Copper is a vital component material in the shift to renewables. Photo: Krzysztof Bubel.
A new critical minerals and high-tech metals project has been approved in NSW, marking the first such approval under the Minns Government.
The project secures NSW as a producer of critical minerals infrastructure and boosts the supply of copper to support the state’s efforts to transition to renewable energy.
“This approval is another step forward for NSW’s clean energy transition and expands the state’s role in global critical minerals supply chains,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.
“Once operational, the mine will become a crucial cog in the renewable energy supply chain, providing copper for the creation of solar panels and electric vehicles, among other products.”
The new endeavour, dubbed Aeris Resources’ Constellation Project, will be near existing operations at the Tritton copper mine in the western region of the state, between Cobar and Nyngan.
With a combination of both open-cut and underground mining, the project is expected to yield an average yearly production of 500,000 tonnes of copper.
The copper industry in NSW is already strengthening, with production increasing by a third in just three years. About 190,000 tonnes of copper were produced in the state last year, contributing significantly to NSW finding a place in the global supply chain for the transition to renewables.
To fulfil the global demand for copper, production of the metal will have to double.
Copper is a key component in the production of solar panels, electric vehicles, advanced electrification and data centres, but it is also used in various consumer goods, transport, industry, infrastructure and construction.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said: “Copper will play a critical role in the global renewable energy transition. In 2024, around 30 per cent of copper demand was for new energy technologies and electrification, and by 2030, this could be around 35 per cent.
“With world-class geology, innovative technology, and a clear regulatory system, NSW is well positioned to attract continued investment in critical minerals exploration and production.”
Construction on the Constellation Project is expected to begin soon and operations are scheduled to start before the end of the year.
About 125 jobs are expected to be created by the project, including 90 at the mine and up to 255 during peak operational capacity. Over its planned 16-year lifespan, the mine is expected to contribute $42 million in royalties to the state.
NSW has 15 major metals and critical minerals mines, which employ about 6000 people, particularly in rural and regional areas.
As part of the government’s recent push for growth in this industry, the Minns Government has launched open survey data to enable exploration while also providing almost $2.5 million in matched grants to create investment in the sector.
