Mines & Minerals Mines & Minerals

02/06/2026

COPI Critical Minerals Project boosts NSW Critical Minerals Development

The NSW Government has approved RZ Resources' $693 million Copi Critical Minerals Project, marking a significant step in strengthening Australia's critical minerals and rare earths supply chains. Located in far south-west NSW, the project is expected to commence production in early 2029 and operate for 18 years. The Copi project will process up to 27 million tonnes of material and produce up to 400,000 tonnes of critical mineral ore annually, including titanium minerals, premium zircon, and rare earth elements such as monazite and xenotime. Recognised as one of the world's largest critical minerals deposits, the project positions NSW as a key player in global supply chains for the clean energy transition.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/copi-mineral-sands-project-approved

30/03/2026

To support miners, NSW targets fuel distribution

The NSW Government is prioritising mining and other key industries to address diesel availability issues due to fuel distribution pressures. Measures are being implemented to enhance coordination across the fuel supply chain to ensure essential sectors like mining, agriculture, and freight continue to receive supplies amidst local shortages. Currently, 187 out of around 2400 service stations are without diesel, affecting regional areas heavily involved in mining. Despite stable overall fuel supply, distribution challenges lead to uneven availability. The government will mandate major fuel companies to provide detailed supply and distribution information, focusing on regional communities.

https://www.australianmining.com.au/nsw-targets-fuel-distribution-to-support-miners/

The future of coal in NSW clarified

The NSW Government’s ‘NSW Coal Industry 2026-50’ Strategy supports extensions to existing coal mines, benefiting workers and the economy. With about 8,000 jobs reliant on these extensions, their approval is crucial for job security and economic contributions. The Strategy emphasizes coal’s role in sustaining regional jobs and energy production, while also committing to supplying high-quality coal to trading partners. The Strategy follows recent regulatory changes and recognizes the coal sector's substantial emissions reductions, with the industry set to achieve a 50% emission reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050, allowing for offsets when necessary.

https://nswmining.com.au/news/clarity-for-the-future-of-coal-in-nsw/

24/03/2026

NSW Government unveiled Coal Strategy

The New South Wales Government has unveiled a long-term coal strategy that positions mine extensions as key to sustaining jobs and economic stability across the state’s mining regions. The NSW Coal Industry 2026–50 strategy emphasizes support for these extensions, with planning authorities evaluating their economic benefits and job security contributions. At the strategy's release, about 8000 workers were employed at mines awaiting extension approvals, deemed crucial for continued employment and economic impact. With some mines nearing closure, extensions are seen as essential to ensure stability in mining regions and prevent economic disruption. The strategy also acknowledged the ongoing role of coal in domestic energy supply and export markets. It stated that coal will continue to play an important part in supporting regional jobs, investment and communities. In addition, the State Government committed to ensuring NSW producers can continue supplying high-quality thermal and metallurgical coal to international trading partners, reinforcing the state’s role as a reliable exporter.

https://www.australianmining.com.au/nsw-coal-strategy-supports-jobs-through-mine-extensions/

09/03/2026

Lode Discovers Antimony and Gold Deposits in NSW

Lode Resources has discovered high-grade antimony and gold at Rock Abbey, near the historic Magwood Antimony Mine in New South Wales. Grab samples returned antimony grades of up to 37.7% and gold values of 0.54g/t. The mineralisation extends over 750m, with plans for a 10-15 hole drill program post-drilling at the Uralla Gold Project. Managing Director Keith Mayes highlights the geological similarities with Hillgrove mine. Lode's efforts align with NSW’s Critical Minerals Strategy, and the company is also drilling at the Montezuma Silver-Antimony Project in Tasmania.

https://mining.com.au/lode-unveils-antimony-gold-mineralisation-in-nsw/

27/02/2026

Lode Discovers Antimony and Gold Deposits in NSW

Lode Resources (ASX:LDR) has discovered high-grade antimony and gold at Rock Abbey, near the historic Magwood Antimony Mine in New South Wales. Grab samples returned antimony grades of up to 37.7% and gold values of 0.54g/t. The mineralisation extends over 750m, with plans for a 10-15 hole drill program post-drilling at the Uralla Gold Project. Managing Director Keith Mayes highlights the geological similarities with Hillgrove mine. Lode's efforts align with NSW’s Critical Minerals Strategy, and the company is also drilling at the Montezuma Silver-Antimony Project in Tasmania.

https://mining.com.au/lode-unveils-antimony-gold-mineralisation-in-nsw/

16/02/2026

Mining hits record-breaking contribution in New South Wales

The NSW Minerals Council reports record levels of mining jobs, with over 35,000 full-time equivalent positions, marking the highest in the survey's history. Companies injected approximately $22 billion into the local economy, matching last year's figures and nearly doubling the $11 billion from the 2014/15 financial year. The coal sector delivered the largest contribution to the NSW economy, delivering $19.3 billion in direct spending, including $3.4 billion in wages and salaries, and $12.5 billion with almost 5400 local supply businesses.

https://www.australianmining.com.au/mining-hits-record-breaking-contribution-in-new-south-wales/

14/10/2025

NSW gold production surges amid record prices

New South Wales produced over $4.2 billion worth of gold in 2025, more than half the total value of the state’s total mineral output. Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos says the state continues to “stand out” as a globally competitive and stable destination for mining investment. “The Geological Survey of NSW estimates a gold endowment exceeding 100 million ounces, with 70 million ounces still to be mined,” Houssos says. “With 15 projects in active development, NSW has a range of opportunities ready for investment.”

https://mining.com.au/nsw-gold-production-surges-amid-record-prices/

15/07/2025

Evolution Mining hits record $308m cash flow

Evolution Mining achieved a record quarterly cash flow of $308 million in the June 2025 quarter, with a mine operating cash flow of $697 million, a 16% increase from the previous quarter. Significant contributions came from the Mungari operation with a 149% rise to $96 million, and Red Lake with a 127% increase to $90 million. CEO Lawrie Conway highlighted a committed workforce resulting in $2.3 billion in operating mine cash flow for FY25, ending the financial year with a cash balance of $760 million and no debt until July 2026. Full-year gold production reached 751,000 ounces, with an AISC of $1572/oz. Mungari achieved record production, while Cowal generated $885 million in cash flow. Looking ahead, FY26 production is projected at 710,000–780,000 ounces of gold and 70,000–80,000 tonnes of copper, with AISC expected to rise due to processing and inflation.

https://www.australianmining.com.au/evolution-mining-hits-record-308m-cash-flow/

24/03/2025

Cosmo Metal completes due diligence on NSW acquisitions

Cosmo Metals has finished due diligence for acquiring the Bingara and Nundle gold-antimony and copper projects in New South Wales, pending shareholder approval. The projects cover 743km² in the New England Orogen. A binding heads of agreement was announced on 12 February 2025, allowing a 60-day due diligence period, now satisfied ahead of a general meeting on 28 March for shareholder approval. The technical team confirmed mineralised systems at both sites and validated previous exploration. Progress on exploration includes the completed Sub Audio Magnetotelluric (SAM) survey at the Mt Everest – Mona VMS trend. Data from the SAM survey is being analysed to identify potential drill targets. Prioritization of known trends and SAM targets will follow the acquisition's completion.

https://mining.com.au/cosmo-metal-completes-due-diligence-on-nsw-acquisitions/

10/02/2025

Latest data reveals mining’s record-breaking contribution to NSW economy

The NSW Minerals Council's annual Expenditure Survey indicated that in the last year, 31 mining companies supported over 34,900 full-time jobs, a 10% increase from the previous year. These companies contributed AU$ 22 billion to the NSW economy, slightly down from AU$23.6 billion the previous year, but nearly double the AU$ 11 billion recorded in 2014-15. This spending included over AU$ 3.9 billion on wages, AU$ 14.4 billion on goods and services from over 7,000 NSW businesses, and AU$ 3.7 billion in taxes and royalties to the NSW Government. Mining spending accounted for significant percentages of the Gross Regional Product in various regions of NSW, highlighting the sector's vital contribution to regional jobs and economic growth. A full report will be available on the NSW Mining website soon.

https://nswmining.com.au/news/latest-data-reveals-minings-record-breaking-contribution-to-nsw-economy/


20-01-25

Natural renewable resource discovered in NSW

According to a report by Geoscience Australia and the Geological Survey of New South Wales, elevated levels of natural hydrogen and helium have been discovered in New South Wales. As per the news article, this research is an example of the benefits from the Australian Government’s $3.4 billion investment over 35 years into the Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative, under its Future Made in Australia plan.

[Australia is considered one of the most prospective locations for natural hydrogen because of its ancient geology. In Australia, hydrogen gas is primarily used for industrial processes including ammonia and fertiliser production, while helium is used in medical equipment, manufacturing, research, and the space sector. Hydrogen can also be used to reduce carbon emissions from hard-to-abate industries, like remote power applications, heavy vehicle transportation, and industries like iron and steelmaking. 

Full report is available at https://d28rz98at9flks.cloudfront.net/149687/149687_00_2.pdf]

https://www.energymagazine.com.au/natural-renewable-resource-discovered-in-nsw/

Cooper Energy plans Otway Basin in NSW reinvigoration

Cooper Energy is proposing an expansion of its Casino Henry Netherby development in the Otway Basin to enhance east coast gas supply. This project aims to meet domestic gas demand as existing fields decline by tying in nearby gas fields to the existing infrastructure. It includes up to eight gas field tie-ins with up to 15 wells, infield flowlines, and manifolds, targeting confirmed resources at Annie and Henry fields and prospective resources at Elanora, Heera, Juliet, Nestor, Isabella, and Pecten East.

https://www.energytodaymag.com.au/cooper-energy-plans-otway-basin-reinvigoration/

15-1-2025

NSW Resources Regulator releases 2025 compliance priorities

The NSW Resources Regulator has outlined its compliance priorities for January to June 2025, focusing on mine safety assessments, risk management, mine rehabilitation, and compliance audits in NSW. Key areas include fire and explosion safety, air quality, and electrical engineering. Strategic projects involve reviewing the NSW mining competency system and developing a Technical Reference Guide for vehicle interaction management. Executive Director Peter Day emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation and collaboration with mine operators to ensure safety and effective risk management.

[Mining is a big business in NSW. There are few Indian companies in NSW working in the sector. Indian companies are importing resources especially coal and are collaborating for technology with Australian companies as well as inviting Mining servicing companies to develop mines in India. In critical minerals, Indian companies can seek opportunities in importing from NSW and processing them in India.]

https://mining.com.au/nsw-resources-regulator-releases-2025-compliance-priorities/

02/12/2024

NSW launches Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy

The NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024–2035, has launched recently. This aims to attract global investment and growth in the critical minerals and high-tech metals sector. It addresses the rising demand for metallic minerals driven by renewable energy and advanced technologies, potentially bringing over $7.6 billion in capital investment, 2,700 ongoing jobs, and 4,600 construction jobs in regional NSW. The strategy promotes responsible exploration, mining, processing, recycling, and advanced manufacturing, with key actions including encouraging exploration, incentivising production, establishing supply chains, developing local skills, and engaging communities.

https://www.investregional.nsw.gov.au/news/nsw-launches-critical-minerals-and-high-tech-metals-strategy

7th May 2024

More critical minerals identified in NSW

The New South Wales (NSW) government conducted a survey to identify critical minerals for developing better understanding of the state's geological properties and groundwater supplies. NSW currently has deposits of 21 of the 31 nationally identified critical minerals, as well as occurrences of all five minerals on the Federal Government's Strategic Minerals List. The survey has highlighted several areas for further exploration, including Forbes, Dubbo, Cobar, and Yathong regions.

https://www.australianmining.com.au/more-critical-minerals-identified-in-nsw/

11 June 2024

The plan for the "largest ever" coalmine in NSW is expected to exert pressure on the state's net zero target.

The plan for the 'largest ever' coal mine in NSW is expected to increase pressure on the state's net zero target. The NSW environment regulator has raised concerns about the plan to extend the life of a Hunter Valley coal-mining complex until 2050, calling it the "largest coal-mining proposal ever put forward" in the state. This decision to extend the life has been criticized as "deeply disappointing" by green groups.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/31/nsw-glencore-coalmine-open-plan-net-zero-emissions-target

More critical minerals identified in NSW

The New South Wales (NSW) government conducted a survey to identify critical minerals for developing better understanding of the state's geological properties and groundwater supplies. NSW currently has deposits of 21 of the 31 nationally identified critical minerals, as well as occurrences of all five minerals on the Federal Government's Strategic Minerals List. The survey has highlighted several areas for further exploration, including Forbes, Dubbo, Cobar, and Yathong regions.

https://www.australianmining.com.au/more-critical-minerals-identified-in-nsw/