EQ Resources’ Mt Carbine tungsten mine in Queensland will begin full scale mining again after a renewables push from the Queensland Government.
Located 130km northwest of Cairns, Mt Carbine is Australia’s only primary tungsten producer, a critical mineral used in solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles (EVs).
The mine produces 350 tonnes of concentrate a year, but is expected to ramp up to 60–90 tonnes a month once full scale mining begins.
“This is an important step forward for both Queensland’s growing critical minerals sector, and our renewable energy transition,” Resources Minister Scott Stewart said.
“Demand for critical minerals such as tungsten is increasing exponentially as the world moves towards decarbonisation.
“Importantly, this mine will provide up to 135 good, secure jobs for Far North Queenslanders which will also mean economic benefits for the entire region.”
Nearly all of Australia’s tungsten supply currently comes from China and Russia, so it is hoped that the Mt Carbine ramp up will change this.
“Mt Carbine is already a major jobs provider in the region and will grow further in coming months as production ramps up,” EQ Resources chief executive officer Kevin MacNeill said.
“The open cut mine will provide a five-fold increase in grade quality which will allow us to become a global leader in tungsten supply.
“Our plan is for the Mt Carbine mining leases and surrounding exploration tenements to become a top three tungsten producer outside of China.
“We are also looking to make a major contribution to economic development in the Cairns hinterland including upgrading services and providing employment opportunities in a region hit hard by COVID-19 lockdowns.”