Townsville to be critical minerals central

Townsville is set to be the focus of the critical minerals revolution in Australia. A forum organised by peak industry body The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) is set to be held in August alongside the AusIMM NQ Branch annual Sir George Fisher lecture. Minerals in the category include copper, nickel, lithium, and cobalt among others needed for electric vehicle production, windfarms, and others required for renewable ‘green’ energy and communication devices production. Critical minerals takes the green jacket Glencore's Copper Refinery Limited in Townsville Critical minerals was fast emerging in the vernacular as the driver of a new era in economic prosperity, AusIMM NQ Chair Jeff Innes said. “There is good reason why Townsville has been chosen for the forum,” Mr Innes said. “The area is already active in mining, processing and has a large transport hub. “The city has a sophisticated supply chain and educated workforce by virtue of Glencore’s Copper Refinery Limited and Korea Zinc Sun Metals Refinery and hub for many active and exploration mining companies. “These strengths can be leveraged for growth as demand continues to outstrip world supply of critical minerals.” Related: Critical minerals processing gets more than $1.3b funding AusIMM NQ branch chair Jeff Innes. The term ‘critical minerals is an economic one. China currently has access to ore and production capacity and the west is playing catch-up which is driven out of demand to address climate change as well as strategic and other priorities. Decision-makers are looking for solutions and North Queensland has shown its capacity to handle large-scale processing and export opportunities. The region had human resources and engineering capacity as well as chemicals, port, transport and water infrastructure, Mr Innes said. Spread of critical minerals in Australia and immediate region. “These are essential elements for mining-centred growth. Apart from the existing production, the State Government is investing $10 million in a vanadium trial plant which shows when there is a will in minerals processing, we have a way. “There’s also a lot of research and negotiations work going on extracting cobalt from tailings dams in North Queensland. “James Cook University (JCU) is also involved with Critical Minerals and as such will play a part in developing and working with organisations exploring for same. “This is big industry which needs to be serviced and the northern centres are the closest, most experienced and after the August 25 forum, the best briefed to manage the demands of the anticipated critical minerals super cycle. Registrations for the event will open soon. Keep an eye out at https://www.ausimm.com/conferences-and-events/ (Main photo: The US Geological survey defines critical minerals as, 'Mineral commodities that have important uses and no viable substitutes, yet face potential disruption in supply, are defined as critical to the Nation’s economic and national security.')

Townsville to be critical minerals central

Industry Queensland

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