Vital Discussions at Meeting of the Mines Conference: new projects, industry challenges and future vision
The highly anticipated 'Meeting of the Mines' conference last week saw key stakeholders from across the mining, resource, and energy sectors gather in the Outback Queensland town of Cloncurry to discuss the future of sustainable mining and regional development.
With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and regional strength, the conference generated pivotal discussions around new projects, industry challenges, and future opportunities for growth in North West Queensland.
This year saw almost double the number of delegates at the conference, with over 150 attending from across the country, representing over 70 organisations and companies, who heard from almost 40 speakers over the two-day program.
Cloncurry Shire Mayor, Greg Campbell emphasised the region's role in bolstering regional resilience.
“Cloncurry Shire Council continues to work closely with industry partners to drive forward new initiatives that not only sustain but enhance the region's role as a leader in resource development. This collaborative approach ensures that North West Queensland remains a vital player in Australia’s mining landscape,” he said.
On the upcoming Mount Isa smelter closure, the Mayor stated, "The best way Cloncurry can support Mount Isa is to be as strong as possible. Our efforts are focused on ensuring that our region remains robust and capable of driving forward essential projects that benefit all of North West Queensland."
Other key topics of discussion included:
- Innovative Waste Solutions: Discussions centred on the repurposing of mine waste, including waste rock and tyres, for civic purposes, highlighting potential advancements in sustainability through the reclassification of mining waste products.
- Powerlink Legacy Projects: Mayors and industry leaders discussed the importance of Powerlink’s legacy projects in driving infrastructure development and ensuring energy security.
- Logistics and Competitiveness: Rail and logistic pricing was a focal point, with stakeholders debating how transportation costs affect the viability of key projects and the overall competitiveness of the region’s business landscape.
- Mining Projects: Updates were shared on major projects from Maronan Metals, AIC Mines, True North Copper, Glencore, Dugald River, and Eva Copper Mine. All demonstrated the sector's resilience and commitment to growth in challenging times.
- Sulfuric Acid Supply: Access to sulfuric acid was a recurring theme, with Helen Degeling from Cobalt Blue presenting solutions to address the region's needs. She introduced Cobalt Blue's ability to produce high-purity sulphur prill from pyrite feedstocks, which could be a game changer for regional industries.
- Department of Resources and DESI: Attendees discussed the challenges of working within legislation that had not kept pace with industry advancement. Greater collaboration and understanding were identified as critical for future success.
- Renewable Energy: Renewable energy projects, such as Dugald River's initiatives in partnership with Powerlink, were highlighted as essential for the region's shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
The strong line-up of speakers was testament to the focus and investment in Queensland’s North West Minerals Province. Speakers included:
- The Hon Scott Stewart MP, Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals
- Neville Power, Omnia Company Director
- Jason Floyd, Evolution GM Ernest Henry Mine
- Johannes Van Heerden, Harmony Eva Copper Mine Group Chief Operating Officer
- Aaron Colleran, AIC Mines Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
- Dan Kelleher, GM Northern Australia Operations, and Dan White, IPF Trading Manager and CEO Qantum Fertiliser for Incitec Pivot Limited
- Graham Fyfe, Axon Graphite CEO
- Helen Degeling, Cobalt Blue Holdings Project Acquisition Manager
- John Williams, Trade Commissioner, Canada
- Jarrod Cowley-Grimmond, Deputy Director General, Water Resource Management
- Darren Cleland, Far North Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Director
- Scott Sullivan, Executive Director, Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
- Tara Beazley, NGH Consulting Regional Manager
- Paul Holden, Executive Director, and Kerry Smeltzer, Assistant Coordinator-General for Critical Minerals Queensland
- Warwick Squire, Coexistence Queensland CEO
- Thomas Dockray, Powerlink Queensland Project Director
- William Weaver, Sunwater GM North Operations
- Maria James, MITEZ CEO
Meeting of the Mines was created by Cloncurry Shire Council with the aim of tackling the challenges and opportunities facing future mining projects in the region. More www.meetingofthemines.com.au
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Brad Foster – bradf@icmsaust.com.au
Kath Rose – kath@kathrose.com