The Victorian government will establish critical minerals priority development zones and centralise project approvals as part of a new roadmap designed to unlock rare earth deposits valued at an estimated $200 billion.
The state’s Critical Minerals Roadmap, announced as part of the Economic Growth Statement on Monday, also foreshadows future reforms to fast-track approvals, which has been welcomed by the mining lobby and criticised by conservation groups.
The reforms are intended to make Victoria an attractive destination for critical minerals investment in exchange for lasting social and economic benefits for regional communities and First Nations people.
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