The federal government has announced its support for two major critical minerals projects in Queensland and South Australia, aiming to boost Australia’s manufacturing sector while creating hundreds of jobs and opportunities.

The government will provide $400 million in new loans to Australian company Alpha HPA to establish Australia’s first high-purity alumina processing facility in Queensland.

The Alpha HPA project in Gladstone is expected to create approximately 490 jobs during construction and more than 200 jobs upon completion.

This project is significant for Gladstone, a city crucial to the economic prosperity of Central Queensland.

It will place Gladstone at the forefront of Australia’s critical minerals industry by processing high-purity alumina, a critical mineral used in LED lighting, semiconductors, and lithium-ion batteries.

The loans for the Alpha HPA project will be provided by Export Finance Australia (EFA) through the government’s $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility, as well as through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and EFA’s Commercial Account.

In addition, the government has conditionally approved $185 million to Renascor Resources to accelerate the development of Stage One of its Siviour Graphite Project in South Australia.

This project will deliver economic benefits to South Australia, creating around 150 construction jobs and 125 operational jobs in Arno Bay on the Eyre Peninsula.

Stage Two of the project is expected to create a further 225 construction jobs and more than 120 operational jobs in Bolivar, near Port Adelaide.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated: “We are building a future made in Australia with secure jobs in our regions. Today we are demonstrating what that means here in Gladstone and in South Australia.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles also expressed his support for the projects, highlighting Queensland’s backing of Alpha HPA from the beginning.

He stated: “Queensland is truly the place to invest, and this project delivers more clean economy jobs in Central Queensland processing the critical minerals needed for LEDs, semiconductors, and batteries.”

Minister for Resources Madeleine King highlighted the importance of Australia’s critical minerals and rare earths in building renewable technologies, defence systems, and medical technologies.

King said: “The investments announced help create a new industry in Australia, supporting local jobs and economic development, and building the bedrock of a future made in Australia.”