The Victorian government is helping regional businesses explore onshore antimony processing options, laying the groundwork for high-skilled jobs and increased investment across regional communities.
Under the state’s Advancing Antimony Grants program, Kilmore-based explorer Southern Cross Gold and Ballarat-based technology supplier Gekko Systems will share more than AU$750,000 in funding.
The grants will support feasibility studies into local processing solutions and supply chain integration, building a commercial case to retain more value within Victoria’s critical minerals sector.
Antimony is a highly sought-after, heat-resistant critical mineral with essential applications in solar panel glass, energy storage batteries, defence technologies, and advanced electronics.
The funded studies will investigate processing pathways for antimony extracted from the active Costerfield Mine, as well as potential new mineral deposits in central Victoria.
Southern Cross Gold will utilise its grant to evaluate future processing pathways linked to its flagship Sunday Creek Project. Meanwhile, Gekko Systems will leverage its global minerals processing expertise to assess scaling opportunities for domestic supply chains.
The initiative aligns with Victoria’s updated Critical Minerals Roadmap, designed to help the state expand its resources sector and capture downstream processing benefits.
Government estimates indicate Victoria’s total critical minerals endowment is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, with the potential to generate up to 7,000 jobs in north-west Victoria alone.
Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes pointed out the economic potential of keeping processing operations within the state.
“Victoria’s critical minerals could create more than 7,000 jobs – processing more of them here means more opportunities for regional Victorians,” Symes said.
“We’re backing Southern Cross Gold and Gekko Systems to build the case for local antimony processing and bring new investment to regional Victoria. We want to get more out of the minerals we mine – more skilled jobs, more local industry and more value staying in Victoria.”
