The New South Wales (NSW) Government is providing grants of up to $10 million for infrastructure vital in advancing new mining and processing projects to boost the critical minerals sector.
The NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Activation Fund’s Stream Two offers between $2 million and $10 million for crucial enabling infrastructure, including heavy haulage modifications, road upgrades, water or power upgrades, and processing facilities, to assist explorers and mining companies in establishing themselves and their operations in NSW.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the unprecedented investment would assist in guaranteeing a steady supply of critical minerals and high-tech metals into the future, establishing NSW as a significant global supplier.
“Critical minerals represent the future of mining in NSW and we are committed to supporting investment right across the board — from helping explorers make new discoveries and increasing processing capacity right through to the commercialisation of emerging technologies and applications,” Deputy Premier Toole stated.
According to Deputy Premier Toole, the State Government announced a $130 million investment to stimulate the critical minerals and high-tech metals sector in June, distinguishing NSW from all other states.
“Applications from Stream One of the fund opened earlier this month, offering grants of up to $500,000 for important studies and research and development needed to kick-start early-stage projects. The grants we’re launching today support advanced projects by unlocking blockages through investment in strategic infrastructure,” he added.
Deputy Premier Toole stated that allowing industry investment in critical mineral exploration and mining ensures that our State is ready for the rising global demand, boosts NSW’s future prosperity, and gives regional economies a crucial economic boost.
Rare earths, cobalt, copper, antimony, and scandium are critical minerals and high-tech metals used in various present and future technologies, including defence, the production of electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and more.
The Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Activation Fund is an extension of the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy, which was announced late last year.
 Government is providing grants of up to $10 million for infrastructure vital in advancing new mining and processing projects to boost the critical minerals sector.){kind=link}