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 hapū 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 6 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 permits

Petroleum and Minerals Fact sheets

Engaging with Māori

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

The mineral potential of New Zealand — Part 1: Overview of New Zealand’s mineral deposits and their resources [PDF 4.5MB]