The Queensland government and the resources sector joined forces in Brisbane last week at the Queensland Exploration Council (QEC) Innovation Summit, seeking fresh strategies to boost confidence among resource explorers and secure the state’s ability to meet surging demand for gas, critical minerals, coal, and metals.
Hosted on July 16, 2025, at The Westin, the full-day event brought government and industry leaders together in a dynamic, “speed dating” style series of sessions designed to uncover new opportunities and tackle ongoing challenges surrounding mineral exploration across the state.
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson emphasised the urgency of the moment.
“We are at a critical juncture for exploration and meeting global demand for Queensland abundant reserves,” Hewson said.
Highlighting the magnitude of the challenge, Hewson continued, stating: “The International Energy Agency outlines 300 new critical minerals mines are needed globally by 2030 just to meet current demand.
“This doesn’t consider the new mines needed to meet demand for steelmaking coal and gas that are essential to our energy mix, the energy transition and the things we need for our modern lives.
“Meeting demand is an opportunity for Queensland explorers, for the skilled people who work in resources and importantly for all of us as Queenslanders.”
A central theme of the summit was the need for globally competitive policies and streamlined approvals to attract capital and expedite new mining projects.
The event featured economists, engineers, technology experts, and senior government figures debating how policy innovation can accelerate exploration efforts.
The keynote address, delivered by the Director-General for the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, set the stage for robust discussions about restoring explorer confidence and enabling faster unlocking of future reserves.
A major focus was on improving explorers’ access to funding, recognising the financial barriers faced during the capital-intensive early stages of project development.
QEC Chair Kim Wainwright underscored both the challenges and the potential ahead, stating: “The QEC Scorecard highlighted that the exploration sector is facing both opportunities and challenges over the next three to five years.
“Summits like these encourage new ways of thinking that can turn around low confidence and lead to better outcomes for all Queenslanders.
“Queensland holds a reputation as a global leader in mining technology, productivity, and safe and sustainable practices, and by bringing together major producers, explorers and government we can continue to build on our past successes.
“There are many explorers who are at the forefront of technology and the next generation of miners that will unlock future reserves for Queensland.”
The Summit concluded with a collective commitment by both government and industry stakeholders to review policy settings, strengthen support for explorers, and enhance Queensland’s stature as a global hub for minerals, energy, and innovation.
With critical minerals and resources in the spotlight, both sectors stressed that collaboration and inventive thinking will be vital to meeting the challenges — and seizing the opportunities — in the years ahead.
