The Queensland Government has announced it will begin investigating ways to unlock as estimated $4 billion worth of natural mineral resources in the north west of the state.

 

State Minister for Mines and Natural Resources, Andrew Cripps, told the Geological Survey of Queensland’s annual seminar that the Government was dedicated to unlocking the potential for developing commercially-viable operations in the North West Minerals Provice.

 

“Rare earth elements in the North West are commonly found in conjunction with copper, gold and uranium mineralisation,” Mr Cripps said.

 

“Rare earth elements are used in many new technologies, including magnets in electric cars, rechargeable batteries, phosphors in flat screen televisions, and as an additive in glass to improve the refractive index in cameras and solar panels.”