Media - COEMinerals highlighted in Newcastle Herald feature following Australia-US Critical Minerals deal

COEMinerals shout out:

The region’s credentials are further enhanced by the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals’, which is based at the University of Newcastle.
The centre, established in 2021, is developing and commercialising new and more sustainable mining technologies as demand for minerals — including those used in white goods, smart phones and Critical minerals projects can be a big driver of jobs and economic opportunities across regional NSW.

Full story: Newcastle Herald 

Headline: Coming up Trumps

By Matthew Kelly

Wednesday 22 October 2025

The Hunter stands to be a major beneficiary of an $8.5 billion critical minerals deal between Australia and the United States. Under the landmark pact, Australia will step up rare earth production and send it to the US for use in the production of clean energy, computing and defence technologies. Three Hunter coal mines and a power station have been identified as holding millions of dollars worth of criticalminerals and high-tech metal deposits within their waste.The Hunter mines are among 28 current and historic mine sites in the state that contain the high-value materials.

Tellurium, an element that is used in the production of solar cells and thermoelectric devices, has been found at the Stratford mine near Gloucester.

The former mine site is set to become a clean energy hub following the completion of mining in 2024.

Bismuth and tellurium have been found at the Hunter Valley Operations and Ravensworth mines.

Bismuth, rare earth elements, rhenium and tellurium have been found at the Mandalong-Newstan mine at Lake Macquarie, while bismuth, rare earth elements and tellurium have been uncovered at Vales Point
power station.

State government data released earlier this year will also help focus explorers and miners on the best opportunities for development. It could lead to an increase on the 190 critical minerals exploration titles
already being pursued across NSW.

“NSW has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to position itself as a global leader in the critical minerals sector,” Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said.

“Critical minerals projects can be a big driver of jobs and economic opportunities across regional NSW.

“We’re reaching out and doing what we can to partner with the sector as it grows over the next decade.”

The region’s credentials are further enhanced by the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals’, which is based at the University of Newcastle.
The centre, established in 2021, is developing and commercialising new and more sustainable mining technologies as demand for minerals — including those used in white goods, smart phones and Critical minerals projects can be a big driver of jobs and economic opportunities across regional NSW.