A proposed graphite mining and processing operation in North Queensland has taken a significant step forward, with the Esmeralda Graphite Project receiving coordinated project status from the State Government.
Led by Graphinex, the 3.5 million tonne project involves the development of a new graphite mine near Croydon in North-West Queensland, along with a processing facility in Townsville.
The project is expected to create close to 233 jobs and contribute to the state’s growing critical minerals industry.
The assignment of the new designation allows Queensland’s Coordinator-General to oversee and streamline the project’s assessment, including facilitating environmental approvals at both the state and federal levels.
It also triggers formal stakeholder and community consultation processes, ensuring broader engagement as the project progresses.
Construction is targeted to begin in 2027, pending the necessary regulatory approvals, with production expected to commence approximately 18 months later.
According to Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Minister, Jarrod Bleijie, the coordinated project declaration provides investment certainty through streamlined resource project approvals.
“De-risking the delivery of projects like this through whole-of-government approval coordination is supporting more Queensland investment and creating more well-paying Queensland resource jobs,” Bleijie said.
Graphinex managing director Art Malone said the new status would accelerate the project’s path to market.
“This coordinated project declaration is a major milestone for Graphinex,” Malone said.
“It streamlines approvals, cuts our development timeline by at least 12 months, and confirms the government’s recognition of the project’s strategic importance to the state.”
The project has secured funding through a recent North American trade mission, aimed at attracting international investment in Queensland’s critical minerals sector.
