Queensland's critical minerals sector received a strategic boost with the appointment of seasoned project leader Paul Holden at the helm of Critical Minerals Queensland (CMQ).
This newly established office aims to catalyse growth within Queensland's critical minerals industry.
Holden, renowned for his tenure as a director at Townsville Enterprise and his pivotal roles within governmental bodies such as the Office of the Coordinator-General and the Department of State Development, brings a wealth of expertise to CMQ.
Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart says the appointment of Holden underscores the Queensland government's commitment to positioning the state as a global leader in critical minerals and renewable energy technologies.
In a statement, Stewart expressed confidence in Holden's ability to drive the sector forward, emphasising the significance of CMQ in realising Queensland's A$245-million Critical Minerals Strategy.
Stewart reiterated the importance of initiatives such as the A$5-billion Copperstring project in unlocking the potential of the North West minerals province. He noted that coal royalties were fuelling such endeavours, cautioning against potential setbacks from political opposition.
In his inaugural statement as CMQ head, Holden highlighted Queensland's unprecedented opportunity to leverage its critical minerals resources and expertise. He outlined CMQ's mandate to foster collaboration among investors, industry stakeholders, and government bodies, envisioning a sector poised to create jobs and stimulate local economies state-wide.