The Queensland Government has created 180 jobs in regional Queensland through an export opportunity for Silica Resources Australia.
Silica Resources Australia expects its first shipment to leave the Port of Mourilyan later in the year, following a $30 million investment from the Queensland Investment Corporation’s (QIC) Queensland Critical Minerals Fund.
The shipment is bound for customers across Asia.
The QIC’s investment in Silica Resources delivered the plant, equipment, and land acquisitions required to support mining over 50 million tonnes of silica, while also enabling the company to boost annual production from 360,000 to 750,000 tonnes within five years.
Through the investment, the state government is focused on backing local projects by taking advantage of the global silica market, which is expected to be valued at more than $36 billion by 2032.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates says Silica Resources’ growth was another example of the Queensland Government leveraging natural resources to deliver for the state.
“Queensland is open for business and we know there’s huge global demand for the critical minerals we’ve got right under our feet,” Bates says.
“Our investment into SRA has unlocked a massive export opportunity which is going to support jobs and economic growth in Far North Queensland and that’s exactly what the now $250 million Queensland Critical Minerals Fund is for.
“We’re strengthening the foundations for a fresh start with another $100 million for the Queensland Critical Minerals Fund in this year’s budget which will back projects that bring benefits to communities across Queensland.”
Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa says the investment is already “paying dividends for the region”.
“By backing this project, the Crisafulli government is unlocking jobs and supporting a huge economic boost for Far North Queensland,” Chiesa says.
“Regional Queensland was neglected under Labor during its decade of decline, but this is another example of the Crisafulli government delivering for all of Queensland.”
“Projects like this don’t just benefit one industry, they create work for local businesses, grow our ports, and give families greater confidence that our region will continue to thrive.”
Silica Resources Australia CEO Rob Tindall says the company is pleased to progress exports through the Port of Mourilyan under a long-term lease agreement.
“Ports North has been a fantastic partner throughout the process, with a strong focus on creating benefits for the regional communities they serve,” Tindall says.
“We have made strong progress at our Mourilyan Silica Sands Project since QIC’s investment, with mining and domestic sales established, and the port gives us the opportunity to expand to international exports later this year.
“The long-term lease will enable us to develop sustainable port exports [and] support year-round local jobs in a way that protects this fragile and beautiful ecosystem.
“We are excited to see the first shipment leave Mourilyan later this year and to continue building a long-term export industry that delivers benefits for the Cassowary Coast and Far North Queensland.”
Tindall says SRA has also signed a memorandum of understanding with MSF Sugar to assess the feasibility of using the existing cane rail network to transport product to the port in future.
Silica Resources Australia is a fully independent and 100% Australian-owned company formed specifically to own the Mourilyan Silica Project. The company is also developing further silica opportunities across Australia.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Silica Resources Australia
