Exploration tenders for Queensland’s North-West Minerals Province close on May 24.

Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said the North West Minerals Province is a world-class base metals regions. 

“And also has rich deposits of the rare minerals – including lithium, cobalt, and graphite – that drive the latest technological innovations,” Dr Lynham said.

“The increasing demand for these rare metals offers significant industry and employment opportunities for Queenslanders and helps position Queensland as a key supplier to the hi-tech industry globally.

“Metals exploration in Queensland has increased 58 per cent to $47.3 million, investing in the industry’s future,” he said. 

“I say to resource companies, step up now, because this north-west tender could open the door to the next pipeline of mega projects.”

Dr Lynham said the state’s resources sector was maintaining its positive momentum from 2017 and continuing to create jobs.

“Over the 12 months to March, our resources exports were worth $56 billion, a 15 per cent increase over the previous year,” Dr Lynham said.

“Over the past six months, we’ve seen higher global coal prices with several mines expanding production, including Realm Resources re-opening a second pit at its Foxleigh mine near Middlemount.

“The Queensland metals industry is also experiencing a period of strong global prices, with base metal prices of copper, zinc and lead prices up significantly,” he said. 

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