The federal Coalition has pledged to turbocharge the resources sector if elected by reinstating the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive (JMEI), with $100 million capped over four years.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has been calling on both major parties to support the continuation of the incentive after JMEI funding was omitted from the 2025-26 Federal Budget.
It said the program had cost taxpayers $182.2 million in credits and driven $404 million in greenfield mineral exploration activity in the past eight years.
“If Australia is going to meet the rising demand for minerals to power a low-carbon future, we need programs like JMEI to incentivise greater exploration,” AMEC chief executive officer Warren Pearce said.
“The JMEI drives exploration and it makes great economic sense for both the Opposition and Federal Government to back it in.”
Queensland Senator Susan McDonald said the Coalition was committed to unlocking the next wave of mining projects, and that is why it was backing Australia’s resources exploration companies after Labor abandoned them.
“Only a Coalition Government will deliver the certainty, security, and investment that our resources sector needs, to strengthen our economy and get Australia back on track,” she said.
The Coalition has also unveiled a $600 million Ag & Mining Roads program to support the mining, resources and farming sectors.
This would see a Dutton government invest in infrastructure to upgrade agricultural and mining roads critical to getting product to domestic and export markets.