Queensland Unveils Critical Minerals Plan To Drive Regional Jobs & Investment

Queensland's new Critical Minerals Strategy aims to grow the State's resources sector by accelerating investment, processing and manufacturing. Photo source: Australian Mining

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The Queensland Government has unveiled a new strategy aimed at accelerating the State's critical minerals sector, with the plan expected to support jobs, attract investment and strengthen regional economies, including resource-rich areas such as Mackay.

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Delivering Queensland's Critical Minerals Future 2026–30 outlines the Government's vision to position Queensland as a globally recognised supplier of critical minerals by expanding extraction, processing, refining and manufacturing capabilities.

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The strategy follows a $146 million commitment in the State Budget to help unlock Queensland's critical mineral reserves and respond to increasing global demand for resources essential to renewable energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and modern infrastructure.

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Queensland is home to significant reserves of critical minerals, along with an established mining sector, skilled workforce and processing expertise, placing the State in a strong position to capitalise on changing global supply chains.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the plan would help Queensland move beyond exporting raw materials by strengthening the entire critical minerals value chain.

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"We've seen the impact that recent geopolitical uncertainty and export restrictions have had on global supply chains and the need for secure and reliable sources of strategic resources," Mr Last said.

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"The Delivering Queensland's Critical Minerals Future 2026–30 sets out key actions to grow Queensland's value chain to expand processing, refining and manufacturing to build a global supply chain that is shielded from externalities that halt critical and strategic resources.

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"The world is knocking on Queensland's door, and we are ready to capitalise on this generational opportunity that will deliver long-term jobs and economic opportunities to regional Queensland.

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"We have the resources, industrial capability, energy and importantly, the will to deliver critical minerals to the world and get this done."

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The strategy aims to encourage new investment while strengthening Queensland's role as a reliable supplier of the minerals needed to support global manufacturing and secure supply chains in the years ahead.

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