Queensland unveils major initiatives to boost critical minerals industry

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Queensland’s burgeoning critical minerals industry is on display to the world with the launch of two new initiatives.

The Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus showcases projects ready for investment at different mining stages.

This information is complemented by details of Queensland’s critical mineral sector, including known endowments, and the actions the Miles Government is taking to accelerate the development of this sector.

The prospectus is backed by the Critical Minerals Investor Hub, a new online tool connecting potential investors with government agencies as well as proponents of projects already in development.

Profiling and promoting Queensland is a key action from the $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy.

Queensland is rich in the critical mineral resources needed to make the technologies required to make the shift towards a greener low-emission economy.

“Queensland is in the box seat to capitalise on the global push to decarbonise because quite simply, we’ve won the geological lottery,” said Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart.

He continued, “Our message is simple: there’s no better place to invest in critical minerals than in Queensland. We have the critical minerals below the ground and our ambition is to go beyond just mining these resources but to also process them and manufacture the renewable energy technologies like wind turbines, solar panels, and storage batteries right here in Queensland.”

“We are already working with proponents to make this industry a reality but the prospectus we’ve launched is about building on that momentum,” Stewart added.

“That’s why we’ve also launched the Critical Minerals Investor Hub, a one-stop portal for those wanting to make Queensland a part of their investment portfolio. Through the portal, investors can get in touch with key stakeholders across the government and proponents with critical minerals projects in different stages of development. There’s never been a better time to be a part of the next chapter in Queensland’s resources chapter,” he stated.

Richmond Vanadium Technology Managing Director Jon Price echoed Stewart’s enthusiasm: “With the vast resources across Queensland and the opportunity for the Australian resource sector to be at the forefront of the global energy transition, the Queensland Government should be commended for developing the $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy and providing key infrastructure to progress the critical minerals industry.”

Price further emphasised, “The launch of the Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus will increase global exposure and interest in Queensland projects and lead to important introductions to key investment stakeholders.”

“Richmond Vanadium Technology looks forward to showcasing our Richmond Julia Creek Project in North Queensland, one of the world’s largest vanadium oxide deposits, via the Critical Minerals Investor Hub, a great initiative in supporting the development of the Queensland critical minerals industry,” added Price.

The Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus and the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy are now accessible online, along with the new Critical Minerals Investor Hub.