The Queensland Government has released a new strategy aimed at expanding the State’s critical minerals sector, outlining plans to accelerate the extraction, processing and export of critical minerals while positioning Queensland as a globally recognised supplier for secure supply chains.
According to a Queensland Government media release, the Delivering Queensland’s Critical Minerals Future 2026–30 strategy sets out the State’s vision to strengthen its critical minerals industry by building sovereign capability, attracting investment and supporting the development of processing and refining activities.
The Government said Queensland’s strategic reserves of critical minerals, established processing and refining capabilities, mining expertise and skilled workforce provide a foundation for future growth as global demand for critical minerals increases and international supply chains continue to evolve.
The strategy follows the Queensland Government’s recently announced $146 million Budget investment aimed at supporting the extraction, processing and export of critical minerals.
Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the strategy was designed to position the State as more than a supplier of raw materials.
“We’ve seen the impact that recent geopolitical uncertainty and export restrictions have had on global supply chains and the need for secure and reliable sources of strategic resources,” Last said.
“The Delivering Queensland’s Critical Minerals Future 2026–30 sets out key actions to grow Queensland’s value chain to expand processing, refining and manufacturing to build a global supply chain that is shielded from externalities that halt critical and strategic resources.”
Last said the Government viewed the sector as an opportunity to support regional employment and economic growth.
“The world is knocking on Queensland’s door, and we are ready to capitalise on this generational opportunity that will deliver long-term jobs and economic opportunities to regional Queensland,” he said.
“We have the resources, industrial capability, energy and importantly, the will to deliver critical minerals to the world and get this done.”
The Queensland Government said the strategy aims to support the State’s role in meeting growing international demand for critical minerals while strengthening supply chain resilience and encouraging new investment in the sector.
