The Queensland government has injected AU$30 million into Silica Resources Australia (SRA), unlocking a major critical minerals export opportunity in Far North Queensland.
Funded through the Queensland Investment Corporation’s AU$250 million Queensland Critical Minerals Fund (QCMF), the investment backs SRA’s Mourilyan Silica Sands project.
The funding has secured the plant, equipment, and land acquisitions needed to access more than 50 million tonnes of high-purity silica sand.
The backing will allow SRA to double its annual production from 360,000 tonnes to more than 750,000 tonnes within five years.
SRA is preparing its inaugural export shipment from the Port of Mourilyan to Asian markets later this year under a long-term lease agreement with Ports North.
The company is also investigating a partnership with MSF Sugar to potentially utilise the local cane rail network for future transport.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the investment positions Queensland to capitalise on a global silica market projected to surpass AU$36 billion by 2032.
“Queensland is open for business and we know there’s huge global demand for the critical minerals we’ve got right under our feet,” Bates said.
“Our investment into SRA has unlocked a massive export opportunity which is going to support jobs and economic growth in Far North Queensland.”
The milestone comes alongside the launch of the Delivering Queensland’s Critical Minerals Future 2026–2030 strategy, supported by an additional $100 million injected into the QCMF in this year’s State Budget.
Silica Resources Australia CEO Rob Tindall said the company was pleased to be progressing exports through the Port of Mourilyan under a long-term lease agreement.
“Ports North has been a fantastic partner throughout the process, with a strong focus on creating benefits for the regional communities they serve,” Tindall said.
“We have made strong progress at our Mourilyan Silica Sands Project since QIC’s investment with mining and domestic sales established – and the Port gives us the opportunity to expand to international exporting later this year.”
