NSW Government committee to advise on critical minerals strategy


Wednesday, 27 August, 2025

NSW Government committee to advise on critical minerals strategy

The NSW Government has announced the first meeting of its Critical Minerals Ministerial Advisory Committee, involving experts from mining industry groups, unions and universities, along with Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos.

The government says it is committed to supporting exploration and mining of critical minerals and high-tech metals across the state, as minerals and metals mined in NSW also play a vital role in the manufacturing of products critical to the net zero future.

The committee includes representatives from the NSW Minerals Council, Critical Minerals Association of Australia, Mining and Energy Union, Australian Workers Union, Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, University of Wollongong, University of Newcastle and the University of New South Wales.

Since the release of its Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy in October 2024, the NSW Government has:

  • launched the $250 million Critical Minerals Royalty Deferral Scheme to promote and attract investment in the NSW critical minerals industry;
  • opened applications for a critical minerals exploration co-investment program to encourage more exploration;
  • completed the first stage of the Geological Survey of NSW’s Central Lachlan Seismic Survey, to further understanding of NSW’s geology and drive more exploration;
  • released the findings of Mine Reuse Project report, which found 28 current and historic mine sites that could have critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits hidden in their old waste.
     

Five critical minerals and high-tech metals projects have recently commenced or are in the process of re-commencing production across the state. This includes the Federation Mine near Cobar, producing zinc, an important ingredient in batteries, and the Hillgrove mine, one of the world’s largest deposits of antimony, crucial in the manufacturing of solar panels.

“NSW has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to position itself as a global leader in the critical minerals sector,” Houssos said. “Critical minerals projects can be a big driver of jobs and economic opportunities across regional NSW. We’re reaching out and doing what we can to partner with the sector as it grows over the next decade.

“Extensive consultation informed our strategy, and continuing these discussions as it is implemented means the strategy will continue to be responsive and deliver for the industry, for workers and the broader NSW economy.”

“The establishment of the Critical Minerals Ministerial Advisory Committee is a welcome step in ensuring NSW remains competitive in the global race for critical minerals. Industry collaboration will be key to unlocking the full potential of our mineral resources,” said NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee. “NSW has the geological potential and the skilled workforce to lead in critical minerals development. This committee provides a vital forum to align government and industry efforts to deliver more critical minerals mining in NSW.”

The Ministerial Advisory Committee will meet on a quarterly basis.

The full Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/criticalminerals.

Image credit: iStock.com/zetter

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