PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government will head a trade mission to Japan, South Korea and Singapore to shore up investment in Queensland’s critical minerals, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel industries.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart will also join the Premier for the South Korean leg to help promote CopperString and Queensland’s Critical Minerals Strategy.
“Critical minerals like vanadium mined in North Queensland and green hydrogen from North and Central Queensland will be critical to delivering our state’s plan for more renewable energy and more renewable energy jobs,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“I am travelling to Japan, South Korea and Singapore to hold meetings with offshore investors to grow Queensland’s critical markets as we continue to deliver our Energy and Jobs Plan.
“To secure jobs for the future, we’ll make the case for investment in our emerging vanadium mining, processing and manufacturing industries as well as our hydrogen industry.
“This is about securing investments to mine minerals, process minerals and make batteries in North Queensland and securing new investments in our emerging renewable hydrogen industry in places like Central Queensland.”
Japan is Queensland’s largest export destination with A$27-billion worth of exports in the year ending in April 2023, an increase of 48% over the year. South Korea is the fourth largest export destination with A$19-billion worth of exports in the year ending in April 2023, an increase of 23% over the year.
In addition to critical minerals, the trade mission will also promote opportunities to promote Queensland’s agriculture, tourism and education sectors.