Changes to resource authority exploration permit conditions
If you hold a current exploration resource authority and need to vary conditions relating to sub-block reductions or work programs, there are only 2 circumstances where this can be considered:
- an exceptional event affecting the existing permit
- circumstances arising from the existing permit forming part of a project.
An exceptional event affecting the existing permit
To determine whether your circumstance is an exceptional event, refer to the Operational policy – Exceptional circumstances and exceptional events.
If your circumstance meets the criteria, follow the variation lodgement process. Use the application to vary the conditions of an exploration permit due to exceptional event form and apply directly through MyMinesOnline.
Circumstances arising from the existing permit forming part of a project
If you hold a current exploration resource authority that is within an approved exploration project, you can apply to vary your permit conditions where circumstances arise as a result of the exploration project. This allows you to offset conditions against other tenures within the project.
The Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development allows for project-based administration of exploration permits through the Operational policy – Project-based exploration administration. Exploration permits awarded through a competing process cannot be part of a project in the first term.
Prior to lodging a variation, you must receive approval for project status.
Variations to conditions are forward focused and can only be applied to current resource authorities, existing sub-blocks, and future work program timeframes. Retrospective applications will not be accepted.
Where a condition has not been met and a variation cannot be lodged, a holder can provide justification for not meeting the condition at the time of renewal and the department will assess whether the justification was merited.
The Exploration permit for project status workbook is a useful tool for managing multiple exploration permits in a project and tracking variations between permits as a result of the exploration project.
Applying for a variation of a permit
To lodge a variation of conditions application, use the vary the conditions form and apply directly through MyMinesOnline.
Variations related to an exploration project should include an updated Exploration permit for project status workbook.