The Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive allows eligible companies to access tax incentives to attract new investors
Pitt pointed out that the Australian resource sector directly employs 260,000 people and that it can provide the world with secure supply chains and manufacturing opportunities for rare earths and critical minerals that are vital in the production process of tech, clean energy and medical applications.
The Minister also said that, to date, the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive has supported 85 junior exploration companies, with over half of these companies headquartered in Western Australia.
The figures that Pitt mentioned were complemented by Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, who issued a statement welcoming the new funding and pointing out that mining generates A$270 billion in export revenue, directly and indirectly supports 1.1 million jobs and contributes A$39 billion in royalties and taxes to both federal and state governments.
“Ongoing government support to attract greater investment in early-stage greenfield exploration programs is vital to the industry’s future success,” Constable said. “The Junior Mineral Exploration Incentive along with the government’s recent commitment to continue funding Geoscience Australia’s highly successful Exploring for the Future Program are key steps to ensuring Australia not only improves its exploration performance but remains competitive as an investment destination.”
