MORE than 2000 square metres of land will be released near Bedourie to allow for mineral exploration in the area less than 24 hours after a conference was held aiming to stop mining activity in the region.
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Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said the reson behind the release was recent data collection which had showed the area could be very rich in minerals and rare earth elements.
"This land we are releasing lies within existing Restricted Areas 351, 353 and 354 which preclude any exploration activities," Mr Cripps said.
"Restricted areas are established to put in place to protect highly prospective land for controlled release for future exploration."
The Australian Floodplain Association hosted a three-day conference in Longreach this week aiming to create a Lake Eyre Basin management plan to stop mining activity in the area, which includes the Diamantina River.
Mr Cripps said the area was expected to be released by July this year to allow for exploration to begin and the resource industry to expand.
"This planned land release continues the successful promotion of exploration opportunities in North West Queensland through the government's $18 million Greenfields 2020 program which is designed to encourage exploration in under-explored areas of the state." Mr Cripps said the strategic release of restricted areas enabled the State Government to select successful applicants for exploration permits through a competitive and fair assessment process.
