Queensland’s critical minerals and energy sectors are set for a significant boost as QEM Limited’s Julia Creek Vanadium and Energy Project receives ‘coordinated project’ status from the state’s Coordinator-General.
The $1.096 billion venture, located 16 kilometres southeast of Julia Creek, aims to establish a greenfield oil shale and vanadium mine, promising substantial economic benefits for Northwest Queensland.
The project’s primary focus is on oil shale extraction and processing, with plans to produce 313 million litres of transport fuel annually, including diesel and aviation fuel.
This output is expected to significantly contribute to Australia’s domestic fuel security over the proposed 30-year mine life.
In addition to fuel production, the project will yield 10,571 tonnes of high-purity vanadium pentoxide per year.
QEM Limited intends to refine this vanadium on-site before transporting it to Townsville for further processing into vanadium electrolyte, a crucial component in vanadium flow batteries.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie emphasised the project’s alignment with the government’s agenda, stating: “This declaration is another example of how Queensland is now open for business under the Crisafulli LNP government.
“Regional Queensland is the engine room of our economy, and we are focused on creating an environment for growth.”
The economic impact of the project is expected to be substantial, with projections of up to 600 jobs during the two-year construction phase and 588 operational jobs.
Notably, at least 35 per cent of these operational positions are anticipated to be filled by residents of Julia Creek and nearby towns.
QEM Limited‘s Managing Director, Gavin Loyden, highlighted the project’s dual benefits: “The dual commodity nature of our project aims to address two urgent needs: long-duration energy storage and domestic fuel security.”
Subject to necessary approvals, construction is slated to begin in 2028, with operations commencing in late 2029.
The coordinated project status will streamline environmental approvals from both state and federal governments, facilitating stakeholder and community consultation processes.
As Queensland positions itself at the forefront of critical minerals and energy production, the Julia Creek project represents a significant step towards enhancing domestic fuel security and advancing the state’s role in the growing market for vanadium-based energy storage solutions.
