Queensland’s historic Mount Chalmers mine is set to be revitalised after laying dormant for more than four decades, following a AU$15 million state government investment.
The historic site was one of the first mines discovered in Queensland, with prospectors originally finding gold there as far back as 1860.
The fresh injection of capital, delivered through the Queensland Investment Corporation’s (QIC) Critical Minerals Fund, will allow operator QMines Ltd. to fast-track its redevelopment plans.
The site and its surrounding satellite projects host approximately 20 million tonnes of mineral resources, containing high-value deposits of copper, gold, zinc, and silver.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the state’s investment was more than just unlocking the state’s mineral potential.
“This investment is about bringing jobs and long-term opportunity back to the region,” Bates said.
“We are fast-tracking this project because it has enormous potential to create growth for Central Queensland and supply critical minerals that are in high demand globally.”
The funding injection has already triggered a flurry of development activities as QMines advances toward a final investment decision.
The company has awarded major definitive feasibility study (DFS) work packages covering geology, mining, geotechnical engineering, and environmental approvals.
Baseline environmental studies and permitting activities are also underway alongside an updated three-dimensional geological model designed to optimise future mine planning.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last stated that re-commercialising abandoned mine sites is a key economic priority for the state, noting that the government has allocated an additional AU$100 million to the Critical Minerals Fund in the 2026–27 Budget to cut red tape and streamline approvals for similar projects.
QMines Chairman and Managing Director Andrew Sparke welcomed the state’s backing, emphasising the long-term benefits for the local community and the broader energy transition.
“Our staged approach will allow us to bring the project online efficiently, while building a long-term operation that supports ongoing employment and regional growth,” Sparke said.
“Copper is essential to the global energy transition, and projects like Mount Chalmers will help ensure Queensland remains a reliable supplier of these important resources.”
