$2.5 million in grants up for grabs

Explorers are urged to apply for a share in $2.5 million in State Government grants to give them a leg up.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the grants were available under the government’s Smart Mining – Future Prosperity program.

Mr Wilson said investing in exploration was an investment in the future.

"The resources boom has been a magnet for jobs and job security, particularly in the regions,” Mr Wilson said.

“By investing in mineral exploration we're investing in regional communities and their continued economic prosperity. We're investing in their future."

“Over the past two years the Bligh Government has granted almost $4.7 million to around 60 exploration projects throughout Queensland.

“This cooperation between industry and government encourages frontier and innovative exploration, an essential component to discovering future deposits.”

Three types of grants are available:

·Collaborative Drilling grants that fast track drill testing of geological targets in under-explored parts of Queensland,

·Industry Network grants for junior mineral exploration companies to access industry think-tanks and other specialist services, and

·Cluster Formation grants that allow explorers to share drilling and geophysical resources.

Explorers can access grants to recover up to half the actual costs of their proposal, up to $150,000 for each Collaborative Drilling proposal, $40,000 for each Industry Network proposal and $50,000 for Cluster Formation proposals.

Applications for Collaborative Drilling close on 5 December, 2008 while those for Industry Network and Cluster Formation close on 13 March, 2009.

Further details are available at www.dme.qld.gov.au

Media inquiries: Minister’s office 3224 7332.