There’s been an explosion of exploration activity across the Northern Territory

As of Feb, 30 companies have taken up 140,000 sqkm of new tenements in the NT
The Exploring for the Future program allows explorers to make informed decisions
Data publicly available on Geoscience Australia’s online portal

The Northern Territory is being explored more than ever before thanks to Geoscience Australia’s $225 million Exploring for the Future program.

The program gathers and analyses geological and geophysical data and makes the results publicly available via the Data Discovery Portal – supporting regional development and informed decision making across government, industry and communities.

And as of February, around 30 companies have taken up 140,000 square kilometres of new tenements for exploration across the NT as a result of the data coming out of the program.

“Exploring for the Future, in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, MinEx CRC and university researchers has put the ‘Top End’ under the microscope like never before through a range of geophysical, geochemical and stratigraphic drilling surveys and analyses, giving Australians the inside scoop on what resources may be found below the Earth’s surface,” Geoscience Australia Minerals, Energy and Groundwater Division chief Dr Andrew Heap said.

“This significant new tenement uptake is proof that when you provide Australians with meaningful data and knowledge you empower them to make informed investment and exploration decisions.”

Map of tenement uptake in the NT. Geoscience Australia.

Unlocking the potential of the resource rich area

Dr Heap said that recently an Aussie resource company announced they will be targeting battery metals in the Carrara Range, South Nicholson region, after the team at Geoscience Australia identified a manganese mineral occurrence within the area.

“It is great to see so much exploration interest in the Northern Territory, with companies exploring for copper, cobalt, gold, zinc, lead, silver, manganese, potash, rare-earth elements and natural gas,” he said.

“Companies looking at these promising tenements range from small, medium to large – both ASX listed and private – and for some it is their first time exploring in the Northern Territory.

“As we unlock the potential of this resource rich area, we could be seeing the establishment of a new mineral province in Australia between Tennant Creek and Mt Isa which will provide ongoing industry growth and jobs for local communities and the nation.”