The State Government’s flagship Collaborative Exploration Initiative (CEI) Program is paying dividends.

Director general of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development Graham Fraine made reference to the program in his keynote speech yesterday to the Queensland Exploration Council’s (QEC) annual Innovation Summit.

Mr Fraine referred to True North Copper’s (ASX:TNC) recent announcement to the ASX of game changing results from a geophysical survey uncovering significant copper mineralisation on its tenements north of Mount Isa as an example of success.

The drill program was funded by round eight of the CEI program.

Related: ‘Game-changing’ discovery at True North’s Aquila prospect

Mr Fraine went on to paint a picture of downstream processing supported by an emerging workforce. 

This included the $5million Collaborative Development Program (CDP) which was designed to help develop second string value from processing. The concept was proven, Mr Fraine said.

“The CDP is designed to help companies assess and find ways to extract valuable resources from residual materials left behind after the primary phases of mining and minerals processing,” he said.

“Lava Blue has been granted funding to investigate the potential to reprocess coal ash into high-purity alumina (HPA). 

“As many of you know, HPA is a key component for advanced materials in everything from semiconductors and LED lighting to the scratch-resistant glass on our phones and watches. 

“This project shows how we can turn a residual product into a valuable resource for critical industries.”

Mr Fraine pointed to several developments to show how planning was being supported through the supply chain including the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy and the development of a $60 million TAFE Centre of Excellence at Moreton Bay.

 There were other more technical examples of practical support and innovation in governance, Mr Fraine said.

“One of the most powerful ways governments can support innovation is by creating the conditions for industry to experiment, scale and succeed — and that’s exactly what we’re doing through the Queensland Resources Common User Facility (QRCUG).

“This Australian-first facility, now under construction in Townsville, represents a significant step forward in how government innovates its role to provide foundational support for our vital resources sector. 

“QRCUF is a cornerstone investment in Queensland’s resources future because it will allow mining companies to test mineral processing techniques and accelerate the commercial development of critical minerals, boosting the state’s capability and enhancing our competitiveness in global markets.” 

 The Collaborative Exploration Initiative aims to encourage the discovery and development of Queensland’s critical mineral deposits to help meet the growing demands of the world’s technology and renewable energy sectors.

Round 10 of the CEI would open for applications later this year, Mr Fraine said.