Govt backs NZ critical minerals processing

Critical minerals processing projects on the West Coast will receive funding through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, signalling the Government’s backing of the sector to add export value, Regional Development and Resources Minister Shane Jones says.

The two projects – Tāiko Critical Minerals in Barrytown and Westland Mineral Sands near Westport – will receive funding of up to $50 million from the $80 million ring‑fenced in the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to support development in the sector.

“By turning our natural resources into higher value products here in New Zealand, we are creating skilled jobs, strengthening our regional economies and the national economy by adding value to our exported products,” Mr Jones says.

“It is clear nations around the world are seeking to secure critical minerals for manufacturing and science. We have those minerals and this Government will back our industry to contribute to a diversified and secure critical minerals supply chain.”

Critical minerals are essential for modern economies and technologies, including clean energy systems, advanced manufacturing, electronics, aviation and medical equipment.

The two projects process ores containing critical minerals including titanium, zirconium and rare earth-bearing concentrates (monazite). 

Tāiko Critical Minerals will receive up to $20 million towards a $40 million wet separation plant planned as part of a wider mineral sands mining and processing operation. The project is consented to establish mine to market processing, using ore from privately owned farmland.

The Westland Mineral Sands project will receive $30 million towards progressing a proposed $70 million mineral separation and processing facility.

“Government support is vital, especially at the early stage of development. Resources projects often have multi‑decade lifespans, providing sustained economic activity rather than short‑term gains. This can offer greater certainty for regions, workers and local businesses,” Mr Jones says.

“Together, these two West Coast projects will establish domestic early-stage processing capability, add value to local resources, and support around 170 permanent high-value jobs, plus around 90 jobs during construction.” ...