Western Australia Launches New Exploration Benefit Program
Western Australia's Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) Opens for Round 32
The Western Australian Government has announced the opening of applications for Round 32 of the Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS). This scheme, first established in 2009, focuses on supporting innovative mineral exploration, particularly in underexplored and remote regions of the state.
The EIS aims to reduce exploration risks and encourage new mineral discoveries, playing a crucial role in securing the state's resource sector sustainability and its position as a global mining leader. The scheme provides co-funding for exploration drilling, geophysics, and energy analysis, enabling companies to undertake high-risk, high-reward projects.
Round 32, which opened on August 4, 2025, and will close on August 29, 2025, has been allocated $8.9 million to support the scheme. This round emphasizes critical minerals important for the clean energy transition, such as vanadium.
The Geological Survey of Western Australia plays a central role in coordinating the EIS and providing geoscience data to reduce investment risk and accelerate discoveries. Recent successful projects funded by previous EIS rounds demonstrate the scheme’s impact. For instance, the Dante project in the eastern Goldfields-Esperance region (Terra Metals) progressed from early exploration to metallurgical testing, producing high-grade vanadium-magnetite concentrate.
Companies like Constellation Resources (ASX:CR1), Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN, OTC:MALRF), Kula Gold (ASX:KGD), and Wildcat Resources (ASX: WC8, OTC:WDCTF) are among those participating in Round 32. RareX is another participant for its Khaleesi REE project.
David Michael, Mines and Petroleum Minister, made an announcement about Round 32 on August 4. He emphasized that the EIS helps in accelerating mineral discoveries, supporting local expertise, and creating jobs. The Cook Government officially opened applications for Round 32.
Torque Metals (ASX:TOR, OTC:TRQMF) and RareX are also participating in Round 31 for their respective projects. Torque Metals has commenced diamond drilling at its Paris gold project as of July 28, while RareX is exploring its Khaleesi REE project. Kula Gold (ASX:KGD) reported a significant gold intercept from the first hole at its Mustang prospect in April.
Tabba Tabba's pre-feasibility study has confirmed potential for a long-life lithium mine in Pilbara. The Geological Survey of Western Australia continues to play a central role in supporting exploration across the state and acts as a coordinator for the EIS.
The deadline for submissions for Round 32 of the EIS is August 29. Companies are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to support their innovative exploration projects and contribute to Western Australia's mining future.
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Gold-focused companies, such as Kula Gold (ASX:KGD), might find interested in Gold investing with the opening of Round 32 of Western Australia's Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS). Additionally, Sports enthusiasts might be unaware that RareX, a participant in Round 32, is not only exploring critical metals like vanadium but also elements essential for technologies in the sports industry, such as Rare Earth Elements (REE), as part of its Khaleesi REE project.
