New Zealand Unveils Critical Minerals Strategy to Double Exports

New Zealand's Minerals

New Zealand's government launched a strategy to double mineral exports to NZ$3bn within a decade. This plan prioritizes 37 critical minerals to secure supply chains and boost international relations.   

Strategic Focus on Key Mineral Commodities

The government added coking coal and gold to its initial list of 35 critical minerals. It aims to produce 21 of these domestically. The strategy includes streamlining regulatory pathways for exploration and production, fostering research, attracting foreign capital, and benefiting the population. Improved resource data and public awareness campaigns are also planned. New Zealand currently produces aluminum, arsenic, gold, coal, rare earth elements, silicon, titanium, vanadium, and zirconium. Future mining could include copper, cobalt, phosphate, and tungsten. International partnerships will secure supply chains for non-domestically produced minerals.   

Prioritizing Metallurgical Coal and Gold Sectors

Furthermore, New Zealand will focus on scaling up metallurgical coal and gold sectors. These sectors exported NZ$1.2bn in the year to June 2023, out of total mineral exports of NZ$1.46bn. The strategy also aims to increase domestic processing and refining, aligning with Australia's 2024 strategy. The government pledged to improve permitting to drive economic growth. This initiative addresses recent emigration caused by declining living standards.