Boost for Tasmania’s critical minerals future

The Tasmanian Government continues to support the growth of the mining and mineral processing sectors, with the signing of a new Federal Funding Agreement to advance a landmark study into a Common User Processing Facility (CUPF) for critical minerals.

A CUPF is an industrial site where multiple companies can test and conduct mineral processing.

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Felix Ellis, said the agreement would deliver a feasibility study to assess opportunities for a CUPF in Tasmania, with a focus on the State’s North West, using tin and tungsten as a working example.

“Tasmania is competing on the national stage when it comes to critical minerals,” Minister Ellis said.

“This study will help us understand whether a common user hub for critical minerals makes sense for Tasmania, and what opportunities it could create for local jobs and businesses.”

The feasibility study will bring together industry, Government and expert consultants to identify potential options for processing critical minerals in Tasmania.

“A Common User Processing Facility could unlock enormous potential, whether by enabling new mines to open, value-adding to ores that currently leave the State or by fostering new downstream industries.

“We know Tasmania has the critical minerals that the world needs to power the global shift to modern technologies, from renewable energy and batteries to defence and advanced manufacturing.

“By investing in this study, we’re positioning Tasmania as a key player in these global supply chains.

“Our Liberal Government is delivering for Tasmania and the sector with the release of our Critical Minerals Strategy in November 2024, and extension of the popular Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative scheme until 2028,” Minister Ellis said.

The feasibility study will commence shortly and is expected to deliver findings in 2026.