The Queensland Government is set to build the first Australian critical minerals facility to target vanadium and other rare earth elements.
A new Australian critical minerals facility will allow mining companies of all sizes to trial mineral processing techniques, demonstrate project feasibility at scale, and provide the market with product samples to accelerate commercial development opportunities.
Queensland company Sedgman has been appointed the Managing Contractor for the facility and will work closely with the Palaszczuk Government to develop the detailed design and construction programme for the Queensland Resources Common User Facility (QRCUF).
Queensland is a prime location to host the first Australian critical minerals facility
Queensland has access to some of the world’s richest critical mineral-producing areas, with the North West Minerals Province assessed to hold deposits worth $500bn.
The Australian critical minerals facility will accelerate the development of commercial mining projects in Queensland, promote investment in advanced mineral manufacturing opportunities, and support supply chain and industry development.
Cameron Dick, Australia’s Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, commented: “Queensland has a strong history as a mining state, and this Common User Facility will ensure we have a strong mineral future as well.
“The critical minerals facility will prepare Queensland for the future of clean energy production through the critical minerals the world needs.
“It will also enable smaller mining companies to prove up their product and develop new opportunities for vanadium mining in Queensland.”
Placing Australia at the forefront of a critical minerals revolution
Mining companies can trial mineral processing techniques, demonstrate project feasibility at scale, and provide the market with product samples to accelerate commercial development opportunities.
Located at the Cleveland Bay Industrial Park in Townsville, the Australian critical minerals facility supports the growth of the state’s emerging critical minerals sector and will help create good jobs in North Queensland.
“We have been an innovation leader in minerals processing in the Queensland and Australian mining industry for 43 years,” said Grant Fraser, Managing Director at Sedgman.
“We see the Queensland Government’s initiative to develop a critical minerals facility as a vital step in ensuring Queensland and Queensland companies stay at the forefront of the technology development essential to develop new resources driven industries required for our energy transition.”
