Critical minerals | Invest Regional NSW

Mining and resources are the backbone of many regional communities and diverse mineral deposits and exploration opportunities mean the state is well positioned to be a major global supplier of the critical minerals and high-tech metals essential to a low-carbon future.

Regional NSW is rich in the critical minerals and rare earths needed for technologies including batteries, smartphones, solar panels and wind turbines, backed by strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials. Demand for many of these minerals is already outstripping supply.

Our advanced manufacturing capabilities and established supply chains mean regional NSW is well-positioned for companies in the downstream value-chain whose customers value robust standards. Downstream battery manufacturing and assembly operations with a focus on grid and small-scale energy storage solutions and niche mining applications are emerging opportunities.

Australia’s first Critical Minerals Hub will be established in the state’s central west and a number of advanced projects and emerging opportunities for critical minerals are drawing significant new investors to regional NSW.

At a glance

$17 billion

contributed to the NSW economy by the regional NSW mining and resources sector in 2021-22

28,000

jobs directly created from mining, the majority in regional NSW

$130 million

in NSW Government funding for the Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Activation Fund

315

exploration licences granted by the NSW Government in 2021

$16 million

committed by the NSW Government over 10 years for geophysical surveys

17 out of 24

minerals identified in the Australian Critical Minerals Prospectus 2021 found in NSW

#2

in Australia for economic demonstrated resource endowments for copper and silver and third for cobalt, gold, lead, nickel and zinc

Hot opportunities

Mineral processing

Metallisation

Precursor materials manufacturing

Battery cell manufacturing

Battery cell assembly

Recycling pilot plants

“We are fortunate the Dubbo Project is in NSW, which has a wonderful resource endowment, supported by excellent infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce and world-class research institutions. The opportunity here is not just to mine that material – but to add value all the way down the supply chain and back into regional communities.”

Rowena Smith, CEO, Australian Strategic Materials

Read Australian Strategic Materials' story

“The Broken Hill Cobalt Project will be one of the largest and lowest-cost producers of cobalt for use in new-age batteries anywhere in the world. The project enjoys substantial advantages due to its proximity to a skilled workforce, infrastructure, and a supportive community. We enjoy a strong relationship with the NSW and Federal Governments who are keen to promote the development of the critical minerals and high-tech manufacturing industries.”

Joe Kaderavek, CEO, Cobalt Blue

Read Cobalt Blue's story

Talk to us about critical minerals opportunities in regional NSW

Contact Chrissy O’Brien