Construction has started at an Australian-first critical minerals facility in Townsville, the Queensland Resources Common User Facility.
Once operational in late 2026, mining companies will be able to test their mineral processing techniques at the facility and progress samples to market, accelerating commercial development opportunities.
Queensland company Sedgman has been appointed as the managing contractor to develop the facility, and detailed design and delivery of the construction program is underway.
With an initial focus on vanadium, the facility aims to have capacity to expand over time to include processing of other critical minerals like cobalt and rare earth elements.
Association of Mining and Exploration Companies CEO Warren Pearce says the delivery of the Queensland Resources Common User Facility is a major step forward.
“(The decision) signals the government’s intentions to capitalise on the opportunity Queensland has in the critical mineral space,” Pearce says.
“The common user facility is strongly supported by AMEC and the Queensland Government has ensured that the project is now moving forward with pace.
“It significantly improves opportunities for companies to secure investment funding and build value adding projects in Queensland.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last says the facility will enhance Queensland’s competitiveness in global resources and energy markets.
“The Queensland Resources Common User Facility will put Queensland at the forefront of resources innovation, and we’ll see advances in manufacturing, defence and research because of it,” Last says.
“Commercial mining projects will get off the ground quicker in Queensland, the supply chain will be bolstered, and the industry will grow, especially in the North.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Queensland Government is rescuing the project to drive regional jobs and supercharge the state’s critical minerals capability.
“The Crisafulli Government recognises the important role this project will play in developing Queensland’s critical minerals sector and has committed to the project with bulk earthworks now underway on site,” Bleijie says.
“North Queensland’s reserves alone are estimated to be worth $500 billion, and strategically locating this facility in Townsville capitalises on the regional strengths across the North and North West.”
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Richmond Vanadium
