A state-funded strategy to unlock critical minerals and high-tech metals in mine waste is showing promising results across New South Wales.
The NSW Government’s critical minerals and high-tech metals strategy 2024–35 has identified new economic opportunities at 28 current and former mine sites.
Using advanced scientific techniques, the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW) is analysing waste and tailings to uncover previously overlooked mineral deposits.
More than 1200 samples were collected and underwent high-precision chemical analysis under the GSNSW’s mine reuse project. The results revealed elevated levels of 11 critical minerals and high-tech metals, including copper, cobalt, silver and antimony.
“The release of this data reinforces that NSW really is the state to be for explorers looking to find the next big critical minerals project,” Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said.
“We know how important mining is to communities across the state. More exploration means more jobs and more investment in regional NSW.”
The project could help bring more mines online and add to the 190 critical minerals exploration titles already being targeted across the state.
Testing has been carried out at the Peak gold mine, Tritton copper mine near Cobar, RASP and Southern Operations near Broken Hill, and the Stratford mine in the Upper Hunter.
Sampling has also been completed at historic mines, including Queen Bee, Great Cobar and Nymagee in the far west, and Endeavour Elura and Endeavour McKinnons in the central west.
The project has revealed gold from historic tailings at the Mineral Hill mine and tin from the Ardlethan mine in the Riverina.
Survey results are being released this week as part of NSW Minerals Week, underpinning the state’s growing profile as a global leader in critical minerals exploration.
