The NSW Government says it has taken a major step towards unlocking critical minerals and high-tech metals with a new mapping exercise of the state’s landmass, including investigations up to 50km below the surface.
The demand for critical minerals from clean energy technologies alone – including many of those minerals found in NSW – will surpass $400 billion annually by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency.
NSW Minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos says geospatial survey data is crucial in assisting minerals explorers to target their searches for potentially rich deposits of critical minerals and high-tech deposits.
“The release of this data will help stimulate investment and make sure NSW continues to lead the exploration and development of critical minerals in Australia,” she said.
“These surveys are an important piece of the puzzle in developing our understanding of the state’s geological properties, and groundwater supplies. This is crucial information for farmers and regional communities.”
The geophysical campaign covered over one-sixth of the state. The survey includes information captured across more than 148,000 square kilometres, with more than eight aircraft deployed over 18 months to collect the data.
The survey team also used sound waves to delve up to 50 kilometres beneath the surface.

Minister Houssos launched the data yesterday in remarks to the NSW Minerals Council’s Exploration and Tenures Forum.
Currently, there are more than 2,600 people directly employed in critical minerals and high-tech metals mines in the Central West of NSW, and another 1,260 in the Far West. A further 1,600 people are projected to be employed if currently proposed projects begin mining, the Government said in a statement.
The acquired data is now available in MinView which also contains all available public data in NSW, offering geoscientists, governments, explorers, and farmers a wealth of information to facilitate informed decision-making.
The Government is currently reviewing its Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy to best position the state to take advantage of the opportunities these resources provide to the future of employment, industry and the net zero transition.
For more information visit the Resource Regulator website.