Silver Star Resources is seeking Australian Government assessment of silver for inclusion on the Critical Minerals List, with the Strategic Materials List as an alternative pathway.
Silver plays an important role in the technologies shaping our future. It is used in solar cells, electrical contacts, electronics and industrial applications where conductivity and reliability matter. These uses give silver a significance that extends well beyond bullion and jewellery.
At Silver Star Resources, we believe that significance deserves closer consideration in Australia’s resources policy. We are progressing a submission requesting that the Australian Government assess silver for inclusion on the Critical Minerals List, with the Strategic Materials List as an alternative if the government determines that further evidence of supply-chain vulnerability is required.
We have received support from other silver miners and are approaching additional companies to strengthen the industry’s contribution to this process.
Our objective is an evidence-based assessment of silver’s industrial importance, supply-chain risks and the contribution Australian projects could make to future supply.
Australia maintains two distinct lists. The Critical Minerals List considers technological and economic importance alongside vulnerability to supply disruption. The Strategic Materials List recognises important materials whose supply chains do not currently meet that vulnerability threshold. Silver does not appear on either list published by the department at the time of writing.
We believe silver warrants assessment against these criteria. That assessment should consider its role in priority technologies, the resilience of its supply chains and Australia’s capacity to contribute through mining, processing and recycling.
For us, this question has a practical dimension.
Over the past four years, Silver Star Resources has acquired and consolidated a portfolio of historical mining assets in Queensland. We are advancing the restart of the Texas Silver Mine, with the aim of commencing production in early 2027.
That work puts us close to the decisions involved in bringing mining assets back into operation: technical planning, capital requirements, infrastructure and commercial relationships. It reinforces our view that policy discussions should draw on the experience of companies working to deliver future production.
Recognition would not, by itself, establish a project’s commercial viability or secure funding. Those outcomes depend on each project’s merits and the requirements of any relevant programme. Our case is that silver deserves a clear assessment within the national framework.
A strong submission also needs perspectives beyond individual mining companies. We welcome input from processors, manufacturers, researchers and others who can contribute evidence about silver’s uses, supply constraints, substitution options and future demand.
Read our submission
The accompanying submission sets out our request and supporting evidence. This copy retains its original data, including a 2025 forecast from the World Silver Survey 2025. Read those figures in their stated historical context, not as updated 2026 market data.
We will share updates here as the initiative progresses, alongside developments at the Texas Silver Mine. This is an industry proposal seeking government consideration; we are not announcing an inclusion decision.
Subscribe for updates on the Texas Silver restart and our work to advance recognition of silver’s strategic importance.
Silver Star Resources Pty Ltd, Level 11, 307 Queen Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia. Mobile: 0407 682 470. Email: mailto:richard@texassilver.com.au. Website: https://silverstarsilver.com/