In an effort to utilise Queensland expertise in new ways, the Queensland Government is offering $2.67 million in funding to businesses and research bodies for the advancement of mining technologies in the state.
The Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) Collaborative Project Fund invites researchers, government agencies, resource companies and industry groups to come together to help tackle challenges in the sector.
Funding between $50,000 and $300,000 is available and projects that address environmental issues, emissions management, renewable energy and safety will be prioritised.
The Queensland Government is aiming to use the state’s existing expertise in the resources sector to create new, renewable industries and shape the jobs of the future.
The Queensland Government said that the fund is the latest initiative to stand out on the global stage, as the state works towards its vision of leading the development of responsible solutions for the energy and resources industry worldwide by 2027.
The target of net zero emissions by 2050 is expected to result in increased demand for the state’s world-class critical minerals and unlock new investment opportunities for the state’s METS sector.
The Queensland Government said that the METS sector contributes $7 billion in revenue to the state’s economy – supporting 26,700 local jobs across regional communities – and is set to surge in importance as the world moves towards cleaner and greener power.
The State Government’s Queensland METS 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan are part of the $3.34 billion Queensland Jobs Fund.
To date, the roadmap has assisted 48 METS companies to secure an increase of $24 million in sales and capital investment including 25 full time jobs, supported 104 regional companies to work with industry experts to build their capabilities as well assist over 200 METS companies, resource companies and researchers to collaborate in commercialising innovative mine waste management projects.
Previous funding has gone to projects that have used machine learning algorithms to find the best way to predict the mineral content of ore bodies and the installation of sensors to monitor wear and maintenance of mine site conveyor belts
The Queensland Government said that Queensland has rich deposits of critical minerals, like vanadium and cobalt and high-grade metallurgical coal resources and by backing Queensland’s METS companies with new pathways to innovate, the state can continue to lead the development of responsible solutions for the global energy and resources industries.
Applications for funding are now open and will close on Friday 17 May.
Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, said, “We’re bringing the best minds in business and research together, to build partnerships and knowledge sharing, to address the complex challenges in the METS sector.
“We’re inviting funding proposals that aim to improve emissions and support Queensland’s transition to renewable energies and improve mine site safety.”
Ms Grace said that the $2.67 million METS Collaboration Project Fund will unlock new industry opportunities and commercial frontiers for Queensland.
“We aim to champion initiatives that focus on global industry challenges such as automation, mine rehabilitation, reducing emissions across the resources supply chain and collaborating with resource companies to pilot groundbreaking technologies.
“Our Energy and Jobs Plan aims to grow our renewable energy supply chains in Queensland, the Queensland Battery Strategy aims to grow Queensland’s battery value chain and Queensland’s METS companies will be integral in the delivery of these plans as Queensland transition to a net zero emissions future that supports jobs, industries, communities and our environment.”
Queensland Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals, Scott Stewart, said, “Queensland and in particular Mackay’s METS sector is cutting edge and this funding will allow these businesses to find ways to innovate even more.
“We’re already backing the future of the resources industry in Mackay through our $5.7 million investment in the Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence.
“The state-of-the-art centre will include a pilot critical minerals processing with the concept design launched earlier this year.”
Queensland Assistant Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Julieanne Gilbert, said, “Mackay’s Resources Centre of Excellence was set up to connect the brightest minds in the sector.
“It’s globally recognised as a hub for all things resource related, creating significant regional economic values.
“This new funding for METS projects will further advance Queensland as a world-leading centre for excellence.”
