The Minns Labor Government will invest $4 million in research grants as part of our plan to cement the state's status as a global leader in critical minerals. The research grants will help encourage further global investment and deliver much needed jobs to regional NSW.
The NSW Critical Minerals Processing and Advanced Materials Innovation Program will provide grants to research organisations including universities and is a key part of the NSW Government's Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy.
We know that global demand for rare earth elements, silver, copper and antimony is increasing due to global investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles and other advanced technologies.
With world-class deposits of critical minerals in NSW, supporting local innovation and research means more jobs in our regions and global investment across the state. The NSW Critical Minerals Processing and Advanced Materials Innovation Program will strengthen NSW's position as a leader in critical minerals processing and material technologies.
The program will deliver grants to research organisations including universities, private non-profit research institutes, NSW and Federal governmental research organisations, labs or groups.
The program aims to:
- advance the development and commercialisation of critical minerals and high-tech metals in NSW
- deliver focused research to capture even greater value from our critical minerals and high-tech metal resources
- create a pipeline of locally developed technologies ready for up-scaling, investment and market adoption.
Research projects could include but are not limited to:
- improving recovery from mined ores, including low-grade or complex deposits
- developing mineral processing steps and inputs so critical minerals can be produced in forms and qualities required for advanced materials and downstream manufacturing
- recovering critical minerals from mine tailings, waste rock or residues alongside mine site rehabilitation
- producing high-value advanced materials from critical minerals to support downstream industry development in NSW.
Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to $100,000 each to undertake Phase 1 proof-of-concept activities. Successful applicants can then apply to receive support for demonstration and pre-commercial validation activities as part of a Phase 2 grant, which will commence in late 2027. This phase will be required to partner with industry bodies and secure cash and in-kind contributions to strengthen collaboration and maximise program impact.
This is a significant investment in NSW innovation capability to help build the technologies and expertise needed to strengthen the state's critical minerals and advanced materials processing sector.
Phase 1 applications open today and will close at 3pm on Friday, 18 September 2026.
To learn more about the program and apply for a grant visit the dedicated website.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:
"Developing critical minerals processing and advanced manufacturing capability is essential to power our future, foster high value-add industries and build secure domestic supply chains.
"This program connects NSW's world-class research institutions with industry and government partners to drive innovation, foster collaboration and support the translation of promising technologies.
"NSW has an abundance of critical minerals, and our Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy is a blueprint to establish the state as a global leader in the clean energy supply chain.
"We want to see NSW is moving beyond just extracting raw materials to develop more in processing capability and advanced manufacturing technologies."
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"From clean energy to advanced manufacturing, critical minerals will underpin the technologies that power the future.
"That's why we're investing in NSW researchers and innovators to turn breakthrough ideas into commercial opportunities, new industries and good local jobs.
"The Minns Labor Government is building a stronger innovation economy that keeps NSW at the forefront of global technology and manufacturing."
