State-of-the-art pilot processing plant for critical minerals in Mackay, Queensland
The concept design for a pilot critical minerals processing plant, FlexiLab, has been unveiled in Mackay, Queensland.
Unveiling the concept at the Resources Centre of Excellence, Queensland Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart says FlexiLab will provide a dedicated facility for industry to test processing and recovery of minerals not normally produced.
“”Mackay is a key player in Queensland’s critical minerals sector,” he said.
“Investments in initiatives like FlexiLab, will help to ensure a strong resources future for the community and for Queensland for decades to come.
“As we continue to face the global demand for critical minerals, FlexiLab will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mineral processing.
“This state-of-the-art facility, designed with a vision for innovation and collaboration, is set to redefine the landscape of mineral processing and accelerate growth in the critical minerals sector.
The facility is supported by $5.7m in funding from the Queensland Government.
“This common-user facility is an investment not just in infrastructure, but in Queensland’s economic resilience and future prosperity,” Minister Stewart said.
“Queensland’s critical minerals are needed to build our future energy supplies and this facility is a step towards ensuring the entire minerals lifecycle from pit to product stays within Queensland.”
Resources Centre of Excellent chief executive Steven Boxall says it is important to understand the opportunities and technologies required to successfully transform end-of-life and closed mine sites through economic rehabilitation.
“The Queensland Government and the visionary nature of the Queensland Resource Industry Development Plan has specifically funded this project and for that we are extremely grateful,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing the partnership with a burgeoning critical mineral industry in the Bowen Basin.”
Designed as a common-user facility, FlexiLab is poised to become a hub for helping prove the commercial viability of processing critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, zinc, vanadium, molybdenum, silica, alumina and rare earth elements.
The Resources Centre of Excellence opened in mid-2020 and provides training options for students and apprentices as well as supporting companies to develop new products and research.
FlexiLab will complement the Queensland Resources Common User Facility, which is being built in Townsville.
