Queensland is set to welcome a host of new critical minerals projects thanks to millions in funding from the Queensland Government.
The funding comes from a $2.67 million Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) Collaborative Project Fund and the latest round of the $4.6 million Collaborative Exploration Initiative (CEI).
The CEI will provide funding of up to $300,000 to 18 successfully chosen projects across regional Queensland including near Chillagoe, Cloncurry, Mount Isa and Townsville.
Nearly three quarters of all successful projects are involved in the discovery of new copper deposits, an essential resource for many types of clean energy
“By facilitating these exploratory projects, we are not only laying the groundwork for economic prosperity but also reinforcing Queensland’s position as a key player in the global resources market,” Queensland Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart said.
The $2.67 million METS Collaborative Project Fund invites researchers, government agencies, resource companies and industry groups to come together to tackle challenges in the sector.
Grants between $50,000 and $300,000 are on offer, and projects that address environmental issues, emissions management, renewable energy and safety will be prioritised.
“We’re inviting funding proposals that aim to improve emissions and support Queensland’s transition to renewable energies and improve mine site safety,” Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said.
“We aim to champion initiatives that focus on global industry challenges such as automation, mine rehabilitation, reducing emissions across the resources supply chain, and collaborating with resource companies to pilot ground-breaking technologies.”
Previous funding has gone to projects that have used machine learning algorithms to find the best way to predict the mineral content of ore bodies; and the installation of sensors to monitor wear and maintenance of mine site conveyor belts.
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