$693m Copi Mineral Sands Project given development green light

The New South Wales Government has given the green light to the development of RZ Resources’ $693 million Copi Mineral Sands Project, which is expected to generate hundreds of construction and operational jobs.

The mine is located about 180 kilometres south-west of Broken Hill, in the State’s Far South West, and it is expected to process up to 27 million tonnes of material as well as produce 400,000 tonnes of critical mineral ore annually over an 18-year period.

The Copi Project is set to produce titanium minerals including rutile, leucoxene and ilmenite, premium zircon, and rare earth elements such as monazite and xenotime – all of which are vital for clean energy technologies, defence, telecommunications and medical device industries.

The recent approval includes the delivery of associated infrastructure including upgrades to local roads for mine product transportation to the South Australian border, and use of the existing rail facility in Broken Hill.

“Receiving NSW development approval for the Copi Project is a defining moment for RZ Resources, for the Wentworth community, and for Australia’s critical minerals sector. It marks a major milestone on our pathway towards first production in early 2029 and reflects the confidence of the NSW Government that Copi can be developed responsibly, sustainably and to the long-term benefit of the region.

“Copi is a globally significant critical minerals opportunity that will help Australia and its allies secure supply chains for the materials that underpin energy, manufacturing and defence.

“I want to thank the Wentworth region community, the Traditional Custodians of this land, and the NSW Government, particularly Minister Paul Scully, Minister Courtney Houssos and their Departments. This approval demonstrates the commitment and vision the Government has for turning NSW into a critical minerals centre, and that these outcomes are only possible through collaboration towards this common objective.

“We are committed to delivering this nationally significant project in a way that this region and this country can be proud of,” RZ Resources Founder and Executive Chairman David Fraser said.

This project cements New South Wales as a leading destination for critical minerals investment. Its approval also comes as Australia further strengthens global partnerships on critical minerals to support the development of secure and resilient rare earth supply chains.

The Copi Mineral Sands Project is estimated to create 480 jobs during its construction and 240 ongoing operational jobs. About half of the project’s workforce will come from surrounding communities, providing a significant boost to employment in the remote region.

Once operational, the project is also expected to contribute up to $97 million in economic benefits to the local region through wages, procurement and business expenditure.

“This project will help secure the supply of critical minerals to help power the clean energy, telecommunications and medical device technologies while supporting hundreds of jobs in NSW’s Far West.

“Copi is a great example of the continued growth in NSW critical minerals sector, which is helping to create a sustainable future for NSW, Australia and the world.

“The project will also deliver upgrades to local roads to make sure there is adequate infrastructure to support the increased activity in the region,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.

The project is still subject to Australian Government approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The Copi Project is the second critical minerals project to be approved by the Minns Labor Government in four months, and it builds on the approval of Aeris Resources’ Constellation Project that will produce high-quality copper ore.

The State Government will also continue partnering with industry, as part of the 2024 Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy, to promote critical minerals investment and production in New South Wales, including through the Australia-first $250 million royalty deferral, pre-competitive date, and matching grants to support exploration.

“NSW is home to some of the world’s most significant critical mineral deposits, and we are focused on turning that potential into long-term investment and industry growth.

“With 21 of the 31 nationally identified critical minerals, NSW is uniquely positioned to be a globally significant supplier.

“This project will contribute up to 27 million tonnes of critical minerals and rare earth ore every year for almost two decades, which is a significant stride forward in establishing secure supply chains.

“The Minns Labor Government’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy is backing projects which are providing more jobs and strengthening our position in the global market.

“Projects like Copi send a clear signal that NSW is a stable and attractive destination for critical minerals exploration and production,” Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said.

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; RZ Resources (1, 2)