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How to resolve AdBlock issue? Qld resources industry and government leaders meet to turn around explorer confidence
THE Queensland Government and resources industry leaders are meeting in Brisbane today to develop innovative ways to rebuild explorer confidence in Queensland and to ensure the state can meet shortfalls in demand for gas, critical minerals, coal and metals.
Hosted by the Queensland Exploration Council (QEC), the QEC Innovation Summit puts industry and government face-to-face in a speed dating style session to unearth the opportunities and challenges presented by exploration across the state.
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive officer, Janette Hewson, said the industry and government must find innovative ways to address explorer sentiment and accelerate exploration in Queensland. 
“We are at a critical juncture for exploration and meeting global demand for Queensland’s abundant reserves,” Ms Hewson said.
“The International Energy Agency outlines 300 new critical minerals mines are needed globally by 2030 just to meet current demand.
“This doesn’t consider the new mines needed to meet demand for steelmaking coal and gas that are essential to our energy mix, the energy transition and the things we need for our modern lives.
“Meeting demand is an opportunity for Queensland explorers, for the skilled people who work in resources and importantly for all of us as Queenslanders.”
Unlocking future reserves will require competitive policy settings that attract global capital and ensure streamlined approvals processes that fast track new mines needed to meet demand, Ms Hewson said.
The summit has invited leading economists, engineers and technology experts alongside senior government officials to come up with how policy can accelerate exploration with innovation, technology and funding.
Setting the tone for the day is keynote address by the Director-General for the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, Graham Fraine, who is presenting the government’s perspective on rebuilding confidence and unearthing policy settings to accelerate the development of future reserves.
Central to the Summit and discussions with government is improving access to funding for exploration that will support explorers through capital intensive early stages of project development.
QEC chair, Kim Wainwright said the QEC Innovation Summit would unearth whether existing policy settings and incentives were doing enough to encourage global investment to Queensland.
“The QEC Scorecard highlighted that the exploration sector is facing both opportunities and challenges over the next 3-5 years,” Ms Wainwright said.
“Summits like these encourage new ways of thinking that can turn around low confidence and lead to better outcomes for all Queenslanders.
“Queensland holds a reputation as a global leader in mining technology, productivity, and safe and sustainable practices, and by bringing together major producers, explorers and government we can continue to build on our past successes.
“There are many explorers who are at the forefront of technology and the next generation of miners that will unlock future reserves for Queensland.”
The QEC Innovation Summit is happening at The Westin today.
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