Don’t mined if I do; Tasmania ready to share in $2bn critical minerals fund

The Rockliff Liberal Government welcomes the Australian Government’s $2 billion commitment to support critical minerals financing across the nation.

Minister for Resources, Felix Ellis said that Tasmania was punching above its weight when it came to critical minerals.

“We know Tasmania has the critical minerals that the world needs to power the global shift to renewable energy and to support defence manufacturing.

"Many of the critical minerals currently listed either in Australia or overseas are found in Tasmania with these resources already supporting new jobs and investment," Minister Ellis said.

"These include tungsten from the Dolphin Mine on King Island and rare earth elements that are the subject of current exploration activity.

"Critical minerals are also included in current projects, including cobalt from the Avebury nickel mine or germanium and indium associated with Rosebery’s zinc ore.”

The Rockliff Liberal Government is putting the final touches on a tailored Tasmanian Critical Minerals Strategy, to best position our State to take advantage of these new opportunities.

“Our Government stands ready to leverage our competitive advantages to create jobs and opportunities for Tasmanian families,” Minister Ellis said.

"The strategy will help identify resources, drive private investment and grow jobs, particularly in regional Tasmania.”

Guidelines for the popular Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative (EDGI) scheme have also been updated to specifically encourage exploration for critical minerals.

The mining and minerals industry has no greater supporter than the Rockliff Liberal Government, which will continue to invest in the sector, and the thousands of Tasmanian families it supports.