en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Queensland Government is progressing one of Australia's largest high-resolution regional airborne gravity gradient surveys, covering a 40,000-kilometer area in northwest Queensland. The project, with an investment of up to A$4 million, aims to collect geophysical data to detect subsurface geological structures and identify target areas with potential for critical minerals exploration.

This survey initiative follows the Queensland Government's introduction of new legislation to parliament last week, designed to streamline approval processes and accelerate the development of the next wave of critical mineral projects. Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last stated that this investment reflects Queensland's commitment to advancing the critical minerals sector and will help identify new exploration targets. Last noted that this high-resolution survey is a first for Australia and will provide data support for new exploration and mining opportunities in northwest Queensland. He said the government's investment of up to A$4 million aims to help explorers obtain the necessary data, thereby driving new mining projects, creating jobs, and unlocking the full potential of Queensland's world-class resources.

Warren Pearce, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), added that high-quality pre-competitive geoscience data is fundamental to unlocking the state's mineral potential. Pearce stated that this data provides reliable baseline information, enabling explorers to focus investments on the most promising areas, reduce duplication, lower upfront costs, and accelerate the pace of exploration discoveries.

Previously, Queensland amended the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 to streamline the implementation of critical mineral projects, improve departmental coordination, reduce redundancies, and provide greater certainty for major projects. Mining is Queensland's largest industry, with a production value of up to A$115.2 billion in the 2024-25 financial year. The sector employs nearly 550,000 workers and supports the growth of over 17,600 local businesses.

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