About ERAs
Under the Mining Act 1971 (1 January 2021 version) an expired, fully surrendered or cancelled mineral exploration licence area becomes relinquished ground and will be released to industry as an 'exploration release area (ERA)'.
In accordance with Section 28(6) of the Mining Act 1971 the areas shown in the tables below have been released as ERAs.
A map of South Australia showing the exploration release areas is available via the South Australian Resources Information Gateway (SARIG).
Submitting applications
Applications may be submitted during the application period by completing and lodging the online form.
The ERA application wizard allows users to apply and lodge an ERA application via SARIG.
Application fees
An ERA application must be accompanied by the statutory EL application fee.
The fee schedule, a fee calculator and FAQs are available from:
More information
More information about ERAs and the application process is available in the exploration licences guideline MG33:
Use the department’s new Mineral Exploration Code of Conduct to support your application and demonstrate good engagement practice.
A list of ERAs including former tenement holder and status of the ERA is available for download:
Current exploration release areas
Application open dates 8 July 2024 to 19 July 2024
ERA Number and map | Locality | Area km² | Open for application dates | Location specific aspect/ERA specific criteria |
---|---|---|---|---|
ERA 1291 | Tickera area approximately 15km north of Kadina | 113 | 8/07/2024 to 19/07/2024 | Nil |
ERA 1292 | Port Broughton area approximately 40km northeast of Kadina | 27 | 8/07/2024 to 19/07/2024 | Nil |
ERA 1293 | Yorketown area approximately 15km southwest of Minlaton | 51 | 8/07/2024 to 19/07/2024 | Nil |
ERA 1294 | Lake Torrens area approximately 50km north of Port Augusta | 817 | 8/07/2024 to 19/07/2024 | Lake Torrens National Park, Lake Torrens Aboriginal Heritage Site |
ERA 1295 | Pernatty area approximately 75km east-southeast of Woomera | 322 | 8/07/2024 to 19/07/2024 | Nil |
ERA 1296 | Pernatty area approximately 55km east-southeast of Woomera | 44 | 8/07/2024 to 19/07/2024 | Nil |
ERA 1297 | South Gap area approximately 90km northwest of Port Augusta | 26 | 8/07/2024 to 19/07/2024 | Nil |