New research has uncovered significant untapped potential in both operational and historic mine sites across New South Wales.
A recent report from the NSW Mine Reuse project has identified 28 current or old mine sites rich in critical and high-tech metals.
The study analysed more than 1200 samples from sites including Queen Bee, Endeavour Elura, and Tahmoor. These samples revealed promising concentrations of metals such as tellurium, bismuth, antimony, zinc and manganese.
In fact, the project has found gold from historic tailings at the Mineral Hill mine and tin from the Ardlethan mine in the Riverina.
Such materials are vital to technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicle batteries, and advanced electronics.
The discovery aligns with growing global demand. According to the International Energy Agency, the world will need six times more of these minerals by 2040 to meet net-zero emissions targets.
NSW’s capacity to contribute to that demand not only strengthens Australia’s energy security but also presents a major economic opportunity.
To support development, the NSW Government has implemented its Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024–2035, which includes $250 million in royalty deferrals and a $2.5 million co-investment fund to encourage exploration and attract private investment.
“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.”
With global supply chains tightening and the race for renewable technologies accelerating, New South Wales is well-placed to become a key supplier of the critical minerals needed for a low-carbon future.
These developments mark a pivotal moment in unlocking the state’s mineral potential, delivering not only on economic promise, but also on environmental responsibility.
