Minister officially opens Federation Mine

The Federation Mine near Nymagee was officially opened last Wednesday by Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos.

Aurelia Metals’ Federation Mine is the state’s newest critical minerals and high-tech metals mine and over its projected initial eight year mine life will support more than 140 skilled jobs and provide a $143 million investment boost to the Far West.

In 2022, NSW Resources estimated the mine would contribute $74 million in royalties over the initial project life.

The company forecasts the mine will produce up to 600,000 tonnes each year, with a focus on high-grade zinc, gold, copper and lead.

“Opening the Federation mine highlights the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to critical minerals and the valuable jobs the mining industry supports, including in the Far West,” Minister Houssos said.

“Mining has a long and proud history in NSW, and opening the Federation mine today shows it also has a bright future.

“The critical minerals and high-tech metals from mines across NSW will help build the products for a clean energy future.

“With deposits of 21 of the 31 nationally identified critical and strategic minerals, NSW is well placed to be a global leader,” she said.

“The Federation Mine will bring immediate employment and investment benefits to Cobar, but it will also support more jobs and investment through supply chains and towns right across the Far West.”

Aurelia Metals CEO Bryan Quinn welcomed the Minister to the Federation Mine site last week.

“It is remarkable to be opening a brand new mine only discovered in 2019,” Mr Quinn said.

“The short turnaround is testament to the excellent collaboration of NSW government agencies, the Aurelia team and strong support from the community.

“It puts in place a strong foundation for the future success of the Federation Mine and high-quality jobs and opportunities in the region.

“Federation is one of the highest-grade base metals development projects in Australia and is a key building block to unlock Aurelia’s growth potential in the Cobar Basin.

“Cash flow generated from Federation will help to advance Aurelia’s next organic growth project, which is the Great Cobar deposit,” Mr Quinn said…