Collaborative approach identifies top priorities for minerals exploration
The Queensland minerals exploration sector is set to strengthen its research and development capability through shared priorities developed by the Queensland Government Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, the Queensland Exploration Council (QEC), University of Queensland and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
Chair of the QEC, Kim Wainwright, said the Research and Development Priorities for Minerals in Queensland Report launched today is an important step towards ensuring that Queensland continues to reap the rewards of its world-class natural resource endowment through innovation.
“Through a collaborative approach, the joint report works towards capitalising on global demand for the state’s rich deposits of minerals,” Ms Wainwright said.
“These are minerals that are essential in the development of new technologies and renewables such as solar panels, batteries, and wind turbines, and in transport such as electric vehicles, jet engines and high octane petrol.
“We know Queensland has the potential to become an ethical, leading global supplier of new economy minerals, and the discovery of new supply chains is essential to meet ongoing global demand,” Ms Wainwright said.
“As we have seen time and again, innovation takes a lead role in the future of Queensland exploration and mining – the six priorities identified set an exciting roadmap forward.”
The Research and Development Priorities for Minerals in Queensland include:
- Commercial drivers – adapting to and capitalising on the fast pace of change in business and the workforce
- Digital transformation – using innovation in artificial intelligence, sensing, control and communication to create a cost efficient, sustainable industry
- Finding, mining and extracting – continued innovation to lower costs and improve discovery
- Footprint – unlocking mineral production by identifying innovative solutions to environmental, social and governance challenges
- New horizons – supplying the minerals needed for the batteries, panels, electric motors and other strategic technologies of the future
- Health and safety – continually innovating to ensure the health and safety of the mining workforce
Click here to view the report – Research and Development Priorities for Minerals in Queensland
Media contact: Samantha Nasternak 07 3295 9560
