Here in the Asia Pacific region, focus has been naturally on the major critical minerals producing countries such as China, Indonesia, Australia and the geopolitics affecting the global critical minerals supply chains.
However, other countries are also setting out their own minerals strategies and one of them is New Zealand. In May 2024, NZ Resources Minister Shane Jones launched a draft strategy for the minerals sector in New Zealand where increasing national and regional prosperity, providing the minerals needed for new technology and the clean energy transition, and doubling the value of minerals exports are the bold aims of the Government’s vision for the minerals sector.
Minister Jones noted that “The minerals sector is a small but productive part of New Zealand’s economy, worth $1.03 billion in mineral exports in 2022, providing more than 5000 direct jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating substantial revenue that funds infrastructure, healthcare, and education. We are aspirational for the sector, aiming to double mineral exports value to $2b by 2035."
The Draft Minerals Strategy for New Zealand to 2040, which is now open for consultation, proposes producing a critical minerals list for New Zealand and doing a detailed stocktake of the country’s known mineral potential. Consultation on the draft minerals strategy closes on 31 July 2024.