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Critical minerals and high-tech metals

The Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024-35 sets out a clear vision for NSW to be a leader in critical minerals and high-tech metals, generating economic prosperity through responsible exploration, mining, processing, recycling, and advanced manufacturing. 

production line utilising robotic arms

NSW has abundant critical mineral resources and is well-positioned to significantly contribute to increasing global demand. NSW has 21 of the 31 nationally declared critical minerals. The Strategy has identified five priority metals for the state: 

  • rare earth elements
  • scandium
  • copper
  • silver
  • cobalt 

Critical minerals are vital to clean energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and batteries. Critical Minerals are also used to manufacture advanced technologies such as mobile phones, computers, semiconductors and essential components for defence and medical applications. 

Map of New South Wales showing critical minerals and high-tech metals resources in relation to geological provinces and state infrastructure.

Download the Critical minerals and high-tech metals in NSW map (PDF, 13.22 MB)

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