About ERAs

Under the Mining Act 1971 (1 January 2021 version) an expired, fully surrendered or cancelled mineral exploration licence area becomes relinquished ground and will be released to industry as an 'exploration release area (ERA)'.

In accordance with Section 28(6) of the Mining Act 1971 the areas shown in the tables below have been released as ERAs.

A map of South Australia showing the exploration release areas is available via the South Australian Resources Information Gateway (SARIG).

• Map showing exploration release areas

Submitting applications

Applications may be submitted during the application period by completing and lodging the online form.

The ERA application wizard allows users to apply and lodge an ERA application via SARIG.

• ERA online application

Application fees

An ERA application must be accompanied by the statutory EL application fee.

The fee schedule, a fee calculator and FAQs are available from:

• Forms, legislation and guidance.

More information

More information about ERAs and the application process is available in the exploration licences guideline MG33:

• MG33: Exploration licences guideline (PDF 426 KB)

Use the department’s new Mineral Exploration Code of Conduct to support your application and demonstrate good engagement practice.

• Mineral Exploration Code of Conduct (PDF, 552.3 KB)

A list of ERAs including former tenement holder and status of the ERA is available for download:

• Information sheet M53: Mineral exploration release areas (ERAs) (PDF, updated daily)

Current exploration release areas

There are currently no exploration release areas available for application.