Applications for round nine of the Collaborative Exploration Initiative (CEI) is now open, and explorers looking for Queensland’s next critical mineral deposit are urged to apply.
Explorers can apply for funding of up to $250,000 to help them uncover minerals that are essential for developing clean energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries.
Previous CEI recipients include Graphinex, who was awarded funding to explore one of Australia’s largest graphite deposits, known for its exceptionally pure grade.
As part of this initiative, Graphinex successfully discovered a graphite orebody at the Esmeralda Graphite Project, south of Croydon, Queensland. The exploration provided crucial data on the deposit’s size and quality.
The deposit is poised to become a significant source of graphite for renewable energy technologies, particularly batteries.
The CEI program builds on the $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy and the Queensland Government’s $6.2 billion CopperString project, designed to unlock mineral wealth in Queensland.
Explorers are encouraged to submit their applications by 11 December 2024, via the CEI’s online webform.
Queensland Resources and Critical Minerals Minister, Scott Stewart, said the State Government continues to back the resources sector and explorers through its Collaborative Exploration Initiative.
“The mineral exploration projects of today have the potential to become the major mining projects of the future, which is why these funding initiatives are crucial.
“Overall mineral exploration expenditure in Queensland reached $919.7 million in the 12 months to June, a significant increase of $148.3 million compared to the previous year.”
Mr Stewart said that by investing in exploration now, the State Government is positioning Queensland as a global leader in supplying the essential resources needed for the renewable energy revolution.
“To build a truly decarbonised economy, we need bold explorers willing to take on the risks to uncover the next major critical mineral deposits, this funding initiative helps make that possible.
“The State Government is proud to stand behind the resource industry and the explorers driving forward the projects that will secure Queensland’s place as a powerhouse in the global clean energy future.”
Featured image: Adwo/shutterstock.com
