The Queensland Government has opened a new competitive tender round for 18 exploration areas across the state, targeting petroleum, gas, coal and critical minerals such as vanadium. The release is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the state’s long-term energy supply and supporting future mining and resource projects.
According to the Queensland Government, the exploration areas are located across key resource provinces including the Bowen Basin, Surat Basin, and Cooper–Eromanga Basin, regions already known for their strong coal and gas production potential.
The competitive tender process opened on 5 March 2026 and will remain open until 11:00 AM (AEST) on 14 May 2026, with applications submitted through the procurement platform VendorPanel.
Large Resource Areas Released for Exploration
The tender package includes several types of exploration tenements covering significant areas of prospective ground:
- 12 petroleum and gas exploration areas across the Bowen/Surat and Cooper/Eromanga basins
- 4 coal exploration areas across the Bowen and Surat basins
- 2 critical mineral exploration areas prospective for vanadium near Julia Creek
Together, the petroleum and gas areas alone cover more than 7,000 square kilometres, making the release one of the largest exploration opportunities announced in Queensland in recent years.
Vanadium exploration is particularly significant as the metal plays an increasingly important role in energy storage technologies and high-strength steel alloys, both critical for the global energy transition.
Supporting Future Energy and Resource Projects
The tender release was announced by Dale Last, Queensland’s Minister for Natural Resources and Mines.
The government says opening new exploration ground is essential to maintaining a pipeline of future resource projects across the state.
“Exploration is where every major resource project begins,” the minister said in the announcement. “Without exploration activity, there is no future supply of energy or minerals.”
The government also noted that some petroleum tenures will include an Australian Market Supply Condition, ensuring any gas produced from those areas supports domestic supply on Australia’s east coast energy market.
Opportunities for Mining and Engineering Companies
The tender process presents opportunities not only for resource companies but also for engineering firms, drilling contractors, exploration service providers and technology companies operating in Queensland’s mining sector.
Industries expected to benefit from new exploration activity include:
- Drilling and exploration services
- Geological and geotechnical consulting
- Mining equipment and machinery supply
- Environmental assessment and compliance
- Engineering design and project development
Companies interested in participating in the tender must register through the government procurement system and submit proposals via the VendorPanel portal.
More information on the current exploration tenders is available through the official Queensland Government resources page:
- Queensland exploration tenders:
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/resources/landholders/public-notices-tenders/current-tenders - Exploration opportunities and tender documentation:
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/resources/geoscience-information/exploration-incentives/tenders - Official government announcement:
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/104627
Industry Reaction
The Queensland Resources Council welcomed the announcement, saying that exploration releases are vital for maintaining investment in the state’s resources sector.
Industry leaders say exploration activity is critical because new mines and energy projects can take years or even decades to develop from early exploration to production.
Queensland remains one of Australia’s largest resource jurisdictions, with strong production in metallurgical coal, gas, and emerging critical minerals used in clean energy technologies.
Why This Matters for the Bowen Basin
For regions such as Mackay, Moranbah and the wider Bowen Basin, the exploration tender release could eventually lead to:
- New mining developments
- Increased engineering and construction projects
- Additional exploration and drilling campaigns
- Long-term regional employment opportunities
The Bowen Basin alone is responsible for a major share of Australia’s metallurgical coal exports, making it a key strategic region for the nation’s resource economy.
Key Dates
- Tender opened: 5 March 2026
- Tender closes: 14 May 2026 (11:00 AM AEST)
- Application platform: VendorPanel
Companies interested in applying should review the tender documentation and submission requirements before the deadline.
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