Mineral exploration activity in the Northern Territory remains strong, especially for gold and copper.
Mineral exploration expenditure in the Northern Territory (NT) for 2021-22 was $171.5 million, up 34% from the previous year and at the highest levels since 2011/12. The June 2022 quarter saw the highest quarterly exploration expenditure recorded in the Territory since 2011 with $51 million. The past 12 months has seen a a significant increase in exploration in greenfields areas and for commodities such as lithium and rare earths.
Mineral exploration expenditure in 2021-22: $171.5 million
Proportion of exploration in greenfields areas: 37%
Granted exploration licences (1 January 2022): 925
