RZ Resources has secured approval from the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for its Copi Critical Minerals Project, allowing the company to aim for initial production in early 2029.
The planned operation, located 75km northwest of Wentworth in south-western NSW, is described by the company as among the largest known deposits of critical minerals worldwide.
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Once operational, the project will produce titanium minerals such as rutile, leucoxene and ilmenite, alongside premium zircon and rare earth elements including monazite and xenotime.
The project has attracted backers including JX Advanced Metals and Marubeni, which have provided investment and support.
According to RZ Resources, the project has received recognition from governments in Australia, the US, Japan and India, underlining its significance for international supply chains.
The Copi Critical Minerals Project has received backing from the governments of Australia, the US, Japan and India.
It was included in US Export–Import Bank (EXIM) financing announcements at the 2025 Quad Leaders’ Summit, highlighting its role in international supply chains for these countries.
In addition, the Australian and Japanese governments referred to the project in a joint statement on critical minerals cooperation released in May 2026.
The Copi Project is expected to generate up to 480 direct jobs during its construction phase, before shifting to a permanent workforce of approximately 240 roles once operational.
It is anticipated to deliver up to $97m in annual economic benefit to the surrounding region.
The recent approval from NSW authorities was granted following a period of public consultation, review by relevant government bodies, and submission of a detailed Response to Submissions by the company.
This stage approval is a key requirement before RZ Resources can obtain final clearances for construction, secure project funding, and reach a final investment decision.
RZ Resources founder and executive chairman David Fraser said: “Receiving NSW development approval for the Copi Project is a defining moment for RZ Resources, for the Wentworth community, and for Australia’s critical minerals sector.
“It marks a major milestone on our pathway towards first production in early 2029 and reflects the confidence of the NSW Government that Copi can be developed responsibly, sustainably and to the long-term benefit of the region.”
RZ Resources is also refurbishing its Mineral Separation Plant (MSP) on the Brisbane River.
The MSP is scheduled to be recommissioned in 2027 and, ahead of the Copi mine’s start, is set to process ore from third parties.
