NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High Tech Metals Activation Fund – Statement

Statement from Stephen Galilee – CEO NSW Minerals Council

The opening of applications for the first funding round of the NSW Government’s $130 million Critical Minerals and High Tech Metals Activation Fund is a welcome step in the future development of NSW into a world leader in minerals mining and processing.

We welcomed the announcement of the Critical Minerals and High Tech Metals Activation Fund as part of the recent NSW Budget and the NSW Government has moved promptly to open applications.

Mining is a key contributor to the local economy of regional communities right across NSW.

NSW is a significant producer and exporter of copper and gold and there are strong future prospects for a range of other minerals to be developed.

Our state boasts high quality deposits including silver, lead, zinc, and also cobalt, nickel, scandium, rare earths and mineral sands that are of increasing interest and demand globally.

Rapid development of technology is driving growing demand for high-quality metals and rare earths. Advances in many sectors including telecommunications, medicine, manufacturing, defence industries, energy, and renewables are driving demand for metals and critical minerals.

This is driving strong interest in the future of the sector, with up to fifteen or more potential new metals mining projects proposed for NSW in the future and the potential for thousands of jobs and billions in investment, mostly in the Central and Far West regions of NSW.

This is a forward looking initiative that will be welcomed by mining communities across NSW.

Contact: Brad Emery