Queensland Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan has named Graphinex’s Esmeralda graphite project a ‘Coordinated Project’, allowing the environmental approvals process with the Queensland and Federal Governments to commence.
Situated south of Croydon, Esmeralda is Queensland’s largest graphite deposit, totalling 3.5 million tonnes.
Alongside the greenfield mine, Graphinex is developing a processing facility in Townsville alongside Idemitsu Australia and Vecco Group to help build Queensland’s critical minerals capabilities in both graphite mining and battery anode manufacturing.
Now equipped with a Coordinated Project status, Esmeralda is expected to create up to 233 jobs in north Queensland, including 100 during construction and 133 at peak operational capacity.
“This declaration is a commitment to thoroughly evaluate the project’s environmental, social, and economic impacts,” Coggan said.
“Our role is to ensure that this project meets the highest standards of environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic benefit as it progresses through the necessary approvals.”
Graphinex managing director Art Malone welcomed Coggan’s decision, describing as “a major milestone” for the company.
“It streamlines approvals, cuts our development timeline by at least 12 months, and confirms the (Queensland) Government’s recognition of the project’s strategic importance to the state,” Malone said.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Queensland Government for their unwavering support and vision in driving regional advanced manufacturing and critical minerals development.
“Their leadership and investment in this sector have been instrumental in making this hub a reality, supporting local jobs, strengthening supply chains, and positioning Queensland as a global leader in sustainable battery materials.”
Subject to approvals, Esmeralda’s construction is expected to commence in 2027, with operations expected to follow approximately 18 months later.
The project is supported by capital secured by Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last through a trade mission to the US that took place in February.
“With a reported 25 million tonnes of graphite in this region – the third-largest deposit in the world – (Esmeralda) will help build Queensland’s critical minerals capability and strengthen domestic supply chains,” Last said.
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