The Queensland Government has announced that full-scale mining will soon begin at EQ Resources’ Mt Carbine Tungsten Mine, bringing jobs and economic benefits to North Queensland.
According to the State Government, tungsten, commonly known as wolfram, is a critical mineral used in aerospace, construction, and technology, such as smartphones, solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle batteries.
The State Government added that despite Australia’s second-largest deposits, practically all tungsten supply originates from China and Russia.
“This is an important step forward for both Queensland’s growing critical minerals sector, and our renewable energy transition,” Resources Minister Scott Stewart said.
Minister Stewart stated that this mine’s redevelopment reflects one of the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan‘s significant principles: to give existing mines new life.
“Together our Resources Industry Development Plan will work hand in glove with the Energy and Jobs Plan to help get these minerals out of the ground to build the solar panels, wind farms, electric vehicles and batteries we need for the future,” Minister Stewart added.
Mt Carbine is Australia’s sole primary tungsten producer, producing around 350 tonnes of concentrate per year from existing tailings and low-grade stocks, the Government added.
When open-cut mining commences at Mt Carbine Tungsten Mine, the output will likely increase to 60 to 90 tonnes per month.
The mine is located in Queensland’s North East Minerals Province, home to critical minerals such as tungsten, molybdenum, and tin in high demand for the world’s decarbonisation ambitions.
“Mt Carbine is already a major jobs provider in the region and will grow further in coming months as production ramps up,” EQ Resources CEO Kevin MacNeill said.
According to MacNeill, the open-cut mine will give a five-fold improvement in grade quality, allowing the company to become the world leader in tungsten supply. MacNeill stated that the Mt Carbine Tungsten Mine licences and adjoining exploration tenements are expected to become a top three tungsten producer outside China.
“We are also looking to make a major contribution to economic development in the Cairns hinterland including upgrading services and providing employment opportunities in a region hit hard by COVID-19 lockdowns,” he added.
