NSW’s Mine Reuse Project: A Critical Minerals Wake-Up Call

Highlights

• NSW identifies 28 mine sites with high concentrations of critical minerals using advanced analytical techniques
• Government launches $2.5 million co-investment fund to reprocess mine waste and support clean energy technology development
• Research reveals potential to extract copper, cobalt, silver, and antimony from legacy mining sites

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In a bold move that redefines resource recovery, the New South Wales (NSW) Government has unveiled findings from its Mine Reuse Project, identifying 28 historical and current mine sites across the state with elevated levels of critical minerals and high-tech metals. This initiative, part of the state’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024–35, aims to transform legacy mining waste into valuable resources essential for modern technologies.

The Geological Survey of NSW, in collaboration with the Sustainable Minerals Institute at The University of Queensland (opens in a new tab) and Geoscience Australia (opens in a new tab), conducted extensive sampling—over 1,200 specimens—from various sites. Advanced analytical techniques revealed significant concentrations of 11 critical minerals, including copper, cobalt, silver, and antimony, in both closed and operational mines such as CSA, Queen Bee, Great Cobar, Nymagee, Endeavour Elura, and Hillgrove.

The NSW reported (opens in a new tab) on this initiative.

This discovery not only offers a pathway to revitalize dormant mining regions but also positions NSW as a potential leader in supplying materials vital for clean energy technologies like electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines. However, the success of this initiative hinges on the state’s ability to navigate the complexities of reprocessing old mine waste, ensuring environmental safety, and attracting investment for redevelopment.

While the government’s commitment, including a $2.5 million co-investment fund and a $250 million royalty deferral initiative, demonstrates a proactive approach, the real test lies in translating these findings into sustainable economic growth without repeating past environmental oversights. As global demand for critical minerals surges, NSW’s strategy could serve as a model—or a cautionary tale—for similar efforts worldwide.