Apply for Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations Program (Australia)

Deadline: 22-Apr-2026

The Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations Program provides funding to support mineral exploration and geoscientific research in the Northern Territory. With up to $4 million available for Round 19, the program targets greenfields and brownfields drilling, geophysical surveys, and innovative exploration techniques to advance resource discovery and geological understanding.

About the Program

The Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations Program supports explorers and geoscientists to undertake high-impact mineral exploration activities. The initiative focuses on advancing resource discovery, geoscientific knowledge, and metallurgical understanding in the Northern Territory through targeted funding.

Key Focus Areas

The program funds projects that include:

• Greenfields drilling programs for unexplored areas

• Brownfields diamond drilling to test new exploration concepts

• Regional-scale geophysical surveys and innovative targeting methods

• Data reprocessing to identify new exploration opportunities

• Mineral characterisation and early-stage metallurgical testwork

Eligible Costs

Funding may cover:

• Drilling and geophysical acquisition

• Downhole logging and surveys

• Geological and geochemical analyses

• Mobilisation and demobilisation costs (within capped limits)

Funding Details

• Total funding for Round 19: Up to $4 million

• Fieldwork must be conducted between June and December 2026

• Retrospective projects, resource definition or production drilling, in-kind contributions, project management, administrative costs, and ongoing operational expenses are not eligible

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be:

• Explorers, mining companies, or geoscientists conducting mineral exploration in the Northern Territory

• Capable of delivering high-impact, innovative exploration projects

• Compliant with fieldwork scheduling and reporting requirements

How the Program Supports Resource Discovery

The program enables participants to:

• Advance exploration techniques using new geophysical and drilling methods

• Enhance geological understanding of the Northern Territory

• Identify and characterise new mineral resources

• Contribute to long-term sustainable resource development

How to Apply

1. Develop a project proposal aligned with program focus areas

2. Outline eligible costs and resource requirements within capped limits

3. Schedule fieldwork for completion between June and December 2026

4. Submit the application through the official Northern Territory government portal

5. Ensure the project meets eligibility criteria and does not include non-eligible costs

Why the Program Matters

This initiative strengthens Northern Territory’s geoscientific capacity, encourages innovative exploration techniques, and supports high-impact mineral discovery projects. By providing targeted funding, it helps explorers and geoscientists expand knowledge of the region’s mineral potential while fostering sustainable resource development.

FAQs

1. Who can apply? Mineral explorers, geoscientists, and companies conducting exploration in the Northern Territory.

2. What funding is available? Up to $4 million for Round 19.

3. Which activities are eligible? Greenfields and brownfields drilling, geophysical surveys, data reprocessing, mineral characterisation, and early-stage metallurgical testwork.

4. Are retrospective projects funded? No, the program does not fund past activities.

5. When must fieldwork be completed? Between June and December 2026.

6. What costs are ineligible? Project management, administrative costs, ongoing operations, in-kind contributions, and resource definition or production drilling.

7. What is the program’s main goal? To advance resource discovery and improve geoscientific understanding in the Northern Territory.

Conclusion

The Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations Program offers a strategic opportunity for explorers and geoscientists to undertake innovative, high-impact mineral exploration in the Northern Territory. By funding drilling, geophysical surveys, and early-stage metallurgical work, the program strengthens regional geological knowledge and supports the discovery of new mineral resources.

For more information, visit Avant Group.