Zero rent for exploration permits for minerals

From 1 September 2023, the Queensland Government is reducing the rent for new and existing exploration permits for minerals (EPMs) other than coal to $0 for 5 years.

This is designed to encourage further exploration for critical minerals, which are essential for making new products and technologies as the world transitions to a low-carbon future.

Learn more about the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy.

Zero rent period

Invoicing is based on the date an EPM is due to be paid. No rent will need to be paid for EPMs with granted or anniversary dates between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2028.

EPM applications

If you have pre-paid rent for an EPM that is granted on or after 1 September 2023, you will receive a refund.

If you have received an invoice but not yet paid, you do not need to pay. The invoice will be reversed.

Existing EPMs

Pro-rata refunds

If your EPM was granted before 1 September 2023, a pro-rata refund will not be given for rent already paid. However, you will be eligible to pay zero rent at each anniversary date during the 5-year period.

Rent in arrears

If you have rent in arrears for your existing EPM, all rent is still due and payable for permits with an anniversary date up to and including 31 August 2023. Overdue rent owing from previous years remains due and payable and must be paid.

Invoices during the zero rent period

Invoices will not be issued for rent payable during the zero rent period. However, reminder notices will still be issued in some cases, such as for rent in arrears.

Contact us

For more information or further questions about the rent reduction and eligibility, please contact the Mineral Assessment Hub on (07) 4447 9230 or email mineralhub@resources.qld.gov.au.

Also consider...

• Read the Mineral Resources Regulation 2013 for more information on rents.