A Retention Licence is a ‘holding’ title for a mineral resource that has been identified but is not able to be further explored or mined.
It can be applied for over an exploration licence or prospecting licence applied for prior to 10 February 2006 (after this date “retention status” must be applied for) or any mining lease (primary tenements)
It may be granted in respect of the whole or any part of land within the boundaries of a primary tenement/s and has no maximum area.
The term of the licence cannot exceed five years and is renewable for further periods not exceeding five years.
Marking out of the land is not required unless stipulated by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum Regulation 23B(2).
For more information download the document Marking out and applying for a mining tenement.
