Chart A | 12 month outlook for exploration expenditure Exploration spending and activity outlook over the next 12 months
Exploration spending and activity outlook over the next 12 months
Exploration spending and activity outlook over the next 12 months
40%
40%
35%
35%
30%
30%
25%
25%
20%
20%
15%
15%
10%
10%
5%
5%
0%
0%
Some decrease (10 - 25%) al decrease (>25%)
Some decrease (10 - 25%) Substantial decrease (>25%) Much the same level
Much the same level Some decrease (10 - 25%) Substantial decrease (>25%)
Substantial increase (> 25%) Some increase (10 to 25%)
Substantial increase (> 25%) Some increase (10 to 25%) Much the same level
Substantial i Some increase (10 to 25%)
2025 Scorecard
2024 Scorecard
2025 Scorecard
2024 Scorecard
2025 Scorecard
2024 Scorecard
Queensland remains well-positioned geologically, but the data in this Scorecard show the increasingly competitive environment for investment attraction in exploration and that the royalty, policy and regulatory environment all influence how Queensland is perceived by investors. The decline in greenfield exploration is particularly concerning because without reinvestment in early-stage discovery, future development opportunities will narrow, and with it, the longer term future of the resources sector. At the same time, a more positive sentiment is emerging across several indicators and demand for critical minerals and secure gas supply is increasing, offering Queensland clear opportunities. Whether these can be realised will depend on maintaining momentum in geoscience, extending successful grant programs, and ensuring approvals and fiscal settings support rather than deter capital deployment.
The sector in 2025 is therefore best described as active but cautious. It retains the ingredients for long-term success, but converting this into new discoveries requires confidence that the policy and regulatory environment facilitates exploration, accelerated resource development and ongoing sustained collaboration between industry and government.
Euan Morton Chair QEC Exploration Scorecard Working Group
EXPLORATION SCORECARD 2025
5
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