PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (Amec) has welcomed the Queensland government’s release of a blueprint for the North West minerals province, which contains a suite of actions to secure the long-term future of the minerals-rich region.
The strategic blueprint leverages existing initiatives and includes more than A$39-million for new measures focused on three strategic priorities, namely facilitating continued resources sector development, diversifying the regional economy and creating employment opportunities, and working with businesses and communities to deliver integrated and appropriate services.
“Most importantly, the strategic blueprint aims to provide a strong foundation to galvanise integrated and ongoing partnerships with federal, state and local governments, business, industry and local communities, to support strong and prosperous regional communities in the province,” said Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham.
The Minister added that the Queensland government recognised the importance of the resources sector. The mining sector accounted for 7.2% of the state’s economy and 50% of its overseas exports.
“Combined with minerals processing and metals manufacturing, the resources sector also supported 79 300 direct jobs and many other indirect jobs across the state. While the resources sector will continue to be a source of comparative advantage and strength for Queensland’s economic future for many years to come, recent challenges have highlighted the need for regional resources-based economies to also diversify their economic base,” Lynham added.
Amec CEO Simon Bennison on Thursday welcomed the introduction of the blueprint, saying that Queensland needed investment in greenfields exploration.
“The mineral potential for the North West is already well recognised and now explorers will have an even greater chance to discover what further riches the region contains.
“The mines of tomorrow are found by drilling in greenfields areas and Amec supports the government’s continued commitment to collaborative exploration” said Bennison.
“Amec has consistently requested for the ongoing funding of the collaborative drilling programme and we are therefore particularly pleased to see this call has been answered.”
“It is an important investment in the future of the region.”