The Queensland Government is cementing Queensland’s position in the global critical minerals supply chain, with Australia’s first vertically integrated graphite-to-anode demonstration facility now operational in Townsville.

Graphinex is turning raw graphite into battery-ready anodes using graphite mined and processed from its Esmeralda project, which hosts the world’s second largest deposit of natural graphite located near Croydon in North West Queensland.

The Queensland Government declared the Esmeralda Graphite Project a Prescribed Project last year to streamline approvals and unlock investment, delivering the potential for more than 200 new regional Queensland jobs.

The declaration followed the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) issuing a Letter of Interest for $1.3 billion – the largest single financial commitment under the US-Australia Critical Minerals Framework – reinforcing global support for Queensland’s critical minerals industry.

The future supply chain will deliver battery anodes to be used in lithium-ion batteries, positioning Queensland as a reliable supplier for global manufactures of electric vehicles, drones and robotics.

It’s just one of the ways the Queensland Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, a plan for Queensland’s future and helping power the future.

The Queensland Government is now calling on the Federal Government to support a proposal to jointly fund four investment-ready critical minerals projects across the State, including:

• Upgrading the Mt Isa Rail Line - $227 million
• Processing expansion at the Queensland Resources Common User Facility in Townsville - $37 million
• Pilots for screening and processing of critical minerals at the Resources Centre of Excellence in Mackay - $10 million
• Tungsten capacity uplift by investing in operations at Mt Carbine - $26.3 million

Premier David Crisafulli said Queensland was the only State ready and willing to capitalise on money available to hit the ground running and get these projects moving.

“The U.S has opened the door, and Queensland is ready to walk through it with shovel-ready critical minerals projects,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“These four investment-ready Queensland critical mineral projects are just the beginning.

“We'll push hard to secure this funding because Queensland is open for business, and we’re banging down doors across the globe.”

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said Graphinex’s milestone demonstrates Queensland’s ability to lead the next generation of critical minerals and manufacturing.

“Queensland is not just exporting raw materials, we are turning them into high-value products that are in demand around the world and strengthening the State’s position as a world leader in critical minerals,” Minister Last said.

“This is what pit-to-processing-to-product could look like, taking our natural advantages and turning them into jobs, investment and long-term economic growth.

“Last year I led a trade mission to North America and that trip was instrumental in securing EXIM funding for Graphinex. We’re getting on with the job, engaging with international investors and building the relationships and confidence needed to inject investment into Queensland’s critical minerals sector.”

Graphinex Managing Director Art Malone said the milestone reflected Queensland’s unique position at the forefront of the global critical minerals supply chain.

“This is a defining moment for Graphinex and for Queensland, with Townsville now home to Australia’s first fully integrated graphite-to-anode demonstration facility producing battery-grade material,” Mr Malone said.

“Queensland has the resources, the processing capability, and the international sovereign financial backing to place this State at the centre of the global critical minerals supply chain.

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the Queensland Government’s support, creating a fully integrated, secure pathway from resource to advanced manufacturing, right here in regional Queensland.”