A Queensland tin mine will supply up to 100 per cent of production to the US, a deal that will strengthen the critical minerals supply chain between Australia and the United States.
Under the deal, US Department of Defense-backed refiner Nathan Trotter & Co will purchase the full production output of Huntore Australia’s Mount Garnet polymetallic operation.
The agreement follows high-level trade delegations to the US led by Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last and Premier David Crisafulli.
Minister Last highlighted that the deal demonstrates international confidence in Queensland’s stable regulatory environment and resource potential.
“With 51 of the world’s critical minerals, more than $1 trillion in resource potential, thousands of highly skilled workers and a government that genuinely wants to see resources projects get off the ground, Queensland is quickly becoming a globally competitive investment location for critical minerals development,” Last said.
Huntore Australia Chairman Jim Moonier noted that Queensland’s strong reputation for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards played a pivotal role in securing the deal, adding that he hopes the agreement will be the first of many for the Mount Garnet site.
Located approximately 100 kilometres south-west of Cairns, the mine employs up to 25 local contractor staff and is projected to produce up to 3,000 tonnes of tin annually.
Tin has increasingly emerged as a crucial input for modern electronics, renewable energy infrastructure, advanced defence hardware, and semiconductor manufacturing.
With global supply chains undergoing significant restructuring, Western nations are actively seeking to secure reliable pathways for critical minerals outside traditional dominant markets.
The deal aligns with the state government’s Delivering Queensland’s Critical Minerals Future 2026–2030 framework, supported by a AU$146 million investment in the 2026–27 State Budget to accelerate mineral extraction, processing, and export opportunities.
Queensland holds 51 of the world’s identified critical minerals and an estimated $1 trillion in total resource potential.
By strengthening direct trade ties with allies like the United States, the state continues to position itself as a key supplier in the global critical minerals transition.
