Competitive tendering for exploration
Queensland's mineral and energy resources are managed by the Queensland Government on behalf of all Queenslanders.
Before you can explore for or produce resources in Queensland, you must obtain the appropriate resource authority.
You can do this by applying through the competitive tendering process or in some cases by making a direct application.
For details of how to apply and terms and conditions, read our guides on:
- mineral and coal authorities
- petroleum and gas authorities
- geothermal authorities
- greenhouse gas storage authorities.
Competitive tendering process
Competitive tendering applies to petroleum and gas, greenhouse gas storage, coal and, where appropriate, mineral exploration.
Note: Most applications for mineral authorities are direct applications.
Competitive tendering ensures Queensland's resources are responsibly managed by allocating exploration rights to companies that have the greatest exploration and development capacity for these resources. It also provides a fair and transparent process for awarding a preferred tenderer.
A rigorous process is in place to assess tender applications and select a preferred tenderer. The process and criteria are outlined in each call for tender document and typically include consideration of the applicants' proposed work program, financial and technical capabilities and their strategy for engaging with the community.
Note: Preferred tenderers will need to meet environmental and other approval requirements (e.g. native title) before the resource authority is granted.
Tender processing times
You can access current information on application processing times and other performance measures on the georesources tenure performance dashboard.
The exploration tender data shows the time taken to move through the first stage of the process, from the date tenders are opened to the award of tender areas to a preferred tenderer.
Exploration opportunities
View our current tenders for details of current exploration opportunities and the Queensland exploration program for details of land releases for the next financial year.
Current tender outcomes
Petroleum and gas tenders awarded for PLR2023-1
- PLR2023-1-1, 70 km south-east of Emerald (two areas, 66 km2)
Comet Ridge Mahalo Far East Pty Ltd - PLR2023-1-2, 18 km south of Rolleston (465 km2)
Denison Gas (Queensland) Pty Ltd - PLR2023-1-3, 65 km south-east of Moura (2024 km2)
Tri Star Stonecroft Pty Ltd - PLR2023-1-4, 50 km north-west of Injune (238 km2)
Denison Gas (Queensland) Pty Ltd - PLR2023-1-5*, 10 km north-west of Injune (480 km2)
Denison Gas (Queensland) Pty Ltd - PLR2023-1-7, 110 km north-east of St George (three areas, 526km2)
Elixir Energy Ltd
*Area subject to Australian market supply conditions
A preferred tenderer has not been appointed for tender area PLR2023-1-6.
Coal tenders awarded for (CLR2023-1)
- CLR2023-1-1, 15 km east of Glenden (22km2)
Hail Creek Holdings Pty Ltd - CLR2023-1-2, 20 km north-west and south-west of Rolleston (82km2)
Rolleston Coal Holdings Pty Ltd
Previous tender outcomes
View the outcomes from previous tender processes (XLSX, 28KB).
Previous call for tender documents
View previous tender documents below:
Minerals
Petroleum and gas
- PLR2021-1 Tender details and process document (PDF, 1.2MB)
- PLR2020-2 Tender details and process document (PDF, 1.6MB)
- PLR2020-1 Tender details and process document (PDF, 1.8MB)
- PLR2019-2 Tender details and process document (PDF, 3.9MB)
- PLR2019-1 Tender details and process document (PDF, 3.3MB)
- PLR2018-1B Tender details and process document (PDF, 2.7MB)
- PLR2018-1A Tender details and process document (PDF, 3.1MB)
Greenhouse gas storage
Coal
- CLR2020-1 Tender details and process document (PDF, 1.6MB)
- CLR2019-1 Tender details and process document (PDF, 4.5MB)
- CLR2018-1 Tender details and process document (PDF, 4.5MB)
The call for tender documents prior to those listed above are available on request.
Expressions of interest for exploration
You can request that an area be considered for release by a competitive tender process by making an expression of interest submission.
Contact us
- Email resources-tenders@resources.qld.gov.au or phone +61 7 3199 7334 for help and information about exploration opportunities.
- Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up to date on competitive tendering, including the exploration programs and upcoming tenders.
Also consider...
- Find out about the Queensland exploration program.
- View current tenders for exploration.
- Request that an area be considered for the next exploration program.