Mining, exploration & petroleum
With more than 30 billion tonnes of identified resources of black coal, Queensland is the world's largest seaborne coal exporter. Read more
The A guide for exploration and mining investment in Queensland provides a brief overview of the process and investment support available to the mining and exploration industry in Queensland, Australia. Read more
Restricted Areas (RAs) are temporarily created over untenured land where interesting geophysical signatures have been identified in geophysical data acquired as part of the Smart Exploration program. These RAs are then repealed at a set time and applications for exploration permits are accepted. Read more
Exploration and Investment publications
Exploration and Investment produces a range of printed and digital publications and promotional material. These products provide information on mining and petroleum investment opportunities in Queensland and information to assist with the investment process. Read more
Land access and tenure processes
Mining and exploration tenures include exploration permits, mineral development licences, mining leases, authorities to prospect for petroleum, and petroleum leases. Read more
Minerals, gemstones and quarry materials
Queensland is rich in copper, lead, silver, zinc, bauxite, phosphate rock, magnesite and silica sand, and its gemfields attract thousands of fossickers annually. Read more
DME ensures that the mining and quarrying industries have acceptable health and safety standards. A board of examiners establishes standards of mining safety competency, sets exams and issues certificates of competency and licences. Read more
DME provides expert advice and industry liaison services for investment and project development in the petroleum and gas industries. A number of basins in the state are currently producing, or have the potential to produce, oil and gas. Read more
Geothermal energy is heat contained within the earth's crust that is derived from natural geological processes. Queensland has an abundance of untapped geothermal energy in the form of Hot Dry Rocks.
The department invites written submissions concerning topics raised in the discussion paper, Options for geothermal exploration and production tenures (PDF, 166 kB), by close of business on 4 May. Read more
The Mount Morgan mine rehabilitation project is one of several that DME manages under the statewide abandoned mine land program. Read more
Queensland's principal mine safety research facility, Simtars, conducts gas analysis and monitoring, risk assessment, hygiene and environmental consultancy, electrical testing and certification, and mine-related training. Read more
Last Updated 16 April 2009
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