New METS mining fund opens grants up to $300,000

Grace Grace and Scott Stewart visited Mackay’s Resource Centre of Excellence to take a tour of their simulated mineshaft and announce new funding for mining businesses, alongside Julieanne Gilbert. HOW TO APPLY.

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace, Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals Scott Stewart and Assistant Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Julieanne Gilbert went to the Resource Centre of Excellence and toured their simulated underground environment. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Mackay’s mining businesses could be eligible for grants of up to $300,000 as the state government unveils millions of dollars in funding.

The announcement from government timed with a visit to the Resource Centre of Excellence by State Developmental Minister Grace Grace and Resources Minister Scott Stewart and Julieanne Gilbert.

The Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) Collaborative Project fund opens $2.7m of funding to businesses.

“We’re bringing the best minds in business and research together, to build partnerships, share knowledge and address the complex challenges in the METS sector,” Ms Grace said.

Ms Grace was walked through the training and testing that the Resource Centre of Excellence is capable of performing in the simulated environment. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Designed to “unlock new opportunities” the METS Collaborative Project Fund will prioritise projects that address environmental issues, emissions management and renewable energy.

“We aim to champion initiatives that focus on global industry challenges such as automation, mine rehabilitation, reducing emissions across the resources supply chain, and collaborating with resource companies to pilot groundbreaking technologies,” Ms Grace said.

This new fund aims to meet the goals of the ALP’s ambitious energy and jobs plan and is a part of a number of initiatives that are promoting transitioning towards net zero emissions.

Grace Grace went for a ride in one of the mineshaft vehicles, doing some hands on fact finding in the simulated mine site. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Mr Stewart touted METS as the latest in state government support for Mackay’s resource industry pointing to a $5.7m investment made into the Resources Centre of Excellence, which led to the launch of a critical minerals processing facility earlier in the year.

“Queensland and in particular Mackay’s METS sector is cutting edge and this funding will allow these businesses to find ways to innovate even more,” Mr Stewart said.

Applications to benefit from the METS Collaborative Project Fund are now open and will close on May 17.