The Plan for Accelerating Exploration (PACE) Minerals - innovation, collaboration and capacity building to advance exploration activity in South Australia.
The South Australian government is investing $12.4 million over four years to co-fund mineral exploration and help fast-track the discoveries that will become tomorrow’s mines.
Building on the proven legacy of the original PACE program, this renewed initiative continues a model that has helped unlock some of South Australia’s most significant mineral discoveries. The program will continue to strengthen South Australia’s global reputation as a leading destination for exploration, supporting junior explorers and industry partners to take on early-stage risk and bring new projects forward.
A strong resources sector is an essential component of South Australia’s prosperity. Accounting for more than 35% of state exports, increased mining, mineral processing and supply chain activities are crucial to achieving South Australia’s economic growth objectives.
About the PACE Minerals initiative
PACE Minerals aims to make a major contribution to achieving South Australia’s economic growth objectives by providing government co-funding toward exploration activities. The funding will be available over four years for FY2027 to FY2030, with the first funding round commencing in FY2027 through an annual Request for Proposals (RFP) process.
The objectives of PACE Minerals are to accelerate mineral discovery, facilitate the application of innovative technology, increase greenfield exploration collaboration and activity, generate new geoscientific datasets, attract new investment to South Australia’s mineral resources sector, and improve understanding of groundwater resources that support future development.
Working alongside the Geological Survey of South Australia, the program will co-fund exploration activities including:
- drilling
- innovative exploration approaches – geophysics and geochemistry programs and regional geophysical or remote sensing programs
- data-driven geoscience and spatial analytics
- Aboriginal heritage clearances
- groundwater sampling and testing
- research collaboration.
By helping industry overcome challenges such as remoteness and deep mineral deposits, PACE Minerals is designed to unlock new opportunities and strengthen the pipeline of future projects.
Investment guidelines
The investment guidelines provide information about the program, including details about the proposal structure and guidance on how to apply.
Industry briefing
Online event: Thursday 30 July from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Register to reserve your place to learn about the program, application process and eligibility requirements. A link to the webinar will be emailed to you prior to the briefing.
How to apply for grant funding
Submissions for the 2026-27 PACE Minerals funding are now open. Applications must be completed via an online request for proposals (RFP) form which will be available shortly on this website.
Key dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 9 July 2026 | Call for proposals |
| 11 September 2026, 11:59 ACST | Closing date for proposals |
| August – September 2026 | Proposal assessments |
| October 2026 | Announcement of successful proposals |
| November – December 2026 | Draft and execute grant funding agreements |
| FY2028 – FY2030 | Later PACE rounds expected to follow a similar annual timeframe |
Note: these dates are indicative and may be subject to change.
Join our mailing list
Stay up to date with future funding rounds, program updates and exploration opportunities by signing up for updates.
Contact us
For further information and proposal submissions, contact the Department for Energy and Mining, via email at DEM.PACEMinerals@sa.gov.au
