METS sector gets boost

THE QLD Government will contribute $1.8 million this financial year to support start-up and early-stage mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies across the State.

QLD State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning minister Cameron Dick said the funding would deliver 11 State-based industry support activities, in partnership with METS Ignited, to enable companies to take their innovations to national and international market.

“A Scale-Up and Take Off program is being developed to assist METS businesses who are expanding to meet the challenges that come with growth,” Mr Dick said.

“Funding will also support industry collaboration, assisting the growth of established METS clusters and developing new clusters.

“Through this activity, METS companies, resource companies and researchers will come together around common outcomes and share capabilities to make the most of commercial opportunities.”

Other initiatives included a program to improve digital capabilities; a series of mini accelerators to reach companies in regional QLD; funding for the Coalition for Energy Efficient Comminution (CEEC) to identify and promote opportunities for companies to develop and supply energy efficient and commercially valuable solutions to the resources industry; and continued support for the Test Facilities Research Project to determine gaps in existing test facility availability in Australia.