NSW Government establishes Critical Minerals Advisory Committee

(Image source: NSW Government) Minerals and metals mined in NSW also play a crucial role in product manufacturing critical to the net zero future.
(Image source: NSW Government) Minerals and metals mined in NSW also play a crucial role in product manufacturing critical to the net zero future.

Experts from mining industry groups, unions and universities have partnered up to establish the Critical Minerals Advisory Committee to deliver the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy.

Various mining industry groups, unions and universities have taken part in the first Critical Minerals Ministerial Advisory Committee meeting with NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos.

The committee’s expertise will help guide the NSW Government’s work as it supports communities to realise the economic opportunities that as many as 2700 new jobs could bring in the state’s growing critical minerals sector.

The committee includes representatives from the NSW Minerals Council, Critical Minerals Association of Australia, Mining and Energy Union, Australian Workers Union (AWU), Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), University of Wollongong, University of Newcastle and the University of New South Wales.

(Image source: NSW Government)
(Image source: NSW Government)

Mining and Energy Union South Western District president Bob Timbs comments on the Critical Minerals Advisory Committee.

“Critical minerals mining presents a major opportunity for secure, well-paid jobs in regional NSW. We’re pleased to be part of a process that puts workers and communities at the centre of the transition to a net zero economy,” he said.

AWU NSW Assistant Secretary Ron Cowdrey comments on union participation in the committee.

“We welcome the establishment of the Critical Minerals Ministerial Advisory Committee as a vital step in ensuring that workers have a strong voice in shaping the future of this emerging industry,” he said.

Since the strategy’s release in October 2024, the NSW Government has:

  • Launched the $250m Critical Minerals Royalty Deferral Scheme to promote and attract investment in the NSW critical minerals industry,
  • Opened applications for a critical minerals exploration co-investment program to encourage more exploration,
  • Completed the first stage of the Geological Survey of NSW’s Central Lachlan Seismic Survey, to further the understanding of NSW’s geology and drive more exploration and
  • Released the findings of Mine Reuse Project report which found 29 current and historic mine sites which could have critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits hidden in their old waste.

NSW Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos says the state has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to position itself as a global leader in the critical minerals sector.

“Critical minerals projects can be a big driver of jobs and economic opportunities across regional NSW. We’re reaching out and doing what we can to partner with the sector as it grows over the next decade,” she said.

“Extensive consultation informed our strategy, and continuing these discussions as it is implemented means the strategy will continue to be responsive and deliver for the industry, for workers and the broader NSW economy.”

NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee says the establishment of the Critical Minerals Ministerial Advisory Committee is a welcome step in ensuring NSW remains competitive in the global race for critical minerals.

“Industry collaboration will be key to unlocking the full potential of our mineral resources,” he said.

AMEC director Kerry Atkins comments on the committee establishment.

“This committee marks a significant milestone in NSW’s commitment to fostering a thriving critical minerals sector. It’s encouraging to see government, industry and research working together to drive innovation and investment,” she said.

The Ministerial Advisory Committee will meet on a quarterly basis.

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