Mackay's new mining lab puts Queensland in the critical minerals fast lane

• The Crisafulli Government officially opens state-of-the-art, common-user minerals processing facility in Mackay.
• Facility supports testing, innovation, research, development and skills training across the resources sector.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland’s future.    

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future after officially opening a state-of-the-art minerals processing facility in Mackay that will help Queensland get more value out of our resources. 

The Flexi-Lab common-user facility, located at the Resources Centre of Excellence’s Stage 2 Future Industries Hub, will allow industry, researchers and innovators to test, prove and refine mineral processing techniques for a range of critical and strategic minerals. 

It will support industry-led innovation, workforce skills development and the commercialisation of emerging technologies, helping Queensland capture more value from its resources and creating new opportunities for our regions. 

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the Crisafulli Government was committed to backing industry, attracting investment, and sending a clear signal that Queensland open for business.  

“Queensland’s resources and critical minerals deposits are world-class, and the Crisafulli Government is putting our state on the map as the world’s best destination to invest and do business,” Minister Last said. 

“Flexi-Lab gives industry a place to test ideas, refine technology and prove up projects, so they can move faster from concept to commercial reality. 

“The Crisafulli Government is putting Queensland at the centre of the world’s appetite for critical minerals, and we’re sending a clear message to Canberra and the world that our state is open for business. 

“Mackay is the gateway to Queensland’s mining heartland, and the Flexi-Lab minerals processing facility is about giving businesses the confidence to invest, expand and take advantage of the opportunities in emerging markets, by giving project proponents the tools they need to succeed.” 

Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland Sean Dillon said the Crisafulli Government was ensuring the benefits of Queensland’s resources sector flow through to regional communities. 

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy by backing innovation, developing skills, and making sure Queensland captures more value at home,” Assistant Minister Dillon said. 

“Facilities like Flexi-Lab will help create the next wave of skills, technology and jobs for regional Queensland while ensuring Queensland is well positioned to meet the strong global demand for critical minerals.” 

Resources Centre of Excellence Chief Executive Officer Steven Boxall said the Flexi-Lab represented a pivotal development for Queensland’s resources sector. 

“The Flexi-Lab is a game-changing facility that will help Queensland unlock more value from its resources while supporting collaboration, innovation and skills development,” Mr Boxall said. 

“Backed by the Queensland Government’s investment, this facility provides industry with a world-class, pilot-scale environment to test new processing technologies, recover critical minerals and reprocess legacy tailings, turning challenges into new economic opportunities. 

“By bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial deployment,  Flexi-Lab will de-risk investment, accelerate innovation and strengthen Queensland’s pit-to-product value chain.”