Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments, along with the Mount Isa City Council, are setting aside nearly $1 million to explore the potential of a critical minerals and rare earth elements research centre in Mount Isa.
The research centre would focus on building national capability in minerals research and processing through metallurgical testing, piloting and treatment of critical minerals and rare earth elements.
Facilities like this will be critical in boosting Australia’s ability to process critical minerals and strategic materials.
The Albanese Government will deliver $241,250 in funding to conduct a feasibility study.
The Queensland Government will match the funding provided by the Commonwealth, while Mount Isa City Council will contribute a further $482,500, creating an overall budget of $965,000.
The funding has been allocated through the Albanese Government’s Critical Minerals National Productivity Initiative (CMNPI).
The CMPNI has enabled states and territories to bring forward feasibility studies into common user mineral processing facilities through the co-funding support.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources Madeleine King:
“Mining is at the heart of Mount Isa, and this project is about exploring how the region can build on its proud mining history and play a bigger role in Australia’s critical minerals future.
“Developing facilities like the proposed Mount Isa research centre will be crucial to growing Australia’s ability to process more of our mineral resources here at home, adding value to our world-leading resources and creating opportunities for local jobs and industry.
“The Albanese Labor Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda is about making more things here, creating more jobs, and ensuring regional communities like Mount Isa share in the economic opportunities our natural resources provide.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Resources and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
“This funding agreement demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to Queensland’s regional industrial centres like Mount Isa.
“Supporting further industry in regional Queensland will help ensure towns like Mount Isa and Cloncurry can continue to thrive and seize on the vast opportunities made available through our plan for a Future Made in Australia.
“For decades, resources mined and refined in North West Queensland have powered Australia’s economic development. This is the first step to the next stage of the region’s development and its place in Australia.
“We are proud to be working closely with our states and territories, which is a core part of our government’s Critical Minerals Strategy.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Acting Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Tony Perrett:
“With an estimated $700 billion worth of critical minerals in the North West Minerals Province, Queensland is attracting global interest in developing the industry.
“This funding is about making sure we have the processing and refining capabilities we need, in the right locations, to build strong supply chains.
“The Crisafulli Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to Queensland’s critical minerals industry opening the Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence Flexi-Lab and the Queensland Resources Common User Facility to prove and scale up downstream minerals processing.”
Quotes attributable to Mount Isa City Council Mayor Peta McRae:
“As Mount Isa looks towards the future, economic diversification and attracting new industries remain key priorities for Council.
“This feasibility study is an important step in exploring how we can build on our established mining expertise and infrastructure to support critical minerals research, innovation and advanced processing capabilities right here in North West Queensland.
“By working together with the Australian and Queensland Governments, we are laying the groundwork for opportunities that could deliver lasting economic benefits for our city and the wider region.”