Queensland companies have secured funding to dig, drill, sample, and survey new critical mineral deposits across the region. The latest Collaborative Exploration Initiative (CEI) round has allocated up to $300,000 to 18 projects, spanning areas near Chillagoe, Cloncurry, Mount Isa, and Townsville. The CEI funding aims to prioritise the discovery of critical minerals essential for producing technologies such as solar panels, turbines, batteries, and other decarbonisation necessities. Notably, nearly three-quarters of the successful projects focus on discovering new copper deposits, a crucial resource for clean energy. The Queensland government has committed $22.6 million over five years to the CEI program…
Backed by more than 20 years’ experience, Core Resources has unveiled its learnings to help the growing critical minerals sector. Core’s metallurgical laboratories were established in Queensland in 1982, and for at least the past two decades they have been designing complex integrated process pilot plants covering a wide range of mineral and hydrometallurgical processes. Core’s Chair Jon Loraine said the team’s experience has resulted in significant trials and subsequent break-throughs when it comes to metallurgy for critical minerals projects. “Obviously the world needs more critical minerals to cater for global population growth and the clean energy transition, however metallurgical…
A recent report by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) reveals that Queensland’s resources sector has significant potential for job creation and economic growth, especially in light of the global transition to low-emission technologies. However, the sector is hindered by uncompetitive government policies and regulatory uncertainty, which are deterring investment. According to the QRC's latest State of the Sector report for the December 2023 quarter, two-thirds of member CEOs believe that demand for their commodities — including coal — will increase over the next three years. Despite this positive outlook, challenges persist. QRC CEO Janette Hewson highlighted concerns regarding the industry's…
Whitehaven Coal has finalised the acquisition of 100 per cent ownership of the Blackwater and Daunia metallurgical coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, marking a significant milestone for the company. This acquisition effectively doubles Whitehaven's business size and ensures job security for Queensland workers for decades to come. Whitehaven Coal Managing Director and CEO Paul Flynn stated: “This is a great day for our business and the workforces at Blackwater and Daunia, and great news for Queensland.” With 95 per cent of Blackwater and Daunia employees accepting offers at Whitehaven, the company looks forward to welcoming more than 2,100 new…
CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, has launched a national survey in collaboration with Voconiq to gather insights into Australians' attitudes towards the mining industry. The survey — open to all Australians aged 18 and over — aims to shape the future of mining research in the country. The survey follows CSIRO's previous surveys in 2014 and 2017, which provided valuable insights into public expectations regarding mining practices in Australia. This new survey offers an opportunity for Australians, including those outside the mining industry, to share their views on mining's role in the national economy, its contribution to global development, and…
Queensland Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals Scott Stewart has unveiled the results of an industry-wide survey aimed at assessing the safety reporting culture within Queensland's mining sector. Conducted for the first time, the survey gathered feedback from over 7500 mine workers to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Presenting the findings at the Curragh and Oaky Creek mines in Central Queensland alongside Interim Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health, Andrew Clough, Minister Stewart highlighted the importance of the survey in understanding and enhancing safety practices in the mining industry. The survey revealed several strengths in the industry,…
CSIRO is offering a 10-week online program to small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the critical minerals industry, aiming to enhance innovation accessibility for Australian businesses. The free online program — Innovate to Grow — is designed to equip SMEs with valuable business insights and strategic plans to leverage research and development (R&D) for their business needs. Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub Manager Lucy O’Connor, who sponsors the initiative, highlighted the importance of SMEs in driving innovation and enhancing the diversity and resilience of critical minerals supply chains. O’Connor emphasised the role of strategic collaboration in scaling up…
