Draft critical minerals list released for consultation

The critical minerals list, prepared by Wood Mackenzie as a deliverable of the draft Minerals Strategy for New Zealand, identifies 35 minerals that are essential to economic functions, are in demand by international partners, and face high risks to supply domestically and internationally.

Minerals underpin every aspect of our modern world and if access was suddenly restricted to some of New Zealand’s enabling minerals there would be serious implications for the economy.

The draft list covers a wide range of minerals with many different applications within the economy and considers minerals that are needed internationally where New Zealand may be able to contribute to supply. It also considers risks to domestic and international supply chains, and where there is a need to build more supply resilience.

Once finalised, the critical minerals list will contribute to New Zealand’s work on critical international supply chains and allow the Government to investigate specific actions for securing better access to the minerals deemed critical. This could include strategic pathways for development of specific minerals.

Consultation on a draft critical minerals list closes 5pm, 10 October 2024.

For more information and to make a submission:

Have your say – Consultation on a draft critical minerals list for New Zealand