business.gov.au

Special Prospecting Authority for Exploration - Australian Government

Description

You will require this authority if you intend to explore an area not covered by any other petroleum or greenhouse gas title. This authority gives you non-exclusive rights and does not allow the drilling of wells.

It may be granted over a block so long as none of the following is in force over the block:

  • an exploration permit
  • a retention lease
  • a production licence
  • a greenhouse gas assessment permit
  • a greenhouse gas holding lease
  • a greenhouse gas injection licence.

Please visit the agency website for further information.

Service type

Licence

A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.

Eligibility requirements

For more information, please see the attached NOPTA Forms Guidance - Petroleum.

Prerequisites

Might Need

Petroleum Access Authority

Duration

Up to 6 months

Fees

Fees Details for this service in table format.

Task Type Business Structure Description
Apply Application All

Current fees and levies can be found here. Fees for 2026-27

Other resources

Task Business Structure Resources
Apply All Petroleum Authorities - Forms Guidance - DOCX (Opens in new window)

Act(s) name

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 Australian Government

Regulation(s) name

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2025 Australian Government

Administering agency

National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator

Contact details

Contact Email, Phone and Address Details for this service in simple two column table format, header then data.