$5 million in funding now available to drive critical mineral exploration

• Applications are open for round 9 of the Collaborative Exploration Initiative.
• $5 million in funding is available to discover new mineral deposits across Queensland.
• Priority will be given to the discovery of critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies

The latest round of the Collaborative Exploration Initiative (CEI) is now open to support explorers searching for Queensland’s next critical mineral deposit.

Explorers can apply for funding of up to $250,000 to uncover minerals essential for developing clean energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle batteries.

Previous CEI recipients Graphinex, who was awarded funding to explore one of Australia’s largest graphite deposits, known for its exceptionally pure grade.

As part of this initiative, Graphinex successfully discovered a graphite orebody at the Esmeralda Graphite Project, south of Croydon, Queensland

The exploration provided crucial data on the deposit's size and quality and with these findings.

The deposit is poised to become a significant source of graphite for renewable energy technologies, particularly batteries.

The CEI program builds on the $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy and the Queensland Government’s $6.2 billion CopperString project, designed to unlock mineral wealth in Queensland.

Explorers are encouraged to submit their applications by December 11, 2024, via the CEI’s online webform.

Quotes attributable to Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart:

“We are continuing to back the resources sector and our explorers through our Collaborative Exploration Initiative.

“The mineral exploration projects of today have the potential to become the major mining projects of the future, which is why these funding initiatives are crucial.

“Overall mineral exploration expenditure in Queensland reached $919.7 million in the 12 months to June, a significant increase of $148.3 million compared to the previous year.

“By investing in exploration now, we’re positioning Queensland as a global leader in supplying the essential resources needed for the renewable energy revolution.

“To build a truly decarbonised economy, we need bold explorers willing to take on the risks to uncover the next major critical mineral deposits, this funding initiative helps make that possible.

“The Miles Government is proud to stand behind the resource industry and the explorers driving forward the projects that will secure Queensland’s place as a powerhouse in the global clean energy future.”