Critical Minerals in New Zealand
A critical mineral is an element, mineral or rock essential to modern technology and the economy, with supply risks due to limited availability or geopolitical factors, making its stable supply crucial for energy, defence, and technological industries.
Critical minerals are those identified by governments as essential for supporting modern technology, maintaining and developing infrastructure, or providing economic benefits. They play a pivotal role in both industrialised and developing economies and are essential for advancing technologies that will drive the decarbonization of the global economy, such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles (EVs), rechargeable batteries, consumer electronics, telecommunications, specialty alloys, and defence technologies.
New Zealand’s first critical minerals list was released in 2025 by the New Zealand Government. Following consultation with scientists and industry experts, 37 minerals were identified as critical.
Our Critical minerals
Although referred to as ‘Critical Minerals,’ a term that is somewhat subjective, they encompass four different types of materials: elements, minerals, ore, and rock. Extracting these resources requires mining or quarrying enriched rock or sediment to produce what is commonly known as ore. Learn more about some of the Critical Minerals produced in New Zealand here.
Mineral systems
Mineral deposits in New Zealand occur in various geological environments, known as mineral systems. A mineral system is a geological framework that explains how and where mineral deposits form. We use this framework to guide our exploration and research on Critical Minerals. Learn more about Mineral Systems here.
Mātauranga Māori and minerals
Over hundreds of years, through interaction with and adaptation to the environment, Māori have developed a deep understanding and knowledge of minerals. Learn more here.
Research on understanding our mineral systems and deposits
What sort of research do we undertake to understand our mineral system and mineral deposits? At GNS Science we undertake research to assist explorers in understanding mineral systems, locating mineral deposits, developing cutting-edge extraction and processing methodologies, and utilising minerals in the latest material and technology sciences. Learn more here.
Exploring for Minerals in New Zealand
How does exploring for these minerals work in New Zealand? Exploring for minerals in New Zealand is a challenging and dynamic process that combines scientific expertise, advanced technology, and environmental and community considerations. Learn more here.
