier of critical and strategic minerals, with the strong interest in the Exploration Incentive Scheme reflecting growing momentum across the sector to support the world’s clean energy future,” comments mines and petroleum minister, David Michael.
“By reducing the financial risks of exploration, the EIS is helping to unlock the next generation of mineral projects that will power the world and deliver benefits for generations of Western Australians,” he adds.
Applications for Round 33 of the scheme will open on 2 February 2026.
Western Australia is a leading supplier of lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and rare earths. Last month, it opened applications for an AUD 60 million funding round to support clean energy projects, including green hydrogen and critical minerals.
Source:Kallanish
