Collaborative exploration initiative

The Collaborative Exploration Initiative (CEI) aims to encourage the discovery and development of Queensland's critical mineral deposits to help meet the growing demands of the world's technology and renewable energy sectors.

Funding is currently provided under the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan (QRIDP), with $17.5 million available until June 2027 to support Queensland’s exploration companies to discover the future mines to produce the minerals and metals that the world needs.

Up to $300,000 per program will be available for Round 8 of the Collaborative Exploration Initiative, for activities that:

• are technically sound and innovative
• address vital geoscience knowledge gaps
• contribute to the discovery of critical minerals in Queensland.

At the conclusion of activities, and following a six-month confidentiality clause, the geoscientific data from all successful programs within each round is made publicly available online. The sharing of this information helps stimulate further discovery and secure future resources for the benefit of the state.

View the results and discoveries of previous exploration grants.