THE Victorian Critical Minerals Roadmap Update 2026 has been released, with the exploration decline opening at Southern Cross Gold’s Sunday Creek project the heart of the release.
The opening of Sunday Creek’s new exploration decline is the project’s first major step towards establishing a new antimony and gold mine, allowing underground drilling to test the feasibility of mining the resource.
The project already employs around 100 people and if progressed is expected to support 500 ongoing local jobs.
It could contribute more than $5.5 billion to Victoria’s economy over its first decade.
The opening comes as Victoria builds momentum across its critical minerals sector, turning growing industry interest into investment and new projects.
A fully developed critical minerals sector could create more than 7,000 jobs across Victoria over the next decade, with major opportunities for regional communities.
Since the 2024 Roadmap was released, investment in the Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination unit has cut project approval times by around 40 per cent, approved two major mineral sands projects and conducted extensive investigation into new minerals opportunities.
The updated Roadmap sets out what comes next – finding new critical mineral opportunities, getting more projects moving and capturing more of their value here in Victoria.
Over the next 12 months, new geological mapping and exploration data will help identify the next generation of projects and give investors better information about where to invest.
Victoria has significant deposits of antimony, rare earths, zircon and titanium – critical minerals used in renewable energy, batteries and advanced manufacturing.
Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes said there was plenty of opportunities at places such as Sunday Creek.
“Victoria has the critical minerals the world needs – and that means a huge opportunity for new investment, new industries and thousands of jobs,” she said.
“We’re backing exploration to find the next generation of critical mineral projects and make sure Victoria gets the jobs and economic benefits that come with them.
“Sunday Creek shows what’s possible – a project that could support hundreds of local jobs and deliver billions of dollars for Victoria.”
