A $30 million investment by the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) has kick-started the Mourilyan Silica Sands project, creating 180 new jobs and positioning Queensland as a major exporter of high-quality silica sand and flour to the Asia-Pacific region.
The project, located 30 kilometres south of Innisfail, will ramp up annual production to more than 360,000 tonnes in the next 12 months and exceed 750,000 tonnes within five years.
Silica flour, a key component for glass, solar, and automotive industries, will be extracted from the site and trucked 27 kilometres to the Port of Mourilyan for export to key trading partners across Asia.
The mineral is essential for advanced technologies such as semiconductors and solar panels, with growing demand in countries like Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates announced the investment at the International Mining and Resources Conference in Sydney, highlighting the project’s role in restoring Queensland’s reputation on the world stage after a decade of decline and missed opportunities under previous governments.
Bates said Far North Queensland is finally seeing the investment it has long needed after years of decline.
He added that the state government is driving a fresh start through new employment, investment, and trade opportunities to help Queenslanders build the lifestyles they deserve.
She added: “That includes investing in the development of high-quality assets, like the Mourilyan Silica Sands project.
“Silica flour is an essential precursor for silicon, a key component in advanced technologies like semiconductors and solar panels.
“Demand in countries like Japan, Korea and Taiwan is growing rapidly, and we are taking strong action to make sure Queensland is essential in the global supply chain.”
Minister Bates noted that QIC’s investment has delivered the plant, equipment, and land acquisitions for Silica Resources Australia (SRA) to begin mining the more than 50 million tonnes of silica sand on the project site.
“QIC’s investment in SRA will help deliver better outcomes and stronger returns, with better utilisation of a key asset and a significant local employer,” she said.
Silica Resources Australia Managing Director Rob Tindall said the project will develop its own common user infrastructure at the port as expansion works commence.
“This investment and our existing mining lease has allowed us to start extracting from a silica deposit requiring only shallow, low-cost extraction methods,” Tindall said.
“Silica flour is required to make the silicon used in solar panels and electronics, with other uses in construction sand, 3D printing and fibreglass.
“Demand driven by solar and clean energy technologies is anticipated to grow the global silica sand market to more than $36 billion by 2032, and this project allows North Queensland to secure a stake in that market while creating local employment and trade opportunities,” he added.
SRA expressed gratitude to its investors, the Queensland government, and QIC for their ongoing support, looking forward to an exciting year ahead.
