RZ Resources is positioned to be a significant contributor to global critical minerals supply chains, after the New South Wales Government approved its A$693 million Copi Critical Minerals Project.
Located in southwestern New South Wales, the Copi mine sits on one of the world’s largest critical minerals deposits. The mine will produce rare earth concentrates, titanium feedstocks and premium zircon.
Copi’s output will be processed at RZ Resources’ Mineral Separation Plant (MSP) in Brisbane, the only major mineral processing facility of its kind on Australia’s east coast. The MSP will enable value-added mineral products to be exported without offshore processing, strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability in the critical minerals supply chain.
The project is expected to produce approximately 413,000 tonnes of finished products each year in the first 10 years of production alone. Approximately 85% of future production is under Memorandums of Understanding with commercial partners in the US, Japan, Europe and other markets.
‘Copi is a globally significant critical minerals opportunity that will help Australia and its allies secure supply chains for the materials that underpin energy, manufacturing and defence,’ says David Fraser, RZ Resources Founder and Executive Chairman.
‘We are committed to delivering this nationally significant project in a way that this region and this country can be proud of.’
RZ Resources expects first production to start in 2029. The project will create up to 480 jobs during construction and 240 ongoing jobs.
A globally significant critical minerals project
The Copi Critical Minerals Project is a strategically important initiative that has been formally recognised by the governments of Australia, India, Japan and the United States – the 4 nations involved in the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative.
The US Government has already made major commitments to the Copi Project. In March 2026, RZ Resources and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) signed an Indicative Term Sheet for US$550 million, advancing RZ Resources’ plan to produce critical minerals and rare earths in Australia.
The term sheet follows a Letter of Interest from EXIM and a Letter of Support from Export Finance Australia (EFA) in October 2025. EXIM’s Letter of Interest indicates that EXIM would consider financing of up to US$450 million, in cooperation with EFA under the EXIM–EFA Single Point of Entry (SPE). Established by EFA and EXIM, the SPE is a streamlined pathway for businesses to approach both agencies and enable faster referrals and joint financings of eligible critical mineral transactions.
RZ Resources is the first Australian critical minerals company to receive backing from EXIM and the first Australian project of any kind to secure EXIM financing approval in more than a decade.
Representatives from Marubeni Corporation visited the Copi Critical Minerals Project, which will produce rare earth concentrates, titanium feedstocks and premium zircon.
Commercial partnership with Japanese corporations
RZ Resources has also received investment and support from Japan’s JX Advanced Metals Corporation and Marubeni Corporation.
JX Advanced Metals Corporation is investing A$20 million in the Copi Critical Minerals Project, with an additional contribution option of A$5 million and a further A$5 million in convertible funding. The investment is the first part of an anticipated multi-stage commitment, joint venture framework and a long-term partnership between the 2 organisations.
Marubeni Corporation has agreed to invest A$15 million in the project, with options for future equity participation and certain marketing and collaboration rights. Under the agreement, Marubeni can obtain an equity interest of up to 5% in total.
In a media statement, Marubeni noted: “Japan relies on imports for nearly all of its critical minerals and rare earths, making supply chain diversification an urgent priority. Located in geopolitically stable Australia and large in scale among undeveloped mineral sands deposits, the Copi Critical Minerals Project is expected to play an important role in strengthening Japan’s economic security.”
That sentiment was echoed when the Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan signed a Joint Statement on Elevated Critical Minerals Cooperation. The Copi Project was one of 6 projects highlighted by both governments as strategically important to the diversification of global supply chains.
Austrade supported both Japanese parties to progress investments to diversify and secure their critical minerals supply chains.
Australia’s critical minerals opportunities
Building a resilient critical minerals industry that can contribute to global supply chains is a priority for the Australian Government under its Future Made in Australia agenda. Foreign capital and capability will be essential in meeting this goal.
Australia offers strong investment opportunities across mining and midstream processing. The latest Australian Critical Minerals Prospectus showcases 94 investment-ready projects, comprising 58 upstream and 36 midstream projects.
Find out why Australia is made for critical minerals investment.
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