Westland Mineral Sands (WMS) has welcomed the Government’s decision to ringfence $80 million in the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the development and processing of New Zealand’s critical minerals resources.
The announcement, made jointly by Resources Minister Shane Jones and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, signals growing recognition of both the regional development opportunity and the strategic importance of secure international supply chains.
WMS Managing Director Ray Mudgway said the commitment reflects the scale of global demand and New Zealand’s opportunity to be a credible and reliable contributor to the critical minerals market.
“The Government’s decision to back the development and processing of New Zealand’s critical minerals resources is a significant step forward for the sector,” Mr Mudgway said.
“Global demand for critical minerals is rising rapidly. New Zealand has the resources and the expertise to contribute responsibly and credibly to secure allied supply chains.”
WMS is actively advancing plans to establish domestic value-add processing capability for West Coast mineral sands, enabling New Zealand to capture more long-term economic value rather than exporting Heavy Mineral Concentrate (HMC).
The company has developed a plan to co-fund and build a commercial-scale flotation and dry mineral separation facility at Buller South. The project is shovel-ready and capable of being operational within 18 months.
“It’s important that we think beyond extraction. Our proposed processing facility would strengthen New Zealand’s advanced minerals capability, create high-value regional employment, and help position the West Coast at the forefront of responsible critical minerals development,” says Mudgway.
The project would generate local engineering contracts and 40–45 high-value, full-time roles, with average salaries above $100,000, supporting West Coast families and strengthening Te Tai Poutini’s skilled workforce.
WMS’s inter-generational resource base, established operations, and existing infrastructure position the company strongly to support growing global demand for minerals essential to clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Mr Mudgway said the company remained committed to responsible development in partnership with iwi, local communities, and Government.
“Our Westport operations are well established, and we have a proven track record in safe and responsible mining. We are committed to ensuring that critical minerals development delivers shared economic, social and environmental benefits for Te Tai Poutini and for New Zealand.”
WMS has submitted an application aligned with the objectives outlined in the Government’s announcement and will provide further updates as appropriate.
