The Queensland Government has officially opened a mineral processing laboratory in Mackay, aimed at fast-tracking innovation and strengthening the state’s footprint in the global critical minerals market.
The Flexi-Lab facility, located within the Resources Centre of Excellence’s Future Industries Hub, will serve as a common-use testing and development centre for industry, researchers, and innovators.
Minister for natural resources and mines Dale Last said the Queensland Government is committed to backing the industry, and the investment sends a clear message that the state is open for business.
“Queensland’s resources and critical minerals deposits are world class, and the Crisafulli Government is putting our state on the map as the world’s best destination to invest and do business,” Last said.
“Flexi-Lab gives industry a place to test ideas, refine technology, and prove up projects so they can move faster from concept to commercial reality. Mackay is the gateway to Queensland’s mining heartland, and the facility is about giving businesses the confidence to invest, expand, and take advantage of the opportunities in emerging markets by giving proponents the tools they need to succeed.”
Flexi-Lab is expected to support skills development, foster collaboration, and drive the commercialisation of emerging technologies in the resources sector.
Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland Sean Dillon said the Crisafulli Government was ensuring the benefits of Queensland’s resources sector flow through to regional communities.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy by backing innovation, developing skills, and making sure Queensland captures more value at home,” Dillon said.
“Facilities like Flexi-Lab will help create the next wave of skills, technology and jobs for regional Queensland while ensuring Queensland is well positioned to meet the strong global demand for critical minerals.”
Resources centre of excellence chief executive officer Steven Boxall said the Flexi-Lav is a “game changing facility” and represents a pivotal development for Queensland’s resources sector.
“Backed by the Queensland Government’s investment, this facility provides industry with a world-class, pilot-scale environment to test new processing technologies, recover critical minerals and reprocess legacy tailings, turning challenges into new economic opportunities,” Boxall said.
“By bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial deployment, Flexi-Lab will de-risk investment, accelerate innovation and strengthen Queensland’s pit-to-product value chain.”
