The Tasmanian Government has welcomed the release of the Australian Government’s new Strategic Minerals List, noting it highlights the significance of the State’s mining and mineral processing sector.
The Strategic Materials List identifies Australia’s significant mineral deposits and international demand for minerals crucial for the global transition to net zero emissions.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the State has an abundant supply of four of the six minerals on the list.
“Mining and minerals processing is a key pillar of the Tasmanian economy which supports more than 5000 jobs in regional communities and is our biggest export product by value,” Premier Rockliff stated.
According to him, with the Strategic Minerals List consisting of copper, nickel, tin, and zinc, enables the State to meet both domestic and international trading partner needs.
“The introduction of the list underlines the pivotal role these commodities will play in reaching sustainability goals as economies continue to transition to clean energy technology,” he added.
“As one of the most mineralised places on the planet, we championed greater recognition of the importance of nickel, tin and zinc for Tasmania’s economy and also our reputation as a global clean-energy leader,” he continued.
Premier Rockliff explained that current estimates show Tasmania can produce at least 600,000 tonnes of copper, 264,000 tonnes of nickel, about 1.5 million tonnes of zinc, and 130,000 tonnes of tin.
“Our commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices ensures a reliable and environmentally conscious supply chain and our dedication to a lower emissions future,” he noted.
“We welcome the signal this sends of the Australian Government’s support for the continued development of these minerals and look forward to continuing to work with them on this front.”
