Saint Elmo vanadium mine gets state government approval

A new mine approval in the North West is expected to push Queensland into a global market, and strengthen the future of new-economy minerals in the state.

A NEW mine approval in the North West is expected to push Queensland into a global market, and strengthen the future of new-economy minerals in the state.

The Queensland government has signed off on the Multicom vanadium mine at Saint Elmo, near Julia Creek, with the project expected to support up to 400 regional jobs. Vanadium is used in high strength low alloy steel and is emerging as a critical battery storage commodity for its use in vanadium redox flow batteries, ideally suited to large grid scale storage solutions.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Multicom was the “first cab off the rank” in an industry that would fuel the state’s future as a global resources supplier.

“Vanadium is an important ingredient in the manufacture of specialty steel and will be used in large-scale renewable batteries around the world because it can be charged thousands of times without degrading,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

She added it also laid the foundation for manufacturing vanadium redox flow batteries in the state.

Multicom Resources’ chief executive officer Shaun McCarthy said the mine was expected to start construction in 2022, supporting 250 jobs at peak, with the first production forecast for 2023.

“Saint Elmo is initially forecast to produce up to 5000 tonnes per annum of vanadium pentoxide, supporting at least 150 mine jobs and operating for up to 20 years,” Mr McCarthy said.

“As the project expands production to 20,000 tonnes per annum over time, there’ll be an additional 100 operational and 150 construction jobs created.”

It is expected about three-quaters of the workforce will either live in the McKinlay Shire, Cloncurry, Richmond or Mount Isa.

“Multicom will also source our suppliers from the local region as much as possible and is well supported by the well-established supply chain along the Townsville to Mt Isa corridor,” he said.

Ore processing will occur on site, with product shipped globally through the Port of Townsville. Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the Geological Survey of Queensland was constantly gathering data on the state’s minerals.

“The Palaszczuk government makes that pre-competitive data available to explorers free of charge to help de-risk their exploration activity,” Mr Stewart said.

“This data gave Multicom the confidence they needed to support investment and a mining lease application.”

Saint Elmo is the first mine approved in a potential vanadium hub in the far northwest, with other companies progressing other potential mines.

WHAT’S ON: Flinders St to come alive for rugby

TOWNSVILLE will come alive for the Rugby Championships with food trucks, live music and entertainment in the heart of the city.

People from around the globe will tune in to watch the historic matches with Townsville to host the 100th test between the Springbok and the All Blacks.

Tate McDermott of the Wallabies evades the tackle from Codie Taylor of the All Blacks during the Bledisloe Cup match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks, part of The Rugby Championship, at Optus Stadium on September 05, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

The Wallabies vs. Los Pumas will follow, with both games broadcast across Australia, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Europe and the USA.

Flinders St and Central Park will come alive with action, celebrating the four highest ranked national teams in the Southern Hemisphere.

Townsville City Council and Flinders St traders will team up to present Townsville Eats – Rugby Championships Edition on September 25.

Food trucks, live music, entertainment and kids amusements will be available in Flinders St.

“The countdown is on for the 2021 Rugby Championship here in Townsville, and we couldn’t be more excited,” Mayor Jenny Hill said.

“Queensland Country Bank Stadium was built as part of a vision to activate our city and reinforce Townsville’s reputation as the events capital of Northern Australia, and time and time again we are able to prove that we’ve earned that title.

“Having the resources and the infrastructure available to host major events like this is not only a benefit to our city, but also to these sports who want somewhere safe and vibrant to play and to bring their supporters to.”

The Flinders Street Party brought the city alive for Origin. Michael Sams with Hollie, 12, and Hunter, 15. Picture: Evan Morgan

Cr Hill said this was another opportunity to deliver an outstanding activation of the city to complement the world-class event, just like the city did for the State of Origin.

“We’ll be putting out all the stops to give these highly-watched teams and their supporters a taste of what we have to offer here in Townsville,” she said.

“Council is working closely with Rugby Australia to pull off a stellar day out for locals and sports fans who are flying or driving into the city.

“This event is going to be a welcome boost for local businesses, from hotels to restaurants to retail shops. The economic benefits of events like this are felt right across the city and even out to other towns across North Queensland, which is fantastic for traders right across the region.”

The 2021 Rugby Championship will be held at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday September 25.

For more information about the event and activations across the city, head to Council’s website.

Originally published as Saint Elmo vanadium mine gets state government approval