EQ Resources has been awarded the tender for resource exploration activities across a 480 square kilometre area, which includes the former Wolfram Camp and Bamford Hill mines.
The mine was abandoned in late 2018 and has since been a part of the Queensland Government’s Abandoned Mine Lands Program.
Situated 90 kilometres west of Cairns, Wolfram Camp is named for wolframite – an important primary ore of tungsten which miners have been extracting from the site since the 19th century.
The critical mineral has numerous uses including in solar technology, wind turbine blades, drill bits and filaments for lighting.
Global demand for critical minerals like tungsten will continue to increase as more countries work towards a net zero future.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the project is a pilot that could potentially see more former mine sites around the state transformed from a liability to an asset.
“EQ Resources has a proven track record in revitalising former mines, having established significant mine waste reprocessing operations and recently announcing starting open cut mining at its nearby Mt Carbine tungsten project, creating up to 135 good jobs.
“The re-commercialisation of Wolfram Camp is a key action of the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan.
“Queensland has many of the critical minerals needed to make the renewable energy technologies the world needs for a net zero emissions future.”
The Queensland Critical Mineral Strategy will oversee $245 million of investment into growing the sector. Part of the Strategy will focus on supporting companies looking to extracting critical minerals from waste and tailings at existing and former mines.
“This tender will not only create more good jobs for the region but helps us meet the challenge of leading the world towards a decarbonised future,” the Minister said.
EQ Resources CEO Kevin MacNeill said they are committed to engaging closely with the communities around Wolfram Camp to create shared prosperity and opportunities.
“This includes generating new employment avenues, contributing to the local economy, and promoting responsible environmental stewardship.
“The company’s success at Mt Carbine is a testament to its ability to transform historical mining sites into thriving operations with a positive impact on the environment and surrounding communities and we envision a similar transformation for Wolfram Camp.
The miner will apply modern exploration techniques and technologies to maximise the site’s potential while minimising its environmental footprint.