Critical minerals leaders unite to unlock Queensland investment opportunities
Queensland’s burgeoning critical minerals sector is in the global spotlight, with investors, government leaders and industry decision-makers gathering in Brisbane today to help unlock the next generation of resources projects.
The Critical Minerals Investment Pathways event was hosted by the Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) exploration arm, the Queensland Exploration Council (QEC) and the American Chamber of Commerce, Brisbane.
Presenters included Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing, Regional and Rural Development Dale Last, U.S. Consul General Jeremy Cornforth, senior representatives from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation and U.S. Department of Commerce, Export Finance Australia, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Austrade, Trade and Investment Queensland, Critical Minerals Queensland and Queensland Investment Corporation.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson said Queensland was uniquely placed to become a global supplier of the critical minerals needed for advanced manufacturing, defence technologies and the energy transition.
“Queensland has the resources, the expertise and the investment opportunities to become a global critical minerals powerhouse,” Ms Hewson said.
“It was very encouraging to hear our American speakers talk about the important role Queensland can play in opening up new global supply chains for critical minerals and the significant opportunities for new investment into Queensland through US, Australian and Queensland government investment.”
QEC Chair Kim Wainwright said the event followed the State Government’s announcement this week of its Critical Minerals Strategy.
“The Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy is a welcome step forward, particularly its commitment to coordinated industry development, faster approvals, common-user infrastructure and a $250 million Critical Minerals Fund,” Ms Wainwright said.
“These initiatives will help improve investor confidence at a time when other states and countries around the world are competing for critical minerals investment.
“Investment follows confidence. Queensland has world-class critical mineral opportunities and now is the time for investors to take a closer look.”
Ms Hewson said future infrastructure development was needed to strengthen Queensland’s competitiveness.
“To unlock the full potential of the North West Minerals Province we need further investment in the Mount Isa to Townsville rail corridor, industry and government working together on housing and community infrastructure, and certainty around the delivery of major energy projects including CopperString and the North West Energy Fund.
“Our message is simple: Queensland is ready to partner with investors who want to help build the critical minerals supply chains of the future.”
“Coal, gas and metals built and underpin Queensland’s resources industry. Critical minerals are adding a powerful new chapter.
“Our traditional commodities will remain the foundation of Queensland’s economic success, while critical minerals create new opportunities for investment, value add processing, regional jobs and growth.
“Together, they will cement Queensland’s position as a global resources leader for generations to come.”
Media Contact:
Matt Dunstan – [email protected]
