Queensland Pacific Metals to receive for $8 million Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub

Queensland Pacific Metals is set to receive $8 million made available by the state government to assist in the preparations of the Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) project, matching the Albanese government’s recent commitment of $8 million.

QPM’s non-executive director Stephen Grocott is determined to realise the Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) project. Picture: Supplied.

Queensland Pacific Metals is set to receive $8 million made available by the state government to assist in the preparations of the Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) project, matching the Albanese government’s recent commitment of $8 million.

Aiming to deliver a ‘modern and sustainable battery minerals refinery’ for Townsville, the project see Queensland Pacific Metals works with the Queensland Treasury to provide the grant.

Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart said “everyone in North Queensland remembers when Clive Palmer shut down nickel refining in Townsville’

“Our government is proud to work with the Albanese government to try and reverse that loss,” he said.

State Member for Townsville Scott Stewart. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“Critical minerals are the future for Townsville and North Queensland, and this

investment shows we are taking action to deliver.”

“Through the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan, we are fulfilling our

goal to grow and diversify the industry.”

The $2 billion project aims to supply nickel and cobalt materials from ore imported from New Caledonia to electric vehicle and battery manufacturers including General Motors and LG, and steel makers POSCO.

Mr Stewart said permanent full-time manufacturing jobs will secure the economic future of North Queensland.

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said the commitment was ‘tremendous’ for North Queensland.

He said government ‘must shift their focus from the South-East Corner’, after earlier calling on the State government to ‘come to the party’ after the Federal government ‘finally agreed’ to the investment.

“I want to thank the true heroes of this project QPM’s Dr Stephen Grocott, non-executive

director and Mr Digby McLeay, general manager corporate relations for their advocacy and

commitment to this groundbreaking project,” Mr Katter said.

“Thanks must also go to the French Ambassador for his advocacy and work in this area.”

Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King said the grants tie in with the Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy and Future Made in Australia plan.

“These grants will help to create high-paying jobs for Australian workers and mean more value is added to our critical minerals industry,” she said.

“We have a rich endowment of the critical minerals required for renewable energy technologies and our Strategy will ensure Australia is well positioned to provide these resources as the world transitions to net zero.”

Originally published as Queensland Pacific Metals to receive for $8 million Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub