Consultation open on resources industry Financial Provisioning Scheme

• Crisafulli Government opens consultation on the review of the Financial Provisioning Scheme. 
• Feedback will help inform recommendations to enhance the Scheme and support investment while managing financial and rehabilitation risks
• The Crisafulli Government is open for business and delivering better services through a stronger economy by backing the resources industry after Labor deserted Queensland’s miners. 

The Crisafulli Government has invited Queenslanders to have their say on future of the State’s resources sector, with consultation now open on the review of the Financial Provisioning Scheme. 

The next phase of the review will seek feedback from industry, investors, landholders and the community on whether the Scheme remains fit for purpose as Queensland competes for investment and growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive global market. 

The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland’s resources sector with a stable operating environment, including streamlined approvals and faster decisions, after the former Labor Government’s anti-mining policies stymied new investment and development. 

The review will consider whether the Scheme strikes the right balance between managing financial rehabilitation risks and supporting investment, industry growth and responsible resources development across Queensland.  

The review has been welcomed by industry as Queensland’s resources sector continues to see growing investment in critical minerals and increased participation from small and mid-tier operators looking to meet the skyrocketing global demand for Queensland commodities.   

Queensland's resources industry has changed significantly since the scheme was introduced in 2019, with evolving investment models, changing ownership structures and increasing participation from smaller and mid-tier operators. 

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said consultation would help ensure that the review of the Scheme was informed by those at the centre of Queensland’s mining future.  

“We have opened public consultation for the review of the Financial Provisioning Scheme to ensure Queensland’s policy settings keep pace with our rapidly evolving resources sector,” Minister Last said.  

"The resources sector is a key driver of jobs, investment and economic growth across Queensland, which is why we are taking a close look at whether the current policy settings remain fit for purpose and encourage new investment. 

“I want Queensland to be the epicentre of global critical minerals development and that requires policy settings that work as hard as our industry does.  

“The FPS has a significant impact on investment decisions and future development, and I continue to hear firsthand of the limitations it causes for junior miners and explorers.  

“This review presents an opportunity to hear from Queenslanders to ensure our State remains a resources powerhouse while balancing strong environmental safeguards and support for regional communities.”  

Association of Mining and Exploration Companies CEO Warren Pearce encouraged companies to provide feedback during the consultation period.  

"Industry feedback will be critical to ensuring the scheme delivers the right balance between environmental protection and economic growth,” Mr Pearce said.  

“AMEC encourages companies to share their experiences, particularly where FPS settings or rehabilitation surety requirements have affected investment decisions. 

"This review provides an important opportunity to ensure the framework appropriately recognises project maturity, reflects genuine risk and remains competitive with other mining jurisdictions. 

"Queensland's current FPS settings can place a significant financial burden on smaller operators and developers transitioning from exploration to production.  

“This review is an opportunity to ensure the scheme better reflects risk and project scale, without creating unnecessary barriers to investment, development and job creation in regional Queensland.” 

CEO and Managing Director of Metro Mining Ltd Simon Wensley said the review was welcome news for the industry.  

“Exploration companies and junior and mid-tier miners are crucial to grow Queensland's mining operations however; the FPS can place a disproportionate financial burden on these businesses at a time when capital is most critical to project development and growth,” Mr Wensley said. 

“Funds that could otherwise be invested in exploration, feasibility studies, project development and job creation are tied up in meeting scheme requirements. 

"Metro Mining welcomes the Queensland Government’s review of the FPS. This review presents an important opportunity to ensure the scheme continues to achieve its objectives while better supporting investment, innovation and the development of the next generation of Queensland mining projects. 

“This is a positive and timely initiative that demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring Queensland’s regulatory frameworks remain effective, competitive and fit for purpose.”  

Consultation is open from 1 September 2026 and feedback can be provided through xxxxxxxxxx. 

More information about the review, including the Terms of Reference, is available at https://www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/mining-exploration/initiatives/financial-provisioning-scheme-review

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Eloise Linneth, 0458 592 640