The Queensland Government has implemented a new cross-agency assessment team to streamline approvals for key resources projects in the state.
Led by the Coordinator-General, the team will draw on specialist regulatory skills to guide projects through environmental and other approvals efficiently and effectively. Local councils will also be engaged from the start to ensure regional communities are heard from the outset and local issues are identified and addressed sooner.
The first projects to benefit from the new model include the Eva Copper Mine, Centurion North Development, and Graphinex’s Esmeralda Graphite Project.
The state government says these projects have potential to drive investment, create jobs, boost sovereign capabilities and strengthen regional communities.
Building project confidence
Earlier this year, Graphinex prepared to execute the readiness of the Esmeralda Project, following the Queensland Government declaring the asset as a ‘prescribed project’.
Speaking to Mining.com.au, CFO Tom Bell said the company is progressing key approvals and stakeholder engagement, alongside advancing engineering and optimisation work.
“The goal is to keep building project confidence and move Esmeralda into development next year,” Bell says.
Graphinex also intends to continue strategic partner and customer discussions. Subject to approvals, the company is targeting a final investment decision and to begin construction in late 2026.
The Esmeralda Project involves developing an open-pit graphite mine and processing facility located about 70km south of Croydon, alongside a graphite refinery in Townsville to produce battery-anode materials. The integrated mine-to-refinery operation represents an investment of potentially more than $1.3 billion.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie says the new team is a clear example of the government’s commitment to unlocking new resource opportunities.
“The cross-agency assessment team will allow us to address challenges early and provide certainty for proponents, support investment certainty, drive job creation and reinforce Queensland’s position as a competitive, globally focused resource state,” Bleijie says.
“Queensland is well placed to tap into the strong global demand for our resources, including coal and critical minerals, but to meet that demand, we need a regulatory framework that supports investment.
“This initiative positions Queensland for the future by stimulating long-term investment and ensuring our regions thrive.”
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Graphinex
