You will need this licence if you intend to conduct mineral exploration and / or production activities in NSW's offshore area. A mining licence is designed to cover the commercial mining phase of a project and authorises the exploration for and full recovery of minerals from the licence area.
A mining licence authorises you to recover minerals from an area specified in the licence (the licence area). Licence areas are based on a graticular boundary (or block) system. You may apply for a licence over a standard block that is vacant. Your application may cover up to 20 blocks. If you hold an exploration or retention licence you may apply for a mining licence over all or some of the blocks in the licence area of your exploration or retention licence.
NSW's offshore area extends to three nautical miles from the coastal baseline. If you intend to undertake exploration activities outside this area, you will need to apply for a licence under the Australian Government legislation.
