The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) welcomes the release of the Federal Government’s updated Critical Mineral Strategy as a step forward in the development of a framework to support the sector’s future growth.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said growing international demand for critical minerals presents enormous opportunity for Queensland’s resources sector.
“Queensland has abundant reserves of the new minerals the world needs as we transition to a decarbonised future, and the Federal Government’s Critical Minerals strategy recognises that more mines will be needed if we are to meet ambitious emissions reduction targets,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Queensland’s resources sector looks forward to working with the Federal Government to ensure the right policy settings are in place to allow the sustainable development of the state’s critical minerals industry to meet its full potential.
“The $500 million funding through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility will be welcomed by the Queensland critical minerals sector and consultation with industry will be important on how it can best build new opportunities for our state.”
Queensland Exploration Council (QEC) Chair Kim Wainwright said the exploration-focused member group supports explorers on their pathway to production, with members exploring for high-demand minerals such as vanadium, rare earths, tungsten, manganese and high-purity alumina – all essential to build and power future technologies.
“Today’s release of a national Critical Minerals Strategy is a great next step to attracting more investment for exploration and developing Queensland’s burgeoning critical mineral industry,” Ms Wainwright said.
“The Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan includes a number of recommendations on developing our critical minerals industry and we look forward to working with all levels of government to ensure a coordinated approach from both the State and Commonwealth governments in facilitating these endeavours.”
