Focus now on new-age minerals

QUEENSLAND will lead the way in the exploration of ‘ new age’ minerals such as scandium, cobalt and vanadium under a new blueprint for the resources industry being launched today.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the state government’s strategy was about working with industry, the regions and communities to set a shared vision for the future of the sector.

More growth, jobs and investment in the state’s coal, minerals and gas industries will be prioritised under the

Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan – a key pillar of the state’s economic recovery.

“Under this plan, there will be a key focus on removing barriers to growth and identifying immediate actions to help regional communities recover from the impacts of COVID-19,” Mr Stewart said.

“Since 2015, $21bn has been invested in or committed to resources projects in Queensland creating 8000 jobs.

“There are great opportunities for the resources sector to grow in the future, particularly as the world looks to new-age minerals like scandium, cobalt and vanadium for its growing needs and Queensland can be at the forefront of this.”

Mr Stewart said growth, clean energy, exploration, investment and adding more value to our resources through local industry were all on the table to shape the future of Queensland’s coal, minerals and gas industries.

The state government will soon engage with communities, mining and resources companies, workers, councils and businesses reliant on the sector to drill down on the details. The findings will form the basis of a draft plan to be released later this year.