Tenement types

Tenement type rules

Per-jurisdiction tenement types with term, renewal, expenditure, reporting and rent rules.44 types

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NSW(4)
  • AL

    Assessment Lease

    Explorationarea: unit
    Term:
    Up to 6 years, renewable.
    Renewal:
    Granted to an EL holder at an advanced exploration stage.
    Expenditure:
    As for EL.
    Reporting:
    Same reporting regime as EL.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mining Act 1992 (NSW) No 29

  • EL

    Exploration Licence

    Explorationarea: unit (16 ha)
    Term:
    Up to 6 years, renewable.
    Renewal:
    Renewal application before expiry.
    Expenditure:
    Minimum expenditure commitment per unit of area, per year.
    Reporting:
    Applications after 1 July 2016: Annual Report + data. Applications before 1 July 2016: Environmental Management Report / Environmental & Rehabilitation Report / Compliance & Rehabilitation Report, depending on the title. All titles: partial-relinquishment report on partial surrender; final report on full surrender/expiry.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, indexed (exact current per-unit rate unverified).

    source: Mining Act 1992 (NSW) No 29

  • MC

    Mineral Claim

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Traditional opal-field claim (Lightning Ridge/White Cliffs/Grawin etc); exact current size unverified.
    Renewal:
    Renewal application must be lodged on or within 2 months before expiry (ss194, 197-199A); transfer does not reset the expiry clock.
    Expenditure:
    N/A — small-scale opal claim.
    Reporting:
    As required by claim conditions.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mining Act 1992 (NSW) No 29

  • ML

    Mining Lease

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Commonly negotiated (example seen: 21 years).
    Renewal:
    Renewable subject to conditions.
    Expenditure:
    Production conditions attach at grant.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per hectare.

    source: Mining Act 1992 (NSW) No 29

NT(6)
  • EL

    Mineral Exploration Licence

    Explorationarea: graticular_block (322 ha)
    Term:
    Set at grant; renewal/reduction rules changed by the 2026 amendment act — confirm current figures directly.
    Renewal:
    Area-reduction-on-renewal process ('Reduction of Area'); confirm post-June-2026 specifics.
    Expenditure:
    Expenditure-condition compliance under reg 82; variation-of-condition application (Form 30) if a condition can't be met.
    Reporting:
    Expenditure Report via Form 17.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per DME's fee/rent guide.

    source: Mineral Titles Act 2010 (NT)

  • ELR

    Mineral Exploration Licence in Retention

    Explorationarea: hectares
    Term:
    Retention-stage variant of an EL.
    Renewal:
    As for EL, retention conditions apply.
    Expenditure:
    Reduced/varied expenditure condition while in retention.
    Reporting:
    Form 17 reporting continues.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mineral Titles Act 2010 (NT)

  • EMEL

    Extractive Mineral Exploration Licence

    Explorationarea: graticular_block (322 ha)
    Term:
    As for EL.
    Renewal:
    As for EL.
    Expenditure:
    As for EL, extractive-minerals specific.
    Reporting:
    Form 17.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mineral Titles Act 2010 (NT)

  • EML

    Extractive Mineral Lease

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Set at grant.
    Renewal:
    Per Act.
    Expenditure:
    N/A.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per hectare.

    source: Mineral Titles Act 2010 (NT)

  • EMP

    Extractive Mineral Permit

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Set at grant.
    Renewal:
    Per Act.
    Expenditure:
    N/A — extraction permit, not exploration.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mineral Titles Act 2010 (NT)

  • ML

    Mineral Lease

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Set at grant.
    Renewal:
    Consent-to-surrender process governs early exit; renewal per Act.
    Expenditure:
    Production/expenditure conditions attach at grant.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per hectare.

    source: Mineral Titles Act 2010 (NT)

Qld(4)
  • MDL

    Mineral Development Licence

    Evaluationarea: sub_block
    Term:
    Set per licence (feasibility-stage tenure between EPM and ML).
    Renewal:
    Unverified — confirm against the Act directly.
    Expenditure:
    Unverified.
    Reporting:
    Annual report as for other QLD tenure.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mineral Resources Act 1989 (QLD)

  • EPM

    Exploration Permit for Minerals

    Explorationarea: sub_block (250 ha)
    Term:
    5 years (standard).
    Renewal:
    Renewal application window: 3-6 months before expiry.
    Expenditure:
    Mandatory area reduction of 40% at year 3 and 50% at year 5 (and again after each renewal) unless the Minister directs otherwise.
    Reporting:
    Annual report due 1 month after the anniversary, lodged electronically; expenditure statement due within 1 month of the anniversary.
    Rent basis:
    Due before grant; on renewal within 20 days; then annually on the anniversary.

    source: Mineral Resources Act 1989 (QLD)

  • MC

    Mining Claim

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Small-scale production tenure.
    Renewal:
    Unverified.
    Expenditure:
    Unverified.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mineral Resources Act 1989 (QLD)

  • ML

    Mining Lease

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Set per lease at grant.
    Renewal:
    Unverified — confirm term/renewal specifics against the Act.
    Expenditure:
    Linked to an Environmental Authority under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per hectare.

    source: Mineral Resources Act 1989 (QLD)

SA(5)
  • MPL

    Miscellaneous Purposes Licence

    Ancillaryarea: hectares
    Term:
    Unverified.
    Renewal:
    Unverified.
    Expenditure:
    N/A — ancillary infrastructure licence.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mining Act 1971 (SA)

  • EL

    Exploration Licence

    Explorationarea: km2
    Term:
    Set per licence, commonly up to 5 years initial term, renewable.
    Renewal:
    Renewal application before expiry.
    Expenditure:
    2-Year Expenditure Report due within 60 days of each commitment period end (or via an Amalgamated Expenditure Arrangement across contiguous same-holder licences).
    Reporting:
    Annual Technical Report (digital) each year, or on expiry/surrender.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mining Act 1971 (SA)

  • MC

    Mineral Claim

    Explorationarea: hectares
    Term:
    Smaller-scale exploration/mining tenure.
    Renewal:
    Unverified.
    Expenditure:
    Unverified.
    Reporting:
    As for EL where applicable.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mining Act 1971 (SA)

  • RL

    Retention Lease

    Explorationarea: hectares
    Term:
    Holds an identified but not-yet-viable resource.
    Renewal:
    Unverified.
    Expenditure:
    Reduced relative to an EL, reflecting non-production status.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mining Act 1971 (SA)

  • ML

    Mining Lease

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Unverified exact term — confirm against Mining Act s.28/s.44.
    Renewal:
    Unverified.
    Expenditure:
    Requires an approved PEPR before ground disturbance.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per hectare.

    source: Mining Act 1971 (SA)

Tas(4)
  • EL

    Exploration Licence

    Explorationarea: km2
    Term:
    5-year initial term, extendable at the Minister's discretion on shown grounds.
    Renewal:
    Extension application with supporting grounds.
    Expenditure:
    Minimum work/expenditure per licence category.
    Reporting:
    Annual exploration-licence return, lodged via Service Tasmania.
    Rent basis:
    Indexed annually by fee unit; a Special Exploration Licence carries its own schedule (e.g. lower rate for years 1-2, higher thereafter).

    source: Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 (TAS)

  • RL

    Retention Licence

    Explorationarea: km2
    Term:
    Unverified.
    Renewal:
    Unverified.
    Expenditure:
    Reduced relative to an EL.
    Reporting:
    Annual return.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, fee-unit indexed.

    source: Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 (TAS)

  • ML

    Mining Lease

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    May be issued for any Minister-determined period; renewable.
    Renewal:
    Renewal per the Act.
    Expenditure:
    s.181 Rehabilitation of Mining Lands Trust Fund contribution.
    Reporting:
    Annual return.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per hectare.

    source: Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 (TAS)

  • PL

    Production Licence

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Minister-determined period.
    Renewal:
    Renewable.
    Expenditure:
    Production conditions attach at grant.
    Reporting:
    Annual return.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 (TAS)

Vic(5)
  • EL

    Exploration Licence

    Explorationarea: hectares
    Term:
    Up to 5 years, renewable twice (up to 3 terms total).
    Renewal:
    Renewal application before expiry; no mining permitted under an EL.
    Expenditure:
    Per Resources Victoria's reporting and expenditure compliance guide.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per hectare.

    source: Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (VIC)

  • PL

    Prospecting Licence

    Explorationarea: hectares
    Term:
    Smaller-scale, non-exclusive.
    Renewal:
    Unverified.
    Expenditure:
    Minimal — small-scale prospecting.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (VIC)

  • RL

    Retention Licence

    Explorationarea: hectares
    Term:
    For an identified but not-yet-commercial resource.
    Renewal:
    Unverified.
    Expenditure:
    Reduced relative to an EL.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (VIC)

  • MIN

    Mining Licence

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Set at grant.
    Renewal:
    Requires planning approval and an approved work plan before grant.
    Expenditure:
    Rehabilitation bond required before work starts.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per hectare.

    source: Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (VIC)

  • WA

    Work Authority

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Set at grant.
    Renewal:
    Unverified.
    Expenditure:
    Rehabilitation bond (standard rate ~$4,000/ha for small/low-risk quarries).
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (VIC)

WA(7)
  • G

    General Purpose Lease

    Ancillaryarea: hectares
    Term:
    21 years, renewable.
    Renewal:
    As for Mining Lease.
    Expenditure:
    Tied to the mining operation it services; no separate expenditure test.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per hectare.

    source: Mining Act 1978 (WA)

  • L

    Miscellaneous Licence

    Ancillaryarea: hectares
    Term:
    Pre-6-Jul-1998 grants: 5 years, renewable in 5-year terms. Post-6-Jul-1998 grants: 21 years, renewable in 21-year terms.
    Renewal:
    Renewal application before expiry, accompanied by rent.
    Expenditure:
    No expenditure test; covers infrastructure (roads, pipelines, camps, bores).
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per hectare.

    source: Mining Act 1978 (WA)

  • E

    Exploration Licence

    Explorationarea: graticular_block (310 ha)
    Term:
    5 years.
    Renewal:
    Pre-10-Feb-2006 grants: two 2-year extensions then further 1-year renewals, with 50% compulsory partial surrender after years 3 and 4. Post-10-Feb-2006 grants: one 5-year extension then further 2-year renewals, with 40% compulsory surrender after year 6.
    Expenditure:
    Form 5 annually (Mining Regulations cl.22).
    Reporting:
    Annual Form 5 report within 60 days of the grant anniversary.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per block.

    source: Mining Act 1978 (WA)

  • P

    Prospecting Licence

    Explorationarea: hectares
    Term:
    4 years, extendable on grounds under the Mining Regulations.
    Renewal:
    Post-2006 licences renew under s45(1a); pre-2006 licences can also apply for extension following a 2013 amendment.
    Expenditure:
    Form 5 expenditure report required (Mining Act s51).
    Reporting:
    Annual Form 5 report due within 60 days of the grant anniversary.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, paid in advance.

    source: Mining Act 1978 (WA)

  • R

    Retention Licence

    Explorationarea: hectares
    Term:
    5 years, renewable in further 5-year terms.
    Renewal:
    Granted where a resource on an E or P isn't yet economic to work.
    Expenditure:
    Form 5 reporting applies as for E/P.
    Reporting:
    Annual Form 5 report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mining Act 1978 (WA)

  • SPL

    Special Prospecting Licence

    Explorationarea: hectares
    Term:
    Same term structure as an ordinary Prospecting Licence.
    Renewal:
    As for Prospecting Licence.
    Expenditure:
    As for Prospecting Licence — Form 5 applies.
    Reporting:
    As for Prospecting Licence.
    Rent basis:
    As for Prospecting Licence.

    source: Mining Act 1978 (WA)

  • M

    Mining Lease

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    21 years, renewable for further periods.
    Renewal:
    Renewal application in the final year of term, accompanied by rent.
    Expenditure:
    Mining proposal or JORC-style resource evidence required at application; ongoing minimum expenditure/production conditions attach to the lease.
    Reporting:
    Annual report; Mining Rehabilitation Fund levy contribution.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per hectare.

    source: Mining Act 1978 (WA)

NZ(3)
  • EP

    Exploration Permit

    Explorationarea: hectares
    Term:
    Set term with work-programme milestones.
    Renewal:
    Renewal tied to meeting the work programme.
    Expenditure:
    Minimum work programme commitment set at grant (Tier 1 minerals) or a simplified programme (Tier 2).
    Reporting:
    Annual report to NZP&M.
    Rent basis:
    Annual fee plus, for some minerals, a royalty on any production.

    source: Crown Minerals Act 1991 (NZ)

  • PP

    Prospecting Permit

    Explorationarea: hectares
    Term:
    Short initial term (early-stage, non-exclusive prospecting).
    Renewal:
    May progress to an Exploration Permit rather than simple renewal.
    Expenditure:
    Minimal — reconnaissance-level work programme.
    Reporting:
    Annual report to NZP&M.
    Rent basis:
    Annual fee.

    source: Crown Minerals Act 1991 (NZ)

  • MP

    Mining Permit

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Set term for production.
    Renewal:
    Renewable subject to conditions.
    Expenditure:
    Production conditions attach at grant.
    Reporting:
    Annual report to NZP&M.
    Rent basis:
    Annual fee plus royalty on production.

    source: Crown Minerals Act 1991 (NZ)

PNG(6)
  • LMP

    Lease for Mining Purposes

    Ancillaryarea: hectares
    Term:
    Tied to the term of the mining lease it services.
    Renewal:
    Renews with the underlying mining lease.
    Expenditure:
    N/A — ancillary infrastructure lease.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mining Act 1992 (PNG)

  • ME

    Mining Easement

    Ancillaryarea: hectares
    Term:
    Tied to the mining operation it services.
    Renewal:
    As for the underlying tenure.
    Expenditure:
    N/A.
    Reporting:
    As required.
    Rent basis:
    Nominal/annual.

    source: Mining Act 1992 (PNG)

  • EL

    Exploration Licence

    Explorationarea: graticular_block (2000 ha)
    Term:
    Initial term with renewal periods per the Mining Act.
    Renewal:
    Renewal application with a reduced-area condition, similar to the Australian model.
    Expenditure:
    Minimum expenditure commitment per licence.
    Reporting:
    Annual report to the MRA.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, per block.

    source: Mining Act 1992 (PNG)

  • AML

    Alluvial Mining Lease

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Set at grant.
    Renewal:
    Renewable.
    Expenditure:
    Small-scale alluvial production conditions.
    Reporting:
    Annual report.
    Rent basis:
    Annual.

    source: Mining Act 1992 (PNG)

  • ML

    Mining Lease

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Set at grant, typically a fixed term of years.
    Renewal:
    Renewable subject to conditions.
    Expenditure:
    Production/development conditions attach at grant.
    Reporting:
    Annual report to the MRA.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, plus royalty.

    source: Mining Act 1992 (PNG)

  • SML

    Special Mining Lease

    Productionarea: hectares
    Term:
    Large-scale project tenure, term set by the granting instrument (often a project-specific Act).
    Renewal:
    Project-specific.
    Expenditure:
    Major-project development conditions.
    Reporting:
    Annual report; typically heavier ministerial oversight than a standard ML.
    Rent basis:
    Annual, plus royalty and often a project-specific benefit-sharing arrangement.

    source: Mining Act 1992 (PNG)