QRC welcomes Morrison Government roadmap to critical minerals Processing

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the release of the Federal Government’s Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing road map as "an important next step in securing the investment needed for the next wave of Queensland resources projects".

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said Queensland was a front-runner when it came to critical minerals, and a targeted strategy to develop the sector was essential to ensure we make the most of our resources.

Mr Macfarlane said the Morrison Government had recognised resources technologies and critical minerals processing as a focus of the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

“Queensland, and Australia, have a natural advantage when it comes to the development of these new economy minerals.  Not only do we have the reserves of the commodities, but we are leaders in the know-how and technology needed to reach their full potential,” he said.

“The Queensland Government has identified the resources sector as a major component of its economic recovery strategy through the Resources Industry Development Plan and 10-year METS Roadmap and Action plan. 

“The advancement of new economy and critical minerals will be an additional economic advantage for Queensland and will be an important focus for the Resources Industry Development Plan, alongside our high-quality coal, gas and minerals sectors.

“As Australia seeks to develop greater sovereign capability and the ability to process and manufacture more higher-value products onshore, Queensland’s vast resources can provide the building blocks across a range of sectors from Defence, to batteries and other renewable technologies," Mr Macfarlane said.

“Queensland’s resources sector has been a pillar of economic stability for the state through the uncertainty of the pandemic. We look forward to the Queensland and Australian Governments working together with industry to fully develop the opportunities in the critical minerals sector.”

Queensland Exploration Council Chair Kim Wainwright said the Australian Government’s critical minerals roadmap highlighted some of the projects currently under development in Queensland including vanadium, nickel, cobalt and scandium projects.

“A QEC Technical Forum last month showcased a number of these projects as well as leading collaborative research between the Queensland Government and University of Queensland," Ms Wainwright said.

“The grants announced today are a welcome support for this important emerging industry,” she said.

CLICK HERE to view and for more information about the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing road map.

www.qrc.org.au

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