The Victorian Government is planning to create more jobs in the state’s critical minerals industry, with new grants open as of April 29, 2026.
Minister for energy and resources Lily D’Ambrosio has invited businesses, industry, universities, and researchers to apply for funding to explore antimony processing in Victoria.
“These grants are about creating good local jobs and making sure more of Victoria’s minerals are processed right here at home,” D’Ambrosio said.
“Communities across central Victoria have generations of mining and manufacturing experience and this is about backing that local expertise to create more local jobs.”
Antimony is an in-demand critical mineral used in everyday products like electronics, batteries, and fire‑safe materials.
Victoria is home to significant antimony deposits and is currently the only state in Australia producing the metal.
Centred in North Central Victoria, the region hosts the country’s only operating gold-antimony mine at Costerfield, with numerous other deposits, such as the Sunday Creek project and Nagambie Mine, indicating strong potential for further development.
The Victorian Government stated that processing antimony locally could potentially double the number of jobs supports by the industry. Geological Survey of Victoria research indicates there may be more antimony in Central Victoria than previously thought, and job opportunities are bound to develop.
D’Ambrosio said growing the industry is part of Labor’s Critical Minerals Roadmap, and the state will soon benefit from the Government’s policies.
“Victoria is ready to seize the opportunity of antimony processing,” D’Ambrosio said.
“Building an antimony processing industry here in Victoria means more secure, high‑quality jobs for regional communities.”
The Advancing Antimony Grants offer a share of $1 million and applications are open until 23 June, 2026. Resources Victoria will also host a webinar in May to help applicants understand the process.
Minister for industry and advanced manufacturing Colin Brooks said the grants are bound to create countless job opportunities for Victorians.
“This is about building a strong manufacturing future in Victoria with secure jobs and long‑term economic benefits,” Brooks said.
“Processing antimony in Victoria strengthens our local manufacturing and keeps more value onshore while creating new jobs, regional growth, and more downstream processing capability.”
