Works begin on Queensland Resources Common User Facility at Cleveland Bay Industrial Park in Townsville

Construction has begun on an Australian-first critical minerals facility in Townsville to be operational in late 2026. SEE THE PLANS

An Australian-first critical minerals facility, the Queensland Resources Common User Facility, begins construction in Townsville.

A critical minerals facility touted as the future of the resource sector in North Queensland is a step closer to being realised, with construction set to complete by 2026.

Works are now underway at Cleveland Bay Industrial Park on the Queensland Resources Common User Facility, which will have an initial focus on vanadium and possibly expands to other critical minerals such as cobalt and rare earth elements over time.

Vanadium is a metal can be used in many ways, including in vanadium flow batteries and in creating stronger and hardier steel alloys.

Dale Last Queensland resources and Mines Minister

Queensland Company Sedgman Pty Ltd has been appointed as managing contractor.

The facility was first announced by the former Labor-Palaszczuk government in January 2023.

It was expected to cost $10 million, but the figure has grown to $75 million after the scope of the project was significantly expanded from the initial plans.

While other minerals will also be processed once the facility is up and running, Vanadium procesing will be the first cab off the block, after initially being targeted for a 2025 launch.

The facility will function as a testing ground for resource miners, allowing companies operating in the North West to trial their processing techniques, test project feasibility and get samples of their ore to market.

Construction is now underway to build the Queensland Resources Common User Facility at Cleveland Bay Industrial Park in Townsville.

Mines and Natural Resources Minister Dale Last said the facility would increase the states competitiveness in global markets.

“The Queensland Resources Common User Facility will put Queensland at the forefront of resources innovation, and we’ll see advances in manufacturing, defence and research because of it,” he said.

“Commercial mining projects will get off the ground quicker in Queensland, the supply chain will be bolstered, and the industry will grow, especially in the North.”

Vanadium is hosted in the limestone sediments of what was once an ancient inland sea in central and northern Queensland.

Townsville MP Adam Baillie welcomed the commencement of the project’s build alongside Mr Last, saying it was proof of continued investment in North Queensland’s mineral resources.

“We all know that North Queensland is a powerhouse when it comes to critical minerals and this is another example of the Crisafulli government investing in our economy, investing in North Queensland, and investing in Townsville,” Mr Baillie said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said the project will drive regional jobs and bolster Queensland’s critical minerals capability.

“North Queensland’s reserves alone are estimated to be worth $500 billion, and strategically locating this facility in Townsville capitalises on the regional strengths across the North and North West,” he said.

Originally published as Works begin on Queensland Resources Common User Facility at Cleveland Bay Industrial Park in Townsville