Opinion: Future bright for Qld’s resources industry

From traditional commodities to the emerging critical minerals industry, there is a positive long-term future for Queensland’s resources sector, writes Janette Hewson.

Queensland Resources Council CEO Janette Hewson. Picture: Adam Head

Over the course of the Future Resources series, you have read about the significant economic and social contribution of the resources sector to Queensland.

As an industry, we are proud of the $116.8 billion generated for our state’s economy and the 532,000 jobs we support but the opportunities we offer all Queenslanders go well beyond that.

This story is part of The Courier-Mail’s special Future Queensland: Resources series that reveals the truth about the contribution the much-maligned resources industry makes to Queensland. You can read all of our coverage here

The series has also highlighted technological advancements to maintain Queensland’s reputation for innovation and world best practice in environmental, operational and safety standards in our industry, which give communities confidence.

Importantly, the campaign has showcased the incredible potential of the resources sector to continue underpinning our state’s prosperity and how Queenslanders can be a part of our changing and dynamic industry.

From our traditional commodities such coal, gas, gold, copper and other metals to the emerging critical minerals industry, there is a positive long-term future for Queensland’s resources sector.

Our industry is working hard to reach net zero, and will continue to play a key role in the transition to a decarbonised future.

There is great confidence among our member companies in Queensland that the global energy transition will lead to continued strong demand for all our commodities including coal and gas.

The QRC recently launched the latest phase in our Shape Your Future, Innovate Our World campaign that shares the stories of young people enjoying the lifestyle and rewards a career in resources can offer, along with the opportunity to contribute to a low emissions future.

Our industry is going through an exciting period as we continue our sustainability and decarbonisation improvements.

Like many other industries, the resources sector is experiencing a skilled worker shortage. Our member companies are making significant investments in their graduate and apprenticeship employment programs so they can give school leavers a great start to their working life and financial future.

A 2023 report suggested that globally the world will need another 260 critical mineral mines in full production by 2030 just to service the expected demand for batteries.

With the right policy settings from all levels of government to attract the required investment, Queensland could become home to some of these mines and build on our international reputation as a resources powerhouse.

The potential for Queensland’s resources sector is enormous to drive new job opportunities and economic growth for our great state over the next century.

It’s why you will hear from the QRC in the lead-up to the October election, calling on all parties to think long-term and get the policies right to make sure that Queensland can capitalise on the opportunities that we have for the benefit of all Queenslanders.

Janette Hewson is CEO of the Queensland Resources Council

Originally published as Opinion: Future bright for Qld’s resources industry