New Zealand Critical Minerals
New Zealand’s emerging critical minerals sector presents promising opportunities for U.S. mining technology companies. With government-led efforts to diversify the economy and transition to clean energy, New Zealand is ramping up exploration of its untapped mineral resources - including rare earth elements (REEs), lithium, cobalt, antimony, and vanadium.
New Zealand’s new Minerals Strategy and Critical Minerals List signal a policy shift to grow the sector—aiming to double minerals exports to NZ$3 billion by 2035 - which will require modern exploration, processing, ESG, and workforce solutions that U.S. suppliers can provide.
Where the opportunity is:
The New Zealand Government has undertaken a detailed stocktake of the country’s mineral potential, updating targets and data access for explorers - an on-ramp for AI-enabled geoscience, geophysics, and drilling technologies.
New Zealand hosts significant titanomagnetite irons and resources (e.g., Taharoa), long mined and processed domestically, creating scope for efficiency upgrades, automation, and by-product recovery (e.g., vanadium where feasible).
The Critical Minerals List clarifies priority materials tied to clean energy and technology supply chains, supporting demand for U.S. capabilities in separation, hydrometallurgy/pyrometallurgy, traceability, and low-emission processing.
New Zealand places a strong emphasis on sustainability and Māori partnership in resource development. U.S. companies with technologies that enhance ESG performance - including real-time emissions monitoring, water conservation systems, and renewable energy integration - can support responsible mining operations. Solutions that help verify mineral provenance, reduce waste, and enable circular economy models (e.g., battery recycling, recovery from tailings and e-waste) are also in demand.
Why now:
The Crown Minerals Act was amended in 2025 to promote development, attract permit applications, and streamline aspects of permitting/data use—likely increasing exploration activity and interest in multi-client geophysical data. U.S. firms offering subsurface imaging, remote operations, digital twins, and real-time monitoring are well placed to help de-risk projects under the updated regime.
Market access & partners:
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals (NZPAM), the New Zealand government regulator within the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) administers minerals permits and technical reporting; aligning with these requirements creates opportunities for U.S. consultants in compliance, ESG, tailings, and closure planning.
Industry engagement runs through the New Zealand Minerals Council (formerly Straterra), the West Coast Minerals Forum and AusIMM’s NZ Branch, with active conferences and forums where U.S. firms can connect with operators and policymakers.
Important context:
While policy is supportive, social license remains pivotal - particularly for seabed/near-shore proposals. New Zealand seeks to balance environmental protection and long-term environmental sustainability with the need for resource development hence there is also strong interest in low-impact exploration methods to align with New Zealand’s high environmental standards and community expectations.
What to bring to market (examples):
• AI-assisted geoscience, geophysics, and drill-planning tools to accelerate discovery under new strategy settings.
• Modular/low-emission processing, REE/critical-mineral separation, and water/energy efficiency systems for existing operations and future projects.
• ESG, provenance, and compliance platforms aligned to NZPAM reporting and evolving ESG expectations.
• Automation, robotics, and monitoring to lift productivity and safety at established irons and and hard-rock sites.
Call to action:
U.S. mining tech firms should engage with New Zealand’s mining operators, Māori enterprises, research institutions, and government agencies to explore commercial and innovation partnerships. Participating in regional forums such as the New Zealand Minerals Forum, AusIMM and IMARC conferences, and cross-Tasman initiatives on critical minerals can provide strategic exposure. Companies offering ESG-aligned, scalable, and sustainable technologies will find growing interest from both public and private sector players as New Zealand advances its critical minerals ambitions.
Contact:
For tailored assistance entering New Zealand’s mining market, contact the U.S. Commercial Service in New Zealand at office.newzealand@trade.gov.