The Queensland Government has announced that Critical Minerals Queensland will be run by a new project leader.
Paul Holden will step into the role after having previously been a director at Townsville Enterprise and held senior roles with the Office of the Coordinator-General and the Department of State Development.
Based in Townsville, Critical Minerals Queensland is a dedicated office to identify opportunities in the industry and foster discussions with proponents, investors, community members and researchers.
Queensland Minister for Critical Minerals, Scott Stewart, said, “The Queensland Government has a big ambition for Queensland to be a global leader, supplier and manufacturer of critical minerals and renewable energy technologies.
“Our $245 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy is the starting point to making this vision happen and at the forefront will be Critical Minerals Queensland, an office dedicated to bringing investors, proponents, government and community together.”
Mr Stewart said that he was excited to have someone of Mr Holden’s calibre leading the office and helping Queensland’s critical minerals sector go from strength to strength.
“We know our $5 billion Copperstring project is key to unlocking the North West Minerals Province.
“It’s our progressive coal royalties that mean we can invest in Copperstring.
“This means Copperstring and the development of our critical minerals project is at risk from the LNP because they refuse to back our progressive coal royalties.”
Mr Holden said, “Queensland has a golden opportunity to capitalise on our critical minerals resources and our know-how to help the world transition to a decarbonised economy.
“Critical Minerals Queensland will be a key facilitator bringing together investors, industry and government together to grow this new sector that will bring new jobs and boost local economies throughout the state.”
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