Region Eyes Critical Minerals Future

The Greater Whitsunday region is positioning itself to become a key player in Australia's growing critical minerals industry, with a new roadmap outlining how local businesses can capitalise on emerging opportunities across mining, manufacturing and advanced technology.

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The Mackay and Greater Whitsunday Critical Minerals Roadmap will be launched at the Resource Industry Network Industry Briefing on Friday. Developed by the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) with support from North Queensland Bulk Ports and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, the roadmap identifies opportunities in exploration, mineral processing, logistics, manufacturing, research and innovation, while helping local businesses diversify into new markets.

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GW3 Diversification Project Lead Jodie Thompson said the region was well positioned to support Queensland's critical minerals future.

"The Greater Whitsunday region is primed to service and lead a critical minerals future for Queensland," Ms Thompson said.

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"This Roadmap is about understanding where our region can add the greatest value, helping our businesses diversify and ensuring we are ready to capture new investment and economic opportunities.

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"It is not about replacing the industries that have driven our region's success, it is about building on those strengths, creating additional opportunities and ensuring our economy remains resilient and competitive as global markets evolve."

Resources Centre of Excellence Chief Executive Officer Steven Boxall said the region was already investing in the infrastructure and innovation needed to support future resources industries.

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"Critical minerals development will require new approaches to extraction, processing, automation and resource recovery," Mr Boxall said.

"Our region has an important opportunity to develop, test and commercialise those solutions locally."

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The roadmap was developed through consultation with industry stakeholders and regional partners and forms part of GW3's broader strategy to attract investment, diversify the economy and strengthen the Greater Whitsunday region's role in future critical minerals supply chains.

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