Developing our minerals sector
The Government intends to develop a minerals sector that improves the social and economic wellbeing of all New Zealanders, delivers the required minerals for the industry and meets our commitment to deliver net zero emissions by 2050.
New Zealand’s vast mineral reserve remains largely unexplored, making New Zealand a desirable destination offering significant minerals potential.
Cutting barriers, not corners
By providing the right conditions and policy settings, mining will be a huge net positive for the country, economically, socially and environmentally.
The Government intends to:
- allow efficient mining development by removing regulatory barriers
- speed up the consenting process to reduce costs and inefficiencies
- enable major projects by improving decision making timeframes so projects have a clear and fast path to consent
- ensure environmental protections are in place
- make a positive difference to our iwi and hapu across the country by enabling better access to cultural minerals, creating more jobs and ensuring long term benefit flow.
Increasing our contributions to global minerals supply chains
It is estimated that to reach net zero emissions by 2050, the world will need six times more minerals for low emissions technology than are currently being extracted. The Government wants New Zealand to be part of this solution.
Supplying our international partners with clean tech minerals will reduce volatility and increase the reliability of minerals supply chains.
Learn more about the Government’s vision and priorities:
Petroleum and Minerals Fact sheets
Proposed amendments to the Crown Minerals Act 1991
Nickel and Cobalt Mineral Potential in New Zealand – Geodata report — Geodata Catalogue
Lithium Mineral Potential in New Zealand – Geodata report — Geodata Catalogue
Rare Earth Element Mineral Potential in New Zealand – Geodata report — Geodata Catalogue
A draft minerals strategy for New Zealand to 2040 [PDF, 2.18 MB] — Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment
Fast-track Approvals Bill — Ministry for the Environment