AGES Conference 2025 – Collaboration and Insight in Central Australia
The 2025 Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar (AGES), held at the Mpartnwe (Alice Springs) Conference Centre, once again proved to be an informative and engaging event.
Framed by the striking East and West MacDonnell Ranges, the gathering brought together professionals from across government, industry, and the exploration sector.
Andy Applegate (Manager of Water Licensing) and Hannah Greig (Water Regulator) represented the Water Resources Division, participating in a series of valuable discussions with existing stakeholders within the industry, and other government agencies.
The program commenced on Monday, 7 April, with a series of practical presentations including the introduction of proposed improvements to application processes to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication of process for applicants.
A detailed overview of the mining application assessment process and outline of improvements aimed at reducing decision timeframes was also a key focus.
A presentation by the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) emphasised the importance of early engagement and outlined the support available from AAPA — including mapping tools and advisory services — to help proponents avoid impacting culturally significant areas.
This work plays a critical role in building respectful, constructive relationships between the industry and Aboriginal communities.
The session concluded with Andy Applegate delivering an informative presentation on the streamlined process (section 71R) for water use associated with mining operations established prior to 1 July 2019.
Day two of the program offered a full schedule of technical presentations on exploration and mining across the Northern Territory.
Experts from the Northern Territory Government and private sector shared recent geological findings and updates on significant projects in the Pine Creek, Tennant Creek, and Birrindudu Basin regions.
The day provided ample opportunity to engage with professionals across the exploration landscape and strengthen industry connections.
A keynote speech by the CEO of Tennant Mining focused on the role of smaller mining companies in fostering positive, community-oriented development.
The address highlighted the value of strong relationships with government and industry to develop sites within the territory.
The conference concluded on day three with targeted sessions on gold exploration, with King River Resources presenting their work in the East Tennant and Barkly regions.
These sessions emphasised the continued importance of resource development in emerging and historical mineral provinces.
AGES 2025 was a productive and insightful event, fostering collaboration across regulatory, industry, and community stakeholders.
The conference reinforced the importance of innovation, engagement, and responsible development in shaping the future of mining and exploration in the Northern Territory.
