Minister for Mines Andrew Cripps said it would boost exploration by junior miners in the region.  

Funding has gone to sites including Mount Isa Mines’ Pelican Dam Project, which is 150 kilometres north-east of Mount Isa. 

Chinova Resources’ uranium Georgina Project, Aeon Metals Limited and Queensland Minerals Australia has also received an undisclosed amount of funding. 

The total funding divided between 16 projects in Queensland amounts to $1.5 million. 

A spokeswoman for Mr Cripps’ office could not disclose the amount of money each company receives due to commercial interests. 

Companies must inform their shareholders about how much is received before the breakdown of funding is revealed, the spokeswoman said. 

The spokeswoman said this was expected to happen today. 

Mr Cripps said the grants would cover half the drilling costs of a project up to $150,000. 

“These drilling projects provide valuable information about the state’s mineral and energy potential and are a key part of our strong plan to build a successful four-pillar economy in Queensland based on resources, construction, agriculture and tourism,” he said. 

Mr Cripps said the projects would focus on gold, copper, zinc, lead, silver, uranium and coal.