A Central Queensland mine that’s been dormant for over 40 years may reopen after government investment
The Queensland government has announced a $15 million investment in Mount Chalmers mine, near Rockhampton, which it says could reopen the site.
The mine was one of the first discovered in Queensland, with prospectors originally finding gold at the site as far back as 1860. The mine closed in 1982.
QMines will operate the mine, with the fresh investment allowing the company to accelerate its plans to unlock more than 19 million tonnes of mineral resources containing copper, gold, zinc and silver.
“This investment is about bringing jobs and long-term opportunity back to the region,” QLD minister for finance, trade, employment and training Ros Bates says.
“We are fast-tracking this project because it has enormous potential to create growth for Central Queensland and supply critical minerals that are in high demand globally.
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“The Crisafulli government knows the value of the critical minerals right under our feet, which is why we’ve delivered a further $100 million for QIC’s Critical Minerals Fund in this year’s budget.”
QMines Chairman and Managing Director Andrew Sparke says the investment was a major step forward in bringing Mount Chalmers back into production.
“Mount Chalmers has a proud history dating back some 160 years, and our development strategy is focused on positioning this project and this community for the future,” Sparke says.
“Our staged approach will allow us to bring the project online efficiently, while building a long-term operation that supports ongoing employment and regional growth.
“Copper is essential to the global energy transition, and projects like Mount Chalmers will help ensure Queensland remains a reliable supplier of these important resources.”
The mine is currently in the process of a definitive feasibility study.