Mineral exploration drilling and geophysical survey activity in the Northern Territory supported by NT Government funding

Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations Program (GDC) – Round 19

  • Total funding available: Up to $4 million (Round 19)
  • Funding coverage: Up to 50% of eligible direct project costs
  • Maximum funding varies by project category, including drilling, geophysics, innovative targeting and mineral characterisation
  • Territory Supplier Incentive: Up to $15,000 additional funding where eligible NT enterprises are engaged
  • Project timing: Fieldwork to be completed between June and December 2026
  • Applications close: April 22, 2026

The Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations Program supports mineral exploration projects that improve geoscientific knowledge and advance resource discovery in the Northern Territory. The program provides co‑funding for drilling, geophysics and related exploration activities to de‑risk underexplored areas and support future resource development.

Key Requirements

  • Projects must be located on eligible tenure in the Northern Territory
  • Applicants must be the Tenement Holder or Operator, or a demonstrably related party
  • Funding supports early‑stage and pre‑competitive exploration activities
  • Grant funding covers up to 50% of eligible direct project costs, capped by project category
  • Projects must be capable of completing fieldwork within the 2026 field season
  • A cash co‑contribution is mandatory. In‑kind contributions are not eligible
  • Funding is provided under a Funding Agreement, with payments linked to completion of fieldwork and delivery of final data and reports

What is eligible for funding?

Eligible project types include:

  • Greenfields drilling programs
  • Brownfields diamond drilling testing new concepts
  • Regional‑scale geophysical surveys
  • Innovative targeting using new techniques or reprocessing of data
  • Mineral characterisation and early‑stage metallurgical testwork

Eligible costs may include:

  • Drilling and geophysical acquisition costs
  • Downhole logging and surveys
  • Eligible geological and geochemical analyses
  • Mobilisation and demobilisation within capped limits

Funding is not generally available for:

  • Retrospective projects
  • Resource definition or production drilling
  • In‑kind contributions
  • Project management, administration or corporate overheads
  • Ongoing operational costs

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants must:

  • Hold an ABN and be registered for GST
  • Be a Tenement Holder or Operator in the Northern Territory, or a demonstrably related party
  • Hold all required regulatory approvals for the proposed activities
  • Demonstrate financial and technical capacity to deliver the project
  • Hold public liability insurance of at least $20 million

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed against other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.