Published Sunday, 07 September, 2008 at 05:00 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Mines and Energy
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Explorers keen to tap into resource-rich Queensland
Exploration permits are flooding in from explorers keen to make their mark and their millions in mining in Queensland.
Premier Anna Bligh and Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said there had been a 100% increase in the number of applications from explorers in the last financial year.
In 2005-06 the Department of Mines and Energy received 650 applications. At the end of April this year, over 1300 applications had been received – that’s more than double.
“These applications are an indication of the confidence in Queensland and the interest companies have in coming here to do business,” said the Premier.
“We are lucky to live in a vast state that is blessed with many natural resources and there is more to discover in Queensland.”
Minister Wilson said mining is booming and would continue to power ahead in Queensland.
“There is now more land under granted exploration tenure in Queensland than at any time in the past,” he said.
“And while mining’s going full steam ahead, we haven’t forgotten where it all begins, in exploration. Today’s exploration means tomorrow’s jobs.
“From Cunnamulla to Chillagoe, applications are flooding in. Extra staff have been put on to fast track applications,” he said.
The Minister said 150,000 square kilometres had been opened up for petroleum exploration alone this year.
“Successful companies plan to spend around half a billion dollars in the first four years of their operations,” he said.
“We’re well on track to meet our target of doubling mining investment to $540 million by 2010.”
In the past year, construction began on 11 new mining and petroleum projects. Nine new coal mines started up and six major mineral mines went into production.
Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819
Premier Anna Bligh and Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said there had been a 100% increase in the number of applications from explorers in the last financial year.
In 2005-06 the Department of Mines and Energy received 650 applications. At the end of April this year, over 1300 applications had been received – that’s more than double.
“These applications are an indication of the confidence in Queensland and the interest companies have in coming here to do business,” said the Premier.
“We are lucky to live in a vast state that is blessed with many natural resources and there is more to discover in Queensland.”
Minister Wilson said mining is booming and would continue to power ahead in Queensland.
“There is now more land under granted exploration tenure in Queensland than at any time in the past,” he said.
“And while mining’s going full steam ahead, we haven’t forgotten where it all begins, in exploration. Today’s exploration means tomorrow’s jobs.
“From Cunnamulla to Chillagoe, applications are flooding in. Extra staff have been put on to fast track applications,” he said.
The Minister said 150,000 square kilometres had been opened up for petroleum exploration alone this year.
“Successful companies plan to spend around half a billion dollars in the first four years of their operations,” he said.
“We’re well on track to meet our target of doubling mining investment to $540 million by 2010.”
In the past year, construction began on 11 new mining and petroleum projects. Nine new coal mines started up and six major mineral mines went into production.
Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819