Notice of an Application
Exploration Licence EL008852
On 24 October 2025, Saudi Australian Exploration Pty Ltd ( Lucrum ) lodged
an Exploration Licence Application for an area in far
western Victoria, approximately 9 km from the boarder with South Australia, as
indicated on the map below.
The application for Exploration Licence No 008852
( EL008852 ) (with acceptance date of 7 November 2025) covers 412 graticules
and is effectively a trapezoid shape located 3.2km north-west
of Casterton (to the closest boundary of the application for Exploration License)
and 2.0km south-west of Dergholm in western Victoria. The application for
Exploration License reaches as far north as just past the latitude of Coojar and as far south as just before the latitude of
Casterton. Similarly, the application for Exploration License reaches as far west
as just short of the longitude of Lake Mundi and as far east as just short of
the longitude of Casterton.
The
principal exploration target for Lucrum is Holocene-hosted Rare Earth Element
deposits. It is proposed that
mineralisation of this type May exist in this area analogous to that discovered
by others in South Australia at Koppamurra in a
potentially similar geological environment.
Such mineralisation, which are in ionic clay deposits have not been
previously described in Victoria and are of speculative origin.
Lucrum s proposed program of work includes office-based activities which will
consist mainly of literature research of government, company, and university
reports. Contingent upon results and an
assessment of Rare Earth Element potential, a programme of auger or push tube
drilling will be initiated. Community
engagement is to be undertaken through all stages of exploration.
For a description of the systems
employed by Lucrum for managing impacts of the proposed work on the community
including (landowners and occupiers) and the environment please refer below to Systems
for Managing Impact on the Community and Environment.
For an outline of how Lucrum, as
licensee, intends to meet its obligations under Section 39A of the Mineral
Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (VIC) to consult with the
community (including landowners and occupiers) please refer below to Community
Consultation.
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Figure 1: EL008852 Location Plan
Information for Landholders
Lucrum is an
exploration company established in 2021 for the purpose of exploration of gold and
rare earth elements in particular within Victoria. Lucrum is managed by experienced geologists
and finance specialists focused on finding economical deposits across Australia. Respecting the interests of landholders and
the environmental values of the tenement area are central to this endeavour.
What are the basic entitlements of Exploration Licenses
and how is it different to mining?
An Exploration Licence grants exclusive rights,
subject to conditions, to explore for minerals within a certain area. An
Exploration Licence does not permit mining.
Exploration is defined in the Mineral Resources (Sustainable
Development) Act 1990 (VIC) ( MRSD Act ) to include:
a)
Conducting geological, geophysical and geochemical surveys;
b) Drilling;
c) Taking
samples for the purposes of chemical or other analysis; and
d)
Extracting minerals from land, other than for the purpose of producing them
commercially.
The MRSD Act defines mining as extracting minerals from the land for the
purpose of producing them commercially, including processing and treating ore.
Exploration does not always lead to mining. Exploration is the first step
which allows licence holders to determine whether a
mineral deposit is economically viable before an Exploration/Mining Company
decide to conduct further activity, or mining. While exploration often takes
place over larger areas, the area that may be subsequently mined is usually
much smaller.
Should EL008852
be granted by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, it will
be valid for a period of five years (subject to rules to maintain it), with the
option to apply for renewal of the licence.
Throughout the term of the licence, part of the area
must be relinquished (surrendered). Specifically, after 2 years, the area must
be reduced by 25% and after 4 years an additional 35% must be surrendered.
Further information
regarding the requirements that must be complied with prior to work being
undertaken is available on the department s Community & Land Use Page: https://earthresources.vic.gov.au/community-and-land-use
Can I object to the grant of an Exploration Licence?
As a landholder you may object to a minerals exploration application before
it is approved. Any landholder objections must be made within 21 days of the
Notice of Application for an Exploration Licence
(newspaper advertisements).
Most objections
can be solved by developing a suitable work plan to address landholders
concerns. The work plan will initially involve a compilation of historical
exploration data only. However, field reconnaissance and geological/structural
mapping may also later be conducted across the area. Low impact geophysical
surveys may be conducted in small areas within EL008852. Pending the results of
preliminary exploration activities, targets may be identified for drilling.
Further, the Department may choose to add extra conditions on any mineral
exploration licence granted in satisfaction of the
application, to address community and landholder concerns.
Lucrum welcomes
the community to contact Lucrum regarding any queries or concerns prior to lodgment
of a formal objection with the Department. Lucrum is committed to addressing
landholder concerns and working with local community members to allow for the
sustainable and supported development of Victoria s mineral resources soon.
As EL008852 is at
the application stage, any
person may object or comment to a licence being granted by:
(a) putting
the objection or comment in writing; and
(b) including
the grounds on which it is made
Objections or comments must be lodged
within 21 days after the latest date on which the application was advertised
and can be lodged online (https://rram-vic-gov.my.site.com/ObjectionSubmission) for timely submission, made via phone by
calling the Earth Resources Information Centre (136 186) or posted to:
The Minister for Energy and Resources,
c/- Manager Licensing, Resources Victoria, PO Box 500, East Melbourne, Victoria
8002
The Department
will consider all objections before deciding whether to grant the licence.
What are the community engagement requirements of the licence holder?
In accordance with Section 39A of the MRSD Act, Lucrum is required to
consult with the community throughout the period of the licence
by:
a) sharing with the community information about any activities authorised by the licence that
may affect the community and;
b) giving members of the community a reasonable opportunity to express
their views about those activities.
To this end, Lucrum
is committed to working with landholders to ensure its plans are accepted and
supported by the community.
As
a land holder of a
property within EL008852, am I entitled to compensation?
Lucrum must obtain land holder s consent, or
a compensation agreement must be in place before work intended to be carried
out within the licence area will be approved by the Victorian
Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.
Pursuant to Section 85 of the MRSD
Act, compensation is payable by the licence holder to the owner or occupier of
private land that is affected by any loss or damage sustained as a direct,
natural or reasonable consequence of the work undertaken in relation to an
exploration licence. Compensation is not payable for the value of the minerals,
nor is it a prerequisite for landholder consent. Compensation may be paid to
land holders whose land is affected by exploration activities, which is defined
by legislation to include land used for entry to the exploration area and
includes the surface of the land to the depth of 100 metres. The following may
be considered as loss or damage:
Land in context of the above is
defined by legislation to include land used for entry to the exploration area
and includes the surface of the land to a depth of 100 metres. Please note,
compensation is not payable for the value of the minerals, nor is it a
prerequisite for landholder consent. Further, the requirement to pay
compensation or form an agreement does not give landholders the absolute power
to control access. If an agreement cannot be reached, the compensation claim
may be referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, in
accordance with Part 10 of the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act
1986 (VIC). If the amount of compensation in dispute is greater than
$50,000, either party may seek to resolve the matter by the Supreme Court of
Victoria.
Pursuant to Section 45 of the MRSD
Act, a licence holder must not conduct work, other than work using handheld
tools, within 100 metres of a dwelling house unless with the consent of the
landholder. Lucrum
is aware of this obligation and understand the severe penalties which may be
imposed by the Department upon noncompliance
How will concerns for environment and land use impacts be
managed or addressed?
All areas in Victoria, unless specifically exempt (for example National
Parks, State Parks and Wilderness Areas) are open to exploration and mining licence applications. Before any exploration activities may
commence, a work plan addressing environmental risks must be approved by the
Department, and a rehabilitation bond must be paid by the licence
holder, to the Department. The rehabilitation bond represents security of
payment for any rehabilitation work that may be necessary because of the
exploration activities. Additionally, licence holders
are bound by the Department s Code of Practice for Mineral Exploration. This
Code provides practical guidance about how activities are to be conducted to meet
legislative requirements and environmental standards. With respect to
rehabilitation, licence holders are required to
rehabilitate any land disturbed by the carrying out of work under the licence. Rehabilitation is to be undertaken in accordance
with the work plan and licence conditions, which are
set by the Department. The licence holder must also
consult with the land holder about any proposed rehabilitation. Lucrum is
committed to environmental protection and endeavors to work closely with the
Department and landholders to ensure successful rehabilitation and the
responsible and sustainable use of any mineral assets which may be found
following the grant of EL008852.
Proposed Program of Work - EL008852
Lucrum will take a staged approach to exploration on EL008852. Exploration may
comprise the following office and field-based work:
Office based activities, consisting of
mainly literature research of government, company and university reports.
Compilation of historic
data in company reports and plans available in the public domain (including
geophysical data).
Contingent upon results and an
assessment of potential, potentially a programme of auger or push tube
drilling.
Please do not hesitate to contact Lucrum via its company secretary at
camsinmelb@gmail.com or on +61 431 382 217 if you have any questions or queries
in relation to EL008852.
Systems for Managing
Impact on the Community and Environment EL008852
Lucrum recognises that its exploration activities
may have an environmental and community impact. Lucrum is committed to
operating in both an ethical and sustainable manner that minimises
negative impacts on the community (including landowners and occupiers) and the
environment.
Lucrum will ensure that the proposed exploration program for EL008852 will
be well planned and managed to ensure that it has little or no lasting impact
on the environment and imposes minimal disruption to the surrounding
communities.
To effectively manage the impact of the proposed work on the community and
environment, all activities will be carried out in accordance with the Licence Conditions and Code of Practice: Standards,
Procedures, and Practical Guidance under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable
Development Act) 1990 ( Code of Practice ). Among other things,
this includes the following practices:
Ensure that all soil
imported into the exploration licence area is free of
disease and noxious weeds;
Every effort will be made
to minimise the risk and impacts of spills or leaks;
Minimise the spread of noxious weeds, pest animals and plant diseases whilst
undertaking exploration activities;
Adhere to any biosecurity
protocols that have been adopted on private land;
Design, install and
maintain erosion and sediment controls to prevent erosion of areas of disturbed
land and sedimentation of waterway;
Take all reasonable
measures to prevent contamination of the environment by the release of fuels,
lubricants and hazardous materials;
Ensure that spills of
hazardous materials are cleaned up as soon as practicable;
Ensure that Aboriginal
Cultural Heritage and non-Indigenous Cultural Heritage is not harmed as a
result of works undertaken within the exploration licence
area;
Prior to undertaking any
exploration activities, develop and implement a fire response and readiness
plan;
Ensure all waste
generated on site is disposed of at an appropriate waste management facility;
Potentially select,
establish and manage campsites to minimise risks to
the environment and/or the health and safety of people;
Ensure that noise
generated by exploration activities does not exceed limits set by the
Environment Protection Authority and the Local Council;
Establish dust control
measures to prevent adverse impacts as a result of the release of dust, odor
and/or emission of light;
Ensure livestock
disturbance, noise, access and exclusion areas as well as rehabilitation issues
are addressed in the compensation agreement to the satisfaction of the
landowner/occupier;
Prior to commencing
ground intrusive work or work involving the removal or damaging of native
vegetation under the definition of low impact exploration, Lucrum is required
by the Code of Practice to submit a rehabilitation bond to the satisfaction of
the Minister;
Where possible, use
existing roads and tracks for vehicles and machinery. Exploration works will be
planned to use the existing roads as much as possible;
As is recommended
practice, all vehicles, plant and machinery will be thoroughly cleaned prior to
moving to a new site or location. Soil and organic matter will be removed from
vehicles and equipment prior to moving between areas of EL008852;
Lucrum will comply with
the Environment Protection Act 1970 (VIC) and the
State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP): Waters of Victoria (2003)
and any other relevant legislation;
Take
all reasonable measures to prevent adverse impacts of establishing costeans,
drill holes, bulk sample excavations and trenches to the environment and/or
health and safety of people; and
Ensure that disturbed
areas resulting from exploration programs are rehabilitated as soon as possible
after the completion of exploration works.
Community Consultation EL008852
Lucrum is required by Section 39A of the Mineral Resources (Sustainable
Development) Act 1990 (VIC) to consult with the community throughout
the period of the licence by:
Sharing with the
community information about any activities authorised
by the licence that may affect the community; and
Giving members of the
community a reasonable opportunity to express their views about those
activities.
Lucrum believes the community has the right to be informed and involved in
decisions that will affect their area, lifestyles and interests. Accordingly, Lucrum
is committed to establishing a thorough understanding of the concerns and needs
of the community, so that these may addressed to the highest degree possible.
To do so, Lucrum is committed to employing methods that allow for inclusive and
accessible feedback mechanisms.
Lucrum will consult with the community (including landowners and occupiers)
concerning the proposed exploration licence. Lucrum is
committed to establishing and maintaining good working relationships with all
community stakeholders and will consult with community stakeholders regarding a
variety of relevant issues, including land access and impact, infrastructure,
water, special local land issues, vehicle movements, sensitive flora and fauna,
and heritage sites. The community consultation will take place before any
disruptive field operations take place.
Alongside a Community Consultation and Engagement Plan, Lucrum plans to
conduct the following community consultation activities:
Identify and consult with
relevant community, government authorities and employee stakeholders;
Identify the potential
impacts of exploration activities on relevant stakeholders;
Utilise face to face meetings and one on one conversations, to establish clear,
open and ongoing channels of communication with all relevant stakeholders and
ensure they are aware of any real and potential impacts;
Respond to stakeholder
concerns in a timely, transparent and effective manner;
Establish a stakeholder
Complaints Register;
Establishing stakeholder
feedback mechanisms and demonstrate how feedback contributes to decision
making;
Maintain records of
community engagement activities;
Inform the chief
executive of the municipalities within the exploration licence
area of the proposed works and estimate duration, in writing, at least seven
(7) days prior to commencing work under an approved work plan and provide
further information as appropriate during the term of the licence;
Respect the rights,
cultural beliefs and concerns of all parties having an interest in the land
(and waters) within and surrounding the exploration project area;
If applicable, enlist
local knowledge and relevant authorities in the design of the exploration
works; and
Prior to designing and
constructing geophysical and geochemical surveys, consult with the private
landowner/occupier about the position of gridlines and geophysical lines.
Lucrum
Information
provided is published in accordance with section 15(5) of the Mineral
Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (VIC) and Regulation
22(1) and Schedule 1 of the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development)
(Mineral Industries) Regulations 2019 (VIC).