Exploration for critical resources in Queensland resilient in the face of rising costs and regulation
Click here for photo of QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson
Click here to read 2025 QEC Scorecard
A new report reveals Queensland’s resources exploration sector remains resilient with significant potential for future growth if governments can provide policy and regulatory certainty, which will attract new capital investment.
The exploration arm of Queensland Resources Council (QRC), the Queensland Exploration Council (QEC), has released its 2025 Exploration Scorecard, outlining the opportunities and challenges facing the industry over the past 12 months.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson said the Scorecard provides an in-depth assessment of how the exploration sector is travelling and a barometer for future investment.
“Exploration holds the key to the future success of Queensland’s resources sector and its ability to deliver new jobs and contribute to our state’s economic prosperity,” Ms Hewson said.
“There are some encouraging signs of improved industry sentiment in the 15th edition of the QEC Scorecard, which is an indication that explorers are seeing positive signals from the new Queensland government.
“At a state level, many explorers have reported improved departmental assistance, land available for exploration and approvals through the Resources Cabinet Committee.
“Greenshoots in sentiment are appearing but there are still significant issues with complex and overlapping policies for approvals between the State and Commonwealth governments, as well as excessive regulation across the board.
“While total exploration expenditure fell by 14.6 per cent last year, nearly half of explorers surveyed (44%) expect to increase spending on exploration over the next 12 months.
“However, the share of greenfield minerals exploration, including coal, fell to its lowest level since the Scorecard began at just 21 per cent, highlighting the risk to the long-term project pipeline.
“If we need more gas in Queensland’s energy system, along with an increase in critical minerals for the energy transition, plus the global energy security provided by coal production, then new projects must come online sooner.
“The Scorecard is a barometer for explorers but also touches on the appetite for future investment in Queensland. Looking at the temperature of the 2025 results, we must do more to turnaround sentiment, and faster.”
QEC Chair Kim Wainwright said Queensland’s rich reserves in coal, gas, metals and critical minerals provide a foundation for sustained exploration and resource development. Confidence in the state’s geological endowment remains high, reinforced by consistent government data.
“The Geological Survey of Queensland expanded its datasets over the last year with new airborne surveys and high-resolution mapping which help lower the risk for explorers,” Ms Wainwright said.
“We have the commodities Australia and the world need, and with the right policies that encourage investment, there is significant potential for Queensland’s exploration sector to thrive and grow.
“The 2025 Scorecard provides a path to restore Queensland’s reputation for exploration investment and industry will continue to work with all stakeholders and governments, to achieve that.
“The opportunity now lies in turning resource potential into projects, which demands timely approvals, consistent policy, clear pathways to market, and enabling infrastructure.”
Media Contacts:
Jana Dore – janad@qrc.org.au
Matt Dunstan – mattd@qrc.org.au