WA Mining Licences Face Forfeiture Over Non-Compliance

WA Mining Licences Face Forfeiture Over Non-Compliance

Two prospecting licences in Western Australia are on the brink of forfeiture, signalling a tougher stance from the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration on tenement compliance.

What happened

The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration has initiated forfeiture proceedings against two prospecting licences. Prospecting Licence P 51/3274, held by Greenrock Metals Pty Ltd, is facing forfeiture due to non-compliance with expenditure conditions. Separately, Prospecting Licence P 51/3086, held by David Kenneth Hodder, is subject to forfeiture proceedings for late rent payments. A hearing for the latter is scheduled for August 4, 2026.

What this means for you

Mining exploration companies and tenement holders in WA must take note. This action by the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to expenditure commitments and meeting rental payment deadlines. Failure to do so can result in the loss of valuable exploration rights, as demonstrated by these two cases. Legal advisors to tenement holders should review their clients' compliance status to mitigate similar risks.

What this means for WA

These forfeiture applications underscore a pattern of increased regulatory oversight in Western Australia's resource sector. The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration is actively enforcing the conditions attached to exploration licences. This approach signals a commitment to ensuring that licence holders actively pursue exploration activities and fulfil their financial obligations, thereby maintaining the integrity and productivity of the state's mineral and petroleum estate. This aligns with broader government efforts to manage resource development effectively, as seen in past actions like those impacting Ricochet Resources and others for unpaid rent.

The numbers

The spotlight falls on two specific licences: Prospecting Licence P 51/3274 and Prospecting Licence P 51/3086. The reasons for their potential forfeiture are clear: P 51/3274 failed to meet its expenditure conditions, while P 51/3086 incurred late rent payments. These actions highlight the direct consequences of non-compliance, which can lead to the loss of exploration rights. For tenement holders, this means a heightened need for diligent record-keeping and timely payments to avoid such outcomes. You can review the specific gazette notices detailing these applications for forfeiture here: Application for Forfeiture of Prospecting Licence P 51/3274 and Application for Forfeiture of Prospecting Licence P 51/3086.

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