Strategic Minerals PLC (LON:SML) has lodged its application to start drilling at the Hanns Camp nickel/copper prospect in Australia.
The company recently took an option of up to 50% of Central Australian Rare Earths, which has the licence for Laverton that includes Hanns Camp.
Drilling is expected to start in mid to late May once a permit is received.
This programme will be the first nickel-focused drilling to be completed in this area since the late 1970s.
Alan Broome, Strategic's chairman, said: "The lodgement of Permit of Work with the West Australian Government is an exciting first step on the road to assessing our interest in the tenements known as Hanns Camp at Laverton.
“Current planning has drilling expected in mid to late May in line with our previous announcement.”