New South Wales is becoming a globally competitive supplier of value-added critical minerals and high-tech metals. The NSW Government is focusing efforts on priority metals where the state has a significant competitive advantage based on resource endowment and market factor. These commodities include:
Critical minerals are identified by their vital role in modern technologies, economies or national security. In alignment with the Australian Government, cobalt, rare earth elements, niobium and scandium are recognised as critical minerals because of their use in important applications. Copper and silver are high-tech metals essential for electrification, renewables and advanced technology.