30-year plan to transform resources sector

Reviving old mines and developing a Queensland Battery Industry Strategy are two planks in a 30-year plan for the state's resources sector. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today released the draft Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan, outlining measures to transform the industry by 2050. It came as she delivered the keynote address at the Queensland Resources Council’s 2021 Annual Lunch. Related: Industry greets resources future blueprint The Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan proposes to fast-track new economy minerals production and processing, trigger new regional industries, and cut red tape to drive new projects and jobs. It puts forward a suite of measures to drive new economy mineral development: development of a Queensland Battery Industry Strategymaking abandoned mineral mines commercial operations againinvestigating potential rent deferral for new economy minerals projectsmore international marketing of potential new economy mineral projects to investors.continuing the government’s successful Collaborative Exploration Initiative to help explorers find more potential deposits. This follows the government announcement of at least $10 million backing for a demonstration vanadium processing plant in Townsville to support miners in attracting further investor interest and future sales agreements. It also includes a review of objections processes, red tape reduction and measures to ensure a diverse, skilled workforce into the future. “Our government is committed to working with industry to reform processes to provide greater certainty for investment,” Resources Minister Scott Stewart said. “The Queensland Law Reform Commission will review objections processes in consultation with the community and the terms of reference will be developed in consultation with the Commission and stakeholders.” Mr Stewart said changing technology presented new job opportunities. “Our government will continue to work with industry to invest in skills and training to ensure existing and new workers can seize those opportunities,” he said. “We will establish a working group with the resources industry and unions to develop a workforce plan for the sector.” Mr Stewart will lead three months’ consultation on the plan at regional and Brisbane-based forums starting tomorrow in Townsville. The draft plan has 43 actions that address six key focus areas: growing and diversifying the industrystrengthening ESG credentials and protecting the environmentfostering coexistence and sustainable communitiesensuring strong and genuine First Nations partnershipsbuilding a safe and resilient workforce andimproving regulatory efficiency. It is open for consultation until February 2022 with the final plan due for release in mid-2022. Who was at the QRC's annual lunch in Brisbane? - photos HERE

30-year plan to transform resources sector

Industry Queensland

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