PERTH (miningweekly.com) - Mining equipment, technology and services provider Orica and high purity alumina (HPA) producer Alpha HPA have signed the Central Queensland Statement of Cooperation with the state government.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said Orica and Alpha HPA would join major Rio Tinto in working with the Queensland government to pave a way that will seize the opportunities that clean energy presents. 

“Queensland is renewables ready and Central Queensland is perfectly primed to take advantage of the state’s natural energy advantage while creating economic opportunities,” Miles said.

“This Statement of Cooperation ensures that Queensland can benefit from the global shift towards decarbonisation, starting in Central Queensland. The shared vision, between industry and government, for renewables in Central Queensland is great news for community members, who will benefit from more jobs right along the supply chain.

“Central Queensland is a key component of Queensland’s energy puzzle and energy-intensive industries in the area are already looking to switch to renewable energy supply.”

The Statement of Cooperation will secure the future competitiveness of Queensland, adding value to a natural energy advantage to drive employment and economic outcomes for Queensland by focussing on three areas: committing to industry by establishing certainty for current industry and growing demand; delivering a globally competitive energy solution that is centred around firmed, low-carbon electricity for industry; and growing the industries of the future in Central Queensland by creating an enabling regulatory environment, strengthening regional skills and employment to lower capital intensity, and planning for the infrastructure to enable industry development.

Miles said this was only the beginning of a collaboration that will continue to grow, meaning more jobs, getting more of the supply chain and holding on to value for Queenslanders.

“Our ambitious targets to get to net-zero emissions by 2050 is creating huge opportunities with more jobs in more industries right along the renewable energy supply chain.”

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said consumers around the world were demanding low emissions products and that was a massive opportunity for regional Queensland.

“We know that reliable, cheap, clean electricity will attract more industrial activity to Queensland, so agreements like this one will boost jobs in Gladstone and regional Queensland,” De Brenni said.

Orica Australia Pacific VP John Cooper said the company would deploy technology to accelerate lower-carbon manufacturing in the region, enable new renewable generation assets and advance lower-carbon products for customers.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Orica to be part of,” Cooper said.

“With so much experience in decarbonisation, Orica can help Queensland become a global leader in renewable energy and succeed in a low-carbon economy, bringing substantial environment, economic and social benefits to the state. 

“This is another great example of public and private partnering towards decarbonisation. We are looking forward to working with the Queensland government and industry on an exciting future for Central Queensland.”

Rob Williamson, COO from Alpha HPA said the company is committed to using renewables in their operations.

“Having recently purchased a site for our high purity alumina Facility in Gladstone, we are excited by the opportunity.

“There is a global shift as the world is demanding more renewable energy to support decarbonisation in both energy generation and low energy consuming products.

“We want to produce a range of low carbon footprint, high purity aluminium products for critical decarbonising technologies whilst creating jobs for local communities.”