Apply for an authority
There are three authorities potentially available for those seeking to explore or mine mineral resources, including coal, in New South Wales. Access guidance materials below to help you prepare and lodge your application for a title under the Mining Act 1992.
Apply for an exploration licence
If granted, holders are given exclusive rights to explore for specific minerals within a designated area
Apply for an assessment lease
If granted, holders can undertake further prospecting works and assessment of mining feasibility within a designated area
Apply for a mining lease
If granted, holders are given the right to mine for particular minerals within a designated area
To find out information petroleum and gas exploration matters, go to our page on Gas in NSW. For small-scale titles, go to our page on opal mining.
Manage an authority
Titleholders can lodge a range of applications to manage their authority at any stage of its lifecycle between grant and cancellation or relinquishment. Access guidance materials to help you prepare and lodge these applications under the Mining Act 1992.
Navigate the application process
Find out how your application is processed by the department, along with guidance to assist you navigate the application stage.
Supporting information
When applying to explore or mine, you must meet certain requirements when preparing and lodging your application.
Advertising requirements, guidelines and policies
Information affecting the administration of exploration and mining titles in NSW
Native title
Information about options for addressing native title in NSW
Describing and mapping an authority area
Information about how to describe land being explored and/or mined
Classification of land under the Mining Act 1992
Information about the ways land in NSW can be classified
Mining Act forms
Contains the approved fillable forms that may be used to lodge applications under the Mining Act 1992. These forms are an alternative to the department’s preferred lodgement method via TMS Portal
Mining Act fees
Application fees and ongoing administrative fees that are payable under Schedule 9 of the Mining Act 1992
General conditions for mining and exploration
The standard templates used when issuing instruments for exploration and mining titles in NSW, including the standard conditions imposed
Publicly accessible information
Find out further information about applications that have been lodged and existing authorities in NSW.
MinView
MinView is a web map application that provides free access to view, search and download geoscientific information
Mining Titles Register
Contains a public register of exploration and mining titles in NSW
DIGS
DIGS is a publicly accessible online collection of reports, publications and data
Conveyancing search
Outlines a service we provide to assist in identifying exploration and mining titles that may affect parcel/s of land
Contact us
For assistance, or more information about applications to explore or mine in NSW contact:
NSW Resources – Assessments and Systems
Phone: +61 2 4063 6600 (8.30am – 4.30pm)
Email: titles@dpird.nsw.gov.au