Apply for an exploration permit
Find out what an exploration permit is and how to apply for one.
New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) issue permits for minerals exploration.
Minerals exploration involves a detailed search for, and assessment of, mineral resources, including data gathering over small, specific areas to test if a mineral resource is commercially viable. Permitted activities may include literature reviews, drilling, bulk sampling, and mine feasibility studies.
It is not always necessary to have a prospecting permit before applying for an exploration permit.
There are several ways of obtaining an exploration permit, which could include:
- through an acceptable work programme offer (AWPO) application made over available land
- through a subsequent permit application following a prospecting permit, or
- as part of a competitive process for newly available acreage (NAA) over a specified area of land.
Area and duration
Ordinarily, an exploration permit will be for one unbroken area of more than 150 hectares.
The duration of an exploration permit will ordinarily be considered for no longer than 5 years. Exploration permits may be extended up to 10 years from commencement, for either half of the current area or 150 hectares, whichever is greater. Appraisal extensions are possible for up to 4 years, with a potential second 4-year extension.
Fees
Application fee
You need to pay the full amount when you submit your application
| Permit type | Amount (including GST) |
|---|---|
| Exploration permit | $3,450 |
Annual fee
The annual fee is paid in advance each year and is payable from the grant date of your application.
| Permit type | Amount (including GST) |
|---|---|
| Onshore exploration permit | $358 per square kilometre or part of a square kilometre, or $1,610.00, whichever is greater. |
| Offshore exploration permit | $10.73 per square kilometre or part of a square kilometre, or $1,610.00, whichever is greater. |
Obligations
When you apply for an exploration permit, you are required to propose a minimum work programme. Your minimum work programme specifies the exploration activities that you will carry out under the permit. Once the permit is granted, you are required to meet the minimum work programme obligations.
There are also annual reporting and fee-paying obligations that you will need to meet.
Failure to comply with your obligations could result in your permit being revoked.
Find out more about how to comply with your minerals prospecting permit.
Permit Tier
NZP&M has a two-tiered permit management system:
- Tier 1 permits are complex, higher risk and return operations, and require more hands-on proactive management and regulation.
- Tier 2 permits are lower return industrial, small business, and hobby mineral operations, requiring a simpler, more pragmatic management regime.
Most minerals exploration permits, except those specified below, are classified as Tier 2.
Exploration permits for gold, silver, coal, ironsand, metallic minerals, or platinum group metals, will be classified as Tier 1 if the estimated cumulative work programme expenditure for the upcoming 5 years is greater than $1.25 million.
How to apply
Fill out your application form online or email it to us
Apply online using the online permitting system. You will need a RealMe login to use the system. You can save your application as you go and come back to it at any time.
Or complete a new permit application form and email it into us at nzpam@mbie.govt.nz
Permit application form [PDF 353KB]
Complete the supporting information template and compile any supporting documents
You need to provide supporting information with your permit application. Your application may be delayed or rejected if you don’t provide all the information needed to support your application.
We have created a supporting information template to help you apply for a Tier 2 exploration permit. The notes under each heading give guidance, tips and reminders of what you need to provide.
Tier 2 exploration permit supporting information template [DOCX 797KB]
Attach this template to your online application or email it to us alongside your application form.
We are in the process of creating a supporting information template to help you apply for a Tier 1 exploration permit.
In the meantime, refer to the following documents when gathering supporting information for your application:
Minerals Application Guide [XLSX 25KB]
Chapter 9 of the Minerals Programme for Minerals (Excluding Petroleum) 2013 [PDF 2.6MB]