NZ's West Coast Mining Boom: A New Era of Critical Minerals Development

Mr. Jones recently launched the Coalition Government’s Critical Minerals List, which identifies key minerals essential to the economy.

Operations targeting critical minerals such as titanium, zirconium, gold, and rare earth elements are driving a new wave of mining activity on New Zealand’s West Coast, drawing interest from major international players, according to Resources Minister Shane Jones.

Mr. Jones recently launched the Coalition Government’s Critical Minerals List, which identifies key minerals essential to the economy. This initiative aims to diversify New Zealand’s mineral production and strengthen its role in the global critical minerals market.

“The West Coast has long been a hub for gold and metallurgical coal exploration. With surging international interest in critical minerals, we are now seeing renewed investment from both local and foreign stakeholders,” Mr. Jones stated.

Westland Mineral Sands Expanding Operations

A key player in this resurgence is Westland Mineral Sands (WMS), which is actively exploring additional acreage near its heavy mineral sand operation in Westport. WMS specializes in producing titanium, garnet, zircon, and monazite, which contains rare earth elements. The company has lodged applications for mining permits and resource consents to expand its operations south of Hokitika at the Mananui Mine.

Recognizing WMS’s strategic role in the global rare earth supply chain, U.S.-based Energy Fuels acquired a 1% stake in the company last October, signaling strong international confidence in New Zealand’s mineral sector.

Barrytown’s Heavy Mineral Sands Investment

Further reinforcing this momentum, TIGA Minerals and Metals Limited is advancing a mining project in Barrytown, focusing on the extraction of critical minerals similar to those targeted by WMS. These developments contribute to a robust pipeline of mineral production, ensuring long-term regional economic growth and resilience in fluctuating global markets.

Major Gold and Antimony Discoveries

Rua Gold Limited, which holds permits for gold exploration on the West Coast and in the Hauraki District, has reported significant intersections of stibnite—an ore of antimony—on some of its Reefton permits. Antimony, listed on New Zealand’s critical minerals index, is in high demand for industrial applications.

“Rua’s antimony discovery is an exciting step toward diversifying our mineral output. This success is a result of focused exploration and sustained international investment,” Mr. Jones noted.

Additionally, Rua Gold’s drilling campaign has uncovered substantial gold intersections, hinting at the presence of world-class gold deposits. If further confirmed, this could be a discovery on the scale of the renowned Macraes gold deposit, bringing substantial economic benefits.

Expanding the Pipeline of Gold Production

This potential world-class find would complement ongoing projects by OceanaGold at Wharekirauponga near Waihi and Matakanui Gold’s Bendigo-Ophir deposits in Otago, reinforcing New Zealand’s position as a leading gold producer.

Job Creation and Skills Development

According to Mr. Jones, these mining projects will create substantial employment opportunities and foster workforce development in New Zealand.

“These projects will not only provide high-quality jobs for local communities but also attract skilled Kiwis working abroad, particularly in Australia, back home. They also open the door for top global expertise to further unlock our mineral wealth,” he emphasized.

He further highlighted the importance of removing bureaucratic barriers to accelerate mining sector growth and encourage international and local investment.

“As Minister for Resources, I have worked tirelessly to eliminate red tape and unleash the full potential of our mineral sector. This marks the beginning of a new mining era, and the future has never looked brighter for New Zealand’s resource industry.”