The approval of RZ Resources’ $693 million Copi critical minerals project has added another layer to Australia’s push to build more secure rare earths and critical minerals supply chains.
The New South Wales (NSW) Government has granted development approval for the project, giving RZ a clearer pathway towards first production in early 2029 and strengthening the state’s growing critical minerals pipeline.
Located in far south-western NSW, about 75km north-west of Wentworth and 180km south-west of Broken Hill, Copi is expected to become a major source of titanium minerals, premium zircon and rare earth elements, including monazite and xenotime.
The project is expected to process up to 27 million tonnes of material and produce up to 400,000 tonnes of critical mineral ore per year for 18 years.
While the approval marks a key milestone for RZ Resources, it also lands at a time when Australia’s critical minerals sector is increasingly being viewed through the lens of supply-chain security, downstream capability and international partnerships.
RZ Resources said the project sits on one of the world’s largest critical minerals deposits and would position the company as a globally significant producer.
The miner’s founder and executive chairman David Fraser, said the approval marked a major milestone for the company, the region, and Australia’s critical minerals ambitions.
“Receiving NSW development approval for the Copi Project is a defining moment for RZ Resources, for the Wentworth community, and for Australia’s critical minerals sector,” Fraser said.
“It marks a major milestone on our pathway towards first production in early 2029 and reflects the confidence of the NSW Government that Copi can be developed responsibly, sustainably and to the long-term benefit of the region.
“Copi is a globally significant critical minerals opportunity that will help Australia and its allies secure supply chains for the materials that underpin energy, manufacturing and defence.”
That has already been reflected in the project’s funding and government support.
Copi has attracted investment from JX Advanced Metals Corporation and Marubeni Corporation, while also receiving international recognition from the US, Japanese, Indian and Australian governments.
This includes announcements of US Export–Import Bank financing at the 2025 Quad Leaders’ Summit and an indicative term sheet from EXIM for up to $US550 million under the US–Australia Critical Minerals Framework.
For NSW, the approval adds another project to a growing critical minerals pipeline, with the State Government positioning Copi as part of a broader push to turn geological potential into investment, jobs and production.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the project would strengthen the state’s critical minerals supply chain.
“This project will help secure the supply of critical minerals to help power the clean energy, telecommunications and medical device technologies while supporting hundreds of jobs in NSW’s Far West,” Scully said.
“Copi is a great example of the continued growth in the NSW critical minerals sector, which is helping to create a sustainable future for NSW, Australia and the world.
“The project will also deliver upgrades to local roads to make sure there is adequate infrastructure to support the increased activity in the region.”
The project is expected to create up to 480 direct jobs during construction, with RZ Resources forecasting a 240-strong operational workforce. The NSW Government said around half of the workforce is expected to come from surrounding communities.
During operations, Copi is expected to contribute up to $97 million annually in local economic benefit through wages, procurement and business expenditure.
NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said Copi would help build long-term investment in the state’s critical minerals sector.
“NSW is home to some of the world’s most significant critical mineral deposits, and we are focused on turning that potential into long-term investment and industry growth,” Houssos said.
“With 21 of the 31 nationally identified critical minerals, NSW is uniquely positioned to be a globally significant supplier.
“Projects like Copi send a clear signal that NSW is a stable and attractive destination for critical minerals exploration and production.”
The approval includes associated infrastructure such as upgrades to local roads for mine product transportation to the South Australian border and use of the existing rail facility in Broken Hill.
The project still requires Commonwealth Government approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
