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Mining & Resources

Mining operations - R&D Tax Benchmark

What proportion of total business expenses do Australian mining operations typically claim as R&D under the RDTI?

Typical range
0–3%
Direct (core) R&D as % of expenses
Elevated but plausible
up to 8%
Still defensible with strong evidence
Unusual - review carefully
> 15%
May still be valid; expect AusIndustry scrutiny
Supporting R&D
0–2%
Indirect / supporting activities

What drives R&D intensity in this sector

Mining production is largely excluded by carve-outs; only narrowly-defined experimental processing work may qualify.

Sector disclaimer

Standard mining production is not R&D. Higher allocations usually point to a specific processing or recovery experiment.

ATO & AusIndustry context

Prospecting, exploring and drilling for minerals or petroleum for the purpose of locating or quantifying deposits is excluded under s355-25(2)(b).

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More benchmarks in Mining & Resources

Educational benchmark only - not an eligibility test or tax advice. Final eligibility depends on whether your activities meet the s.355-25 / s.355-30 core and supporting R&D definitions and is determined by AusIndustry on registration.