A new critical minerals mine which will provide up to 400 regional jobs and drive economic growth has been approved in the state's north west
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for resources Paul Toole said the historic Cobar Basin will be home to a new underground mine, 10 kilometres from the existing Hera Mine at Nymagee.
"The NSW Nationals Government has a vision to make this state the number one investment destination for mining, exploration, and advanced manufacturing, and this latest approval is an important step towards realising that vision," Mr Toole said.
"Hera Mine has been running for 11 years and is coming to the end of its operations, so this is a new opportunity to expand the industry with the development of Federation Mine to produce critical minerals such as copper, silver, rare earth elements, cobalt and lithium, used in everyday products such as batteries, electric vehicles, generators, jewellery and mobile phones will be mined.
"These minerals will be transported to Hera Mine for processing, securing around 150 existing jobs and creating up to 100 new positions and 150 construction roles."
This project approval follows the discovery of an underground deposit in April 2019 containing high-grade metals, comprising zinc, gold, copper and silver.
A further 180 existing jobs will be retained and around 180 new roles created, following the recent approval to extend the Tomingley Gold Mine in the Central West until the end of 2032.
The NSW Government is investing $130 million to help position the state as a major global supplier and processor of critical minerals as part of its Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Activation Fund and follows the launch of the NSW Government's Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy.
