Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, is set to lead a trade mission to secure investment in Queensland’s critical minerals, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel industries, targeting key markets in Japan, South Korea and Singapore.
Global demand for critical minerals like vanadium, cobalt and graphite continues to rise and Queensland has stable supply chains that can provide confidence to investors.
In addition to critical minerals, the trade mission will also promote opportunities to promote Queensland’s agriculture, tourism and education sectors.
Japan is Queensland’s largest export destination with $27 billion worth of exports in the year ending in April 2023, an increase of 48 per cent over the year.
South Korea is the fourth largest export destination with $19 billion worth of exports in the year ending in April 2023, an increase of 23 per cent over the year.
Mayors and business leaders from regions key to the delivery of Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan will accompany Ms Palaszczuk.
Townsville Mayor, Jenny Hill, and Gladstone Mayor, Matt Burnett, will join Vecco Group Managing Director, Tom Northcott, Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith, and PowerLink CEO, Paul Simshauser, for parts of the mission as the Premier targets key overseas markets to shore up support for Queensland’s plan and investment to deliver renewable energy and jobs right across the state.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart will also join the Premier for the South Korean leg to help promote CopperString and Queensland’s Critical Minerals Strategy.
Steven Miles will be Acting Premier for the duration of the trade mission from Saturday 8 July to Sunday 16 July.
Ms Palaszczuk said critical minerals like vanadium mined in North Queensland and green hydrogen from North and Central Queensland will be critical to delivering the State’s plan for more renewable energy and more renewable energy jobs.
“I am travelling to Japan, South Korea and Singapore to hold meetings with offshore investors to grow Queensland’s critical markets as we continue to deliver our Energy and Jobs Plan,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“To secure jobs for the future, we’ll make the case for investment in our emerging vanadium mining, processing and manufacturing industries as well as our hydrogen industry.
“This is about securing investments to mine minerals, process minerals and make batteries in North Queensland and securing new investments in our emerging renewable hydrogen industry in places like Central Queensland.”
