This strategy aims to double the value of New Zealand's mineral exports to $3 billion by 2035. It highlights the significance of minerals for various sectors, including infrastructure, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. 

The strategy acknowledges the current state of the sector, with gold and coal as primary drivers, while also identifying the potential for developing critical minerals needed for a clean energy transition. 

The strategy details plans to scale up existing exports, explore new critical mineral opportunities and add value to minerals through domestic processing. It also emphasises the importance of balancing economic outcomes responsible practices and environmental protection, and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi). 

Key objectives

• Improve regulatory pathways to make obtaining permits and consents more efficient.
• Develop a responsible regulatory framework that benefits New Zealand, its communities, and honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Foster sector research, innovation, value add, workforce development, and the mining technology and services industry.
• Improve data on New Zealand’s mineral resources, production and consumption.
• Support strategically important critical mineral developments, facilities, and capabilities.

The strategy is accompanied by a critical minerals list, which identifies the minerals that are economically important and are vulnerable to supply risk or essential to unlocking other critical minerals.