Special Prospecting License (WA)

Hello all.

Has anyone on the forum had experience in obtaining a Special Prospecting License (SPL) over an Exploration License (EL) in Western Australia.

I seem to recall that there was a topic on the subject, but I can't find it now. There is one question on an SPL on a Prospecting Lease, but that is not the post that I remember.

Anyway I have read through all the extensive information provided on the DMIRS website, but I am interested in information from members who have had practical experience in this issue. For example:

1. is the process reasonably straightforward,

2. how can the process be delayed or torpedoed by the EL holder making an objection,

3. is the initial Application Fee lost if an objection is sustained,

4. are there potential and possibly costly environmental issues,

5. What other pitfalls might await the novice applicant.

Thanks for any replies.

Cheers,

Col

Col Douglas wrote:Hello all.

Has anyone on the forum had experience in obtaining a Special Prospecting License (SPL) over an Exploration License (EL) in Western Australia.

I seem to recall that there was a topic on the subject, but I can't find it now. There is one question on an SPL on a Prospecting Lease, but that is not the post that I remember.

Anyway I have read through all the extensive information provided on the DMIRS website, but I am interested in information from members who have had practical  experience in this issue. For example:

1. is the process reasonably straightforward,

2. how can the process be delayed or torpedoed by the EL holder making an objection,

3. is the initial Application Fee lost if an objection is sustained,

4. are there potential and possibly costly environmental issues,

5. What other pitfalls might await the novice applicant.

Thanks for any replies.

Cheers,

Col

G'day Col

We have several SPL's in WA, "is the process reasonably straightforward" yes, a couple of things to look out for are, the E (exploration lease) must have been live for at least 12 months, then pegout correctly, pegs at minimum 1 metre above ground and trenches clearly defined, any old pegs must not be removed and you must use your own pegs, correct coordinates etc. We take before and after photos of each peg and with a tape measure showing the height of the peg.

"how can the process be delayed or torpedoed by the EL holder making an objection" yes this can happen, by either Native title, you can check for this first before even going ahead. ANd yes the EL holder can object, then you either negotiate, or it will go through the Wardens Court to sort out. The inital application fee is lost if you fail to win. Application fee is about $325 from memory plus first years rent of $26 so the cost is not that great.

"are there potential and possibly costly environmental issues" only if you do the wrong thing and mess the place up, after your SPL goes live, you need a POW (program of works) t be able to use machinery, like tractor/dozer or dry blower etc, the POW is free of get but you need to do the paper work.

"What other pitfalls might await the novice applicant" detect it well before pegging and putting in the application because once you have it goes into a pending status which means anyone that has a 40e for the EL can detect on your pegged area and there is bugger all you can do about it until its gone live.

Also keep the SPL to just under the 10ha maximum size, like 9.8ha for eg, this way there is no council rates, otherwise you will be paying the minimum of $350 or so to the council as well as your $26 rent to the DMP per year.

cheers dave

your second question is the main one. Most tenement holders will object as a matter of course. If you have any specific questions you are welcome to PM me.

Thanks Dave for that detailed and comprehensive reply, I very much appreciate it. Thanks also Tony for your offer to answer any questions.

I will bite the bullet and have a go.

Cheers,

Col

My advice is to do your homework before you have a go...research the tenement...research the company and it's finances...work out what your chances are before you peg....also...have you contacted the tenement holder to see if they will do a tribute deal??