IREP Brochure

2025

Resources Centre of Excellence

Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct

Invitation to Partner

RCOE Stage 3, Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct, marks an exciting new chapter in innovation and collaboration. We invite partners to join us in shaping the future of the resources sector, driving solutions to industry challenges, and creating lasting impact.

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THE FUTURE IS NOW H

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By investing in education, innovation, and collaborative partnerships, we can create a mining sector that not only meets today's demands but also anticipates and adapts to the challenges of tomorrow, securing prosperity and opportunities for future generations in the Isaac region.

The Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) plays a pivotal role in this endeavor by serving as a hub for cutting-edge research and development, connecting industry leaders with emerging technologies and best practices, and supports advancements in strategic minerals and tailings reprocessing, further contributing to the sustainable evolution of the mining industry in the region."

Janette Hewson

YOUR GUIDE THE STORY OF RCOE...............................................

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THE EVOLUTION OF IREP.........................................

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SITE PLAN..............................................................

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INITIATIVES UNDER DEVELOPMENT............................

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TRANSFORMATIVE POST MINING LAND USE & REHABILITATION........

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EXPANDED FLEXI-LAB 2.0.............................................................

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INDUSTRIAL TOURISM..................................................................

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BOWEN BASIN CIRCULARITY HUB..................................................

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AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL INTELLIGENCE (ACII).............

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ADVANCED CARBON CAPTURE AND UTILISATION (CCU)....................

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MINE SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE....................................................

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UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND SUSTAINABLE MINERALS INSTITUTE.....

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QMEA REGIONAL HUB EXTENDING TO THE ISAAC.............................

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INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION PODS HIRE............................................

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COLLABORATIVE OFFICE SPACES...................................................

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COMMERCIALISATION OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH IREP

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@ THE COALFACE ARTICLE - 5 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE..

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RCOE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.....................................

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R C O E C O N T A C T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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The Isaac region is one of Australia’s largest resource regions. We are...

58,673sq km Spanning from the coalfields. That is...

25 times

The Isaac local government area is a significant contributor to the state and national economies mining is the LARGEST industry employer

the size of ACT

We punch well above our weight.

generating 13,080 jobs in the mining sector, equating to 60.9% of total employment in Isaac.

$11.92 billion is our contribution to QLD’s gross regional product based on a population of full-time equivalent of 33,420.

The Story of RCOE The RCOE was

The RCOE was positioned to elevate our region on the global stage by highlighting

established to sit

past 5 years in operation, more than 20,000 individuals from over 500 companies

innovation and collaboration across both traditional and emerging sectors. Over the

between industry,

have visited per year, including Queensland Ministers, Prime Minister, and the

research and

the Developing Northern Australia Conference in a simulated underground mining

Federal Treasurer. The centre also hosted various events including 400 attendees at

government to

environment 2 years ago.

fast-track

The RCOE stands out as a model of successful collaboration, merging government,

innovation,

funding initiatives, and industry efforts to drive economic growth in the Greater

training and new

crucial to success, with partnerships established with key organisations such as local

industry solutions

councils, BMA/BHP, Anglo American and Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

for the Greater

Since launching in 2020, the RCOE has under its roof 20 staff from various sectors,

Whitsunday region and Queensland.

Whitsunday region. CEO Steven Boxall emphasises that strong relationships are

including government funded initiative Mackay Manufacturing Hub and Trade and Investment Queensland along with other various smaller groups and businesses that drive innovation, mining, and support services. Boxall notes that the centre is now celebrating its 5 th year in operation, hosting an array of activities such as training, innovation trials, and collaborations, while also supporting numerous non-profits and community groups.

20,000+ Users and visitors to the

Over the next five years, the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) will roll out its

RCOE per year

strategic initiative, "The Carbon Advantage," which seeks to position the MIW region

500+ Companies connected through RCOE per year

250+ Tours completed in underground mine simulator per year

25+ Projects delivered to drive innovation

as a global frontrunner in carbon harnessing, management, and innovation. This initiative will build on the foundational strengths of the traditional resources sector, while incorporating cutting-edge technologies and circular economy principles to create a diversified and resilient industrial future. The outlook is promising with the Future Industries Hub and Flexi-Lab slated to open in January 2026, focusing on advancing strategic minerals and tailings reprocessing. Additionally, the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct in Moranbah aims to establish a world-leading model for a modern, integrated resources economy, providing substantial economic and social benefits to the region.

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Stage 3

The Evolution of the Isaac Resources Precinct (IREP) Reimagining the future of mining PURPOSE

A COLLABORATIVE VISION

The Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct (IREP) is

The Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) was

designed to develop a skilled and diversified workforce,

established to sit between industry, research, and

build deeper First Nations partnerships, and ensure the

government, accelerating innovation, training, and

Isaac region continues to energise the world while

solutions for Queensland and the Greater Whitsunday

fostering sustainable, thriving communities. This project

region. In just five years, RCOE has delivered outstanding

acknowledges the global shifts in resources, energy, and

results, and IREP is the next bold step forward.

climate, positioning the Isaac region as a leader in

Strategically located at the corner of Moranbah Access

innovation, resilience, and opportunity.

Road and Railway Station Road, in the heart of the Bowen Basin, the hub is a beacon for the future.

GOALS

Funding Partners:

The IREP project will:

$39.7M Queensland Government (Resources

Grow and diversify the industry by advancing

Community Infrastructure Fund).

innovation across resources and renewables.

$2M Australian Government

Strengthen ESG credentials while protecting the

Project Leadership: Isaac Regional Council, in

environment and driving sustainable practices.

partnership with RCOE.

Foster coexistence and sustainable communities, ensuring long-term regional prosperity.

Ensure strong and genuine First Nations partnerships, embedding Indigenous knowledge and opportunity.

Build a safe and resilient future workforce through education, reskilling, and technology access.

Improve regulatory efficiency to accelerate growth and adaptation in the sector.

A VISION LONG IN THE MAKING The Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct has transitioned from concept to action. Backed by $42 million in secured funding, the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) is now progressing to the implementation phase.

This milestone marks the beginning of a fully funded, state-of-the-art hub, a central part of the region’s masterplan to build long-term capability, diversity, and innovation in the resources sector.

One of Australia’s largest resource regions is now on the cusp of becoming a global leader in innovation, coexistence, and sustainability. The Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct will not only power the Isaac region—it will help energise the world.

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PARTNERING WITH COMMUNITY & FIRST NATIONS At the heart of the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct is a commitment to strengthening our communities and fostering genuine partnerships with Traditional Owners.

By creating a hub that drives innovation, skills development, and sustainable industry practices, IREP will generate lasting opportunities for local people and First Nations communities across the Bowen Basin. From education and training pathways to research in mine rehabilitation and renewables, the precinct will act as a bridge connecting industry with community, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and participation remain integral to shaping a more resilient and prosperous regional future.

WHAT THE PRECINCT WILL DELIVER The Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct will include: Research and development facilities for critical minerals, mine rehabilitation, and renewable energy technologies.

A dual-sector learning centre, delivering universitystyle education and reskilling programs.

A mining heritage centre, celebrating industry history while shaping the future.

Multi-functional collaboration spaces, connecting industry, community, and research.

This hub will create jobs, develop skills, and open pathways for workers and families to stay in the Isaac for generations.

LOOKING AHEAD Construction is underway, with completion expected by 2027. Once operational, the precinct will be managed by the RCOE ensuring its long-term sustainability and alignment with industry and community needs.

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Initial Strategy Session Stakeholders from Isaac Regional Council, industry, and RCOE meet to discuss the concept of a precinct that would position the Isaac region as a hub for resource innovation and excellence.

2021 Foundations Concept Development Early framing of the precinct’s vision, objectives, and alignment with regional growth, skills development, and future industries.

Feasibility & Scoping Studies Assessments conducted to determine infrastructure requirements, economic impact, and industry demand.

Integration with Regional & State Agendas IREP positioned within broader strategies such as critical minerals, circular economy, and regional diversification.

Partnership Engagement Engagement with local government, state agencies, and key industry players to refine scope and priorities.

2023 Strategic Alignment

2022 Concept to Planning

Funding Pathways Explored Advocacy begins for state and federal government support, alongside potential industry coinvestment.

Site Options & Master Planning Preliminary site selection discussions and master planning framework established.

Detailed Business Case Development of costings, staged delivery plans, and alignment with workforce and training pathways.

Transformative Post Mining Land Use & Rehabilitation

Expanded FlexiLab Offering 2.0

2 .0

Industrial Tourism

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Stakeholder Consultations Intensify Broader industry workshops and community engagement to ensure alignment with local needs.

Preliminary Commitments Secured Early funding announcements or commitments towards enabling works and planning.

2024 Early Commitments Design Briefs Initiated Architectural and planning firms engaged for preliminary designs.

Masterplan Finalisation Refinement of the overall layout of the precinct, incorporating training, research, and industry testing facilities.

Construction Commencement Ground broken on the precinct site; staged delivery begins.

Final Fit-Out

Detailed Design Work Architects and engineers complete schematic and detailed design.

2025 Design & Approvals Regulatory Approvals & Planning Permissions Lodgement and approval of development applications.

Building Works Progress Core infrastructure, utilities, and facilities (training hubs, innovation labs, administration spaces) rise through the year.

Labs, training equipment, digital infrastructure, and demonstration facilities installed.

2027 Commissioning & Opening

2026 Construction Phase

Operational Readiness Staff recruitment, training programs, and partner activations established.

Partnership Activation Industry partners confirm tenancy, equipment contributions, or training partnerships.

Official Opening (Mid-2027)

Tendering for Construction Release of major packages for builders and contractors.

Isaac Resource Excellence Precinct launched as a flagship regional innovation hub, opening doors to industry, research, and community.

Bowen Basin Circularity Hub

Australian Centre for Industrial Intelligence (ACII) 2 .0

Advanced Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)

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INITIATIVES UNDER

DEVELOPMENT

Current Status: Scoping study funded

Potential Partners: Local agricultural bodies, major resource companies and bio energy tech companies

Transformative Post Mining Land Use & Rehabilitation Building on the region's mining legacy, this initiative creates new economic opportunities from rehabilitated mine sites: Water Re-use and Storage: Utilising former mine voids for large-scale water storage and re-use for agriculture, new industries, and community resilience, addressing the region's vulnerability to climate impacts like droughts.

This represents responsible water management (ESG).

Renewable Energy Hubs: Repurposing mine sites for large-scale renewable energy generation (solar, wind) and long-duration energy storage (LDES), including pumped hydro storage (PHS), leveraging existing cleared land and transmission infrastructure. Queensland's abandoned coal mines alone could host up to 52 GW of solar power. This strategic placement on non-prime agricultural land helps address community concerns regarding land use for renewables, promoting consistency in regional planning and policy alignment across local government areas for major projects. This demonstrates a commitment to clean energy transition (ESG).

Agriculture and Aquaculture: Developing intensive agriculture and aquaculture operations on rehabilitated land, leveraging available water and infrastructure, with potential for even greater returns than traditional grazing.

This includes exploring how transformed land, particularly non-prime agricultural land, can generate new, high-value agricultural products, such as bioenergy crops for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This transforms environmental liabilities into community assets (ESG).

Eco-Industrial Tourism & Heritage: Exploring opportunities for developing unique tourism experiences on rehabilitated mine sites, such as eco-industrial tourism or heritage tourism, which can attract visitors and create new economic avenues while showcasing the region's transformation.

Carbon Sequestration through Land Management including algae produced in the region: Implementing innovative land management practices that enhance carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation, generating new income streams through carbon farming. These projects can generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) through increased carbon sequestration, providing a new revenue stream for landholders and project developers, and contributing to positive environmental outcomes (ESG).

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INITIATIVES UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Current Status:

Expanded Flexi-Lab 2.0 Strategic Mineral Processing Strategic Minerals Processing & Valorisation of Waste Streams Leveraging the region's rich geological endowments and existing mining expertise, this initiative focuses on extracting and processing essential materials for the global energy transition: Strategic Minerals Extraction: The Flexi-Lab located at the FIH is specifically designed as a pilot processing plant for strategic minerals such as cobalt, nickel, zinc, vanadium, molybdenum, silica, alumina, rare earth elements, lithium, copper, rhenium, and scandium. This facility plays a crucial role as an "essential de-risking engine" for bridging the gap between mature technologies and industrial commercialisation, focusing on "minerals not normally produced" and unlocking a global market that reached $400 billion in 2022.

IREP’s potential could see Flexi-Lab 2.0 become a commercial spin-off, using the technology and processes proven in the RCOE Flexi-Lab. Its business in IREP would be to secure contracts to re-process legacy tailings dams across the Bowen Basin, extracting and selling not just the residual high-grade coal but also valuable co-products like aluminosilicates for cement production (SCMs).

Tailings Reprocessing: The Flexi-Lab 2.0 will also enable the reprocessing of metallurgical coal tailings, unlocking significant value from existing waste streams by recovering valuable minerals and other co-products such as aluminosilicates (for supplementary cementitious materials and clay products), quartz (for construction and glass), residual carbon (for coking coal upgrade), sulphide minerals (for sulphuric acid), rare earth elements, heavy metals, titanium-bearing minerals, phosphorus, sulphur, and other oxides. This contributes to responsible resource management and improved environmental outcomes (ESG).

Tungsten Carbide Circularity: We are implementing projects to develop test cases for the adoption of circular practices for tungsten, a rare but strategic mineral. While recycling rates are already high (95% of tungsten carbide is captured for recycling), a key opportunity exists for cleaner recycling and the life extension of tungsten products through refurbishment, exemplified by the work of DGH Engineering in the region.

Industrial Waste-to-Value: The IREP's focus on diverse industrial waste streams (including Off-The-Road (OTR) tyres, Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), bulk bags, scrap metal, timber pallets, food & organic matter) supports waste-to-energy and resource recovery, turning liabilities into assets through innovative processing and demonstrating circular economy principles (ESG).

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Critical Mineral National Productivity Initiative (CMNPI)

Potential Partners: Major resource companies with legacy tailings facilities, critical mineral companies

INITIATIVES UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Current Status:

Industrial Tourism

Scoping study partly funded

Potential Partners: Local and regional tourism bodies, universities, adult education institutions

The IREP will incorporate industrial tourism experiences that complement a potential underground mine simulator, FlexiLab 2.0 and viewing, VR pods.

Virtual Reality Pods: Virtual reality pods will deliver an interactive experience for viewers. The story of mining including its transition into future industries will be showcased through educational videos that allow viewers to choose their interactions with the content.

Flexi-Lab Viewing Window: The critical mineral pilot processing plant has been designed to include a full window viewing pane to allow visitors to see the Flex-ilab in action. This viewing area will connect to the critical mineral education zone.

Critical Mineral Education Zone: Co-existing with the Bio Futures Digital Education space, the critical mineral education zone will feature interactive digital displays and information about mineral processing and critical minerals. Educational videos and hands-on activities will showcase the job opportunities within the critical mineral industry, along with the variety of products that are created from battery minerals and the circular opportunities of coal tailing reprocessing. This space would be suitable for the general public, industry and school groups to visit.

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INITIATIVES UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Current Status:

Bowen Basin Circularity Hub Bio-manufacturing & Circular Economy Solutions This initiative capitalises on the region's agricultural strengths and commitment to resource efficiency, expanding to include diverse organic waste streams: Agricultural Waste-to-Products: Leveraging the region's abundant agricultural biomass (e.g., sugarcane bagasse, trash, molasses, wastewater), the FIH can support biomanufacturing initiatives. Examples include converting sugarcane waste into high-value nutritional fibres (e.g., technologies like those planned by NuFiba for a commercial demonstration plant in Australia, or the Kfibre project by Health Food Symmetry in Ayr), opening new markets for agricultural byproducts and aligning with Queensland's goal for a $1 billion sustainable bioproducts sector. This also includes exploring opportunities for other fibre projects in the region, such as those related to Townsend Industries' alternative sugarcane processing facility in Mackay, which aims to produce diverse highvalue products from the full sugarcane plant. These initiatives enhance the social and environmental sustainability of the agricultural sector (ESG), and can contribute to "climate positive" and traceable product value chains.

Municipal Waste-to-Value (Biogas & Bioproducts): Implementing advanced technologies to convert municipal solid waste and other organic urban waste streams into valuable resources. This includes: Biogas Production: Capturing methane from landfills and anaerobic digestion of organic waste to produce renewable energy (electricity and heat) or upgraded biomethane for gas networks and vehicle fuel. The captured CO2 from this process can also be used to produce algae for bio-stimulant production for plants and animals. This directly reduces landfill emissions (ESG).

Compost & Fertiliser Production: Transforming organic waste into high-quality compost and soil conditioners, supporting sustainable agriculture and land rehabilitation, and reducing landfill burden (ESG).

Other Bioproducts: Exploring the potential for extracting other valuable compounds or materials from municipal waste through biorefining processes.

Resource Recovery & Recycling: Implementing advanced processes to recover and recycle valuable materials from various waste streams (municipal, agricultural, industrial), contributing to a truly circular economy. This includes exploring opportunities to increase Australia's current circularity rate, which is half the global average, potentially unlocking over $700 billion in economic benefits for Queensland by 2040. This demonstrates strong environmental stewardship (ESG).

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Phase 3 scoping underway

Potential Partners: Major mining companies and local/national waste companies

INITIATIVES UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Current Status:

Australian Centre for Industrial Intelligence (ACII) Digital & AI-Driven Solutions: Leveraging the Australian Centre for Industrial Intelligence (ACII) capabilities to develop and export cutting-edge digital and AI-driven solutions for optimising carbon-related industrial processes and regional supply chains (e.g., "pit-to-port" and "farm-to-market").

Scoping study underway

Potential Partners: Global cyber security firms

Earth Observation & Satellite Applications: Employing geospatial data for enhanced environmental monitoring, precision agriculture (e.g., crop yield optimisation, water management), and tracking carbon sequestration efforts.

Automation & Robotics: Developing and deploying automated systems for efficiency and safety in new and evolving industries.

This includes: Advanced Data Analytics & Machine Learning: For predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and resource optimisation across mining, agriculture, and new energy systems.

Digital Infrastructure Advocacy: Advocating for and investing in robust digital infrastructure, including high-speed cable, fibre, and satellite connectivity, to ensure the region has the foundational network capacity to support these advanced digital and AI applications.

Digital Twins: Creating virtual models of physical assets and processes to simulate, analyse, and optimise performance for carbon reduction and value creation.

Large Language Models (LLMs) & Generative AI: Utilising technologies like Gemini and Grok for complex data interpretation, generating insights for carbon markets, supporting decision-making in resource management, and enhancing workforce training and knowledge transfer.

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INITIATIVES UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Current Status:

Advanced Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)

Actively pursuing partners and funding opportunities

Potential Partners: Major coal producers and technology providers in methane capture

Industrial Carbon Capture & Carbon Feedstocks: Exploring innovative methods to capture CO2 from industrial processes, and to produce high-value carbon feedstocks (e.g., solid carbon, hydrogen as a reducing agent) for various industrial applications, including their potential use in green steel manufacturing processes in Australia and internationally. This includes leveraging pathways such as Molten Oxide Electrolysis (MOE), Flash Ironmaking with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and Electrified Biomethane-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) with CCS. These approaches offer credible and economically viable routes, aligning with Australia's abundant renewable electricity potential, natural gas resources, and biomass availability, and positioning the MIW region as a crucial supplier within global value chains.

This pillar focuses on transforming carbon emissions from a liability into valuable resources. Technologies and initiatives include: Methane-to-Value Projects: Projects aim to capture and convert potent methane emissions from sources like coal mines into valuable resources such as electricity (e.g., for on-site power), chemical feedstocks (e.g., syngas for methanol or hydrogen), or vehicle fuels (e.g., displacing diesel in haul trucks). This directly addresses a significant environmental and economical challenge, especially with new regulatory changes mandating more precise methane estimation. These projects can generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) by avoiding methane emissions, creating a new revenue stream for miners and project developers, and demonstrating strong ESG performance.

Algae-Based Carbon Utilisation: Algae are highly efficient biological carbon capture agents. As an example, Genesis Algae Innovation in our region is pioneering a circular economy model that can utilise captured CO2 (e.g., from industrial exhaust) to accelerate algae growth, yielding high-value bioproducts like AlgaeFeed (a stockfeed supplement proven to reduce livestock methane emissions) and AlgaeFert (an organic biofertiliser). This process also yields a valuable solid carbon byproduct and can enable green hydrogen production.

Green Ammonia & Low-Carbon Fertiliser Production: This involves leveraging renewable energy (e.g., solar) to produce hydrogen via electrolysis, which is then used to make low-carbon ammonia fertiliser. This process displaces high-carbon, fossil fuel-based nitrogen fertilisers, reducing significant CO2-equivalent emissions.

The GEGHA project in regional NSW is a leading Australian example of this integrated solar-to-hydrogento-ammonia model, demonstrating the potential for new domestic supply chains and competitive, stable pricing for agricultural inputs. While highly promising, the largescale production of green hydrogen and ammonia requires rigorous assessment of water usage and energy intensity to ensure overall sustainability and commercial viability.

Direct Air Capture (DAC) & Carbon Mineralisation: Investigating and potentially piloting advanced technologies that capture CO2 directly from the atmosphere (DAC) or permanently store it through mineralisation processes, offering long-term carbon removal solutions.

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CONFIRMED INITIATIVES

Mine Safety Training Centre MOU in progress As the precinct evolves, there is strong potential to integrate specialised services such as a Mine Safety Training Centre into the IREP ecosystem. A Mine Safety Training Centre plays a critical role in safeguarding workers and communities by providing expert emergency preparedness, response capability, and training for mining-related incidents. Its presence within the precinct would not only strengthen regional safety capacity but also create opportunities for collaboration in training, skills development, and applied research. By sharing tenancy and utilising IREP’s state-of-the-art facilities, a Mine Safety Training Centre could expand its capacity to deliver vital programs while contributing to the broader goal of building a safer, more resilient resources sector.

University of Queensland - Sustainable Minerals Institute (UQSMI) Partnership Confirmed The importance of place-based research cannot be overstated.

Extending the Sustainable Minerals Institute’s (SMI) partnership with the Resources Centre of Excellence to the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct in Moranbah creates a strong platform for regional innovation. UQ, through SMI, could serve as the specialist tertiary institute alongside the Country Universities Centre, offering expertise in mine closure, post-mining land use, automation, risk management, community health, agriculture, and engagement. With tailored short courses and a regional MBA, partnerships led by RCOE could deliver transformative outcomes.

QMEA Regional Hub Extending to the Isaac Confirmed A new, dedicated regional base established by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) to support and expand its talent pipeline programs for the mining and energy sectors.

The Queensland government is funding this expansion to create more regional hubs in places like Mackay, Rockhampton, and Townsville, which will connect more schools and students to industry-focused STEM education and career pathways in the resources sector.

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CONFIRMED INITIATIVES

Industrial Innovation Pods Hire Planning Underway Flexible industrial workspace for businesses looking to create, manufacture and incubate their ideas. Move in and make the space your own, with no red tape.

The innovation pod would include cobot (collaborative robot) stations, 3D printers and AR headsets and supporting software to be used in workshops and for training, prototypes and demos.

The facility would also provide one full time employee who can provide one-on-one business tech adoption assessments and plans, along with advanced manufacturing onsite assessments and reviews. This would be supported by an ongoing workshop program providing advanced manufacturing training.

400m2 space.

Collaborative Office Spaces Confirmed Up to 220sqm of office space will complete the Bio Futures Centre, creating a flexible environment where businesses, researchers, and innovators can work side by side. Designed to encourage collaboration, the space will provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, project partnerships, and the cross-pollination of ideas across the Bio Futures sector. With modern facilities and access to the broader IREP ecosystem, the office space will not only support day-to-day operations but also foster the growth of emerging enterprises, helping to drive innovation, sustainability, and longterm industry development.

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Commercialisation Opportunities Through IREP: Pilot Scale-Up & De-risking: This precinct will

Workforce Development: IREP will also serve as

provide the necessary infrastructure for companies to

cutting-edge training grounds, developing the skilled

scale their laboratory and small-scale operations to

workforce required for the "Next-Gen Economy,"

pilot and demonstration levels. This de-risks new

ensuring local talent benefits from new job

technologies, making them more attractive for private

opportunities in emerging sectors.

investment and accelerating commercial deployment World-Leading ESG Framework: The IREP will co-

across various carbon-related industries.

design a globally leading ESG and Sustainability Product Development & Testing: The facility will

management framework, leveraging the Australian

offer advanced capabilities for testing and refining a

Centre for Industrial Intelligence (ACII) capabilities for

wide range of products – from algae-derived

real-time monitoring and evaluation. This framework

compounds and strategic minerals to new energy

itself represents a significant commercial opportunity

solutions. This ensures they meet market standards

to be licensed and scaled nationally and

and achieve optimal performance for various

internationally, positioning the MIW region as a global

applications.

benchmark for responsible resource development and industrial transition.

Energy Integration & Optimisation: The IREP will facilitate the integration of diverse energy sources

RCOE's Operational Advantage: As the Resources

(like methane-to-energy systems, renewables, and

Centre of Excellence (RCOE) is the established

waste-to-energy solutions) with carbon capture and

operator of the RCOE facility and FIH, this provides

utilisation processes. This optimises energy flows,

IREP with unparalleled expertise in managing

demonstrates end-to-end circular economy solutions,

common user facilities, fostering industry-led

and creates resilient energy systems for industrial

research, and accelerating the commercialisation of

applications. This includes demonstrating demand-

solutions. This operational capability provides a

side management (DSM), energy efficiency (EE), and

significant advantage in rapidly activating and

various long-duration energy storage (LDES) types

maximising the impact of these precincts for "The

like pumped hydro storage (PHS).

Carbon Advantage" initiative.

Attracting Investment: By showcasing proven technologies and viable commercial pathways within

Watch Isaac Resources Excellence Hub

dedicated precincts, the IREP will become magnets for national and international investment in a broad array of low-carbon, high-value industries. Their commitment to ESG leadership will be a key differentiator in attracting capital from investors increasingly prioritising sustainable portfolios.

Pilot Scale-Up & De-risking

Product Development & Testing

Energy Integration & Optimisation

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Attracting Investment

Workforce Development

World-leading ESG Framework

“WE SEE THE FUTURE FOR OUR RESOURCE COMMUNITIES”

Common User Facility for Demonstration and Collaboration: Crucially, the IREP will operate as common user facilities. This means they will be accessible to multiple businesses, researchers, and educational institutions, fostering a collaborative ecosystem.

This shared infrastructure will: Reduce Barriers to Entry: Lower the capital expenditure required for individual companies to test and scale new technologies across strategic minerals, bio-manufacturing, energy, and carbon capture.

Accelerate Innovation: Create a synergistic environment where ideas can be rapidly prototyped, tested, and refined through shared knowledge and resources, driving faster commercialisation of diverse "Carbon Advantage" solutions.

Showcase Regional Capability: Provide a tangible demonstration site for the MIW region's commitment to and leadership in the low-carbon transition, attracting further talent and investment across all related economic growth areas.

QUEENSLAND RESOURCES

& INNOVATION EXPO Queensland Resources & Innovation Expo is a premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, fostering industry collaboration, and driving sustainable advancements in the resources sector.

Coming in 2027 MORANBAH

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@ THE COALFACE

CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF EXCELLENCE THE RESOURCES CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE (RCOE) WAS ESTABLISHED TO SIT BETWEEN INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND GOVERNMENT TO FAST-TRACK INNOVATION, TRAINING AND INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS FOR THE GREATER WHITSUNDAY REGION AND QUEENSLAND. IN JUST FIVE YEARS THEY HAVE MADE REMARKABLE PROGRESS, AND THERE IS PLENTY MORE TO COME. “The concept of the RCOE was actually thought up a long time ago, way before the facility opened in Mackay,” said RCOE CEO Steven Boxall.

“The whole idea was around having a genuine stake in the ground to showcase the great work that was happening in the resources sector in our region, but also really trying to set our region up for the future whether that be through new resource innovation or capturing aligned future industries.

“We are a common user facility and are here to support a whole range of different initiatives innovation, safety, training and collaboration. Providing a physical location where people can connect and network and come together to problem-solve and innovate.

“But, most importantly, it’s about providing a facility that sits external to government, industry and education, yet is able to weave all of them together to get the right outcomes for our region.”

Steven said what also sets RCOE apart is that its doors are open to anyone, from startups all the way up to large corporations.

“We work with everyone.

Someone might come to us because they have a good idea and they need somewhere to test or trial it, whether that be physically testing the product or testing their thinking by connecting with industry. Then we go right from that level all the way up to working with Tier 1 resource companies.”

Those collaborations include running major projects such as the pilot program RCOE recently launched with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

The “Pit to Port” project is a material flow analysis of all processes of mining – from pit to port - to quantify and understand what waste there is, where it’s located and how much there is, and what opportunities there are for integrating circular principles along the whole value chain. In addition it provides a foundation for the concept to be extended to a regional context.

Another project is Decarbonisation Accelerated which is aimed at supporting businesses and industry on their decarbonisation journeys as well as empowering new opportunities in emerging and decarbonised industries.

In total, the RCOE is involved in - either leading or contributing to - 25 different significant projects which cover everything from work skills of the future to the circular economy.

“Most days you’ll see a range of activities underway here at RCOE, from training and innovation trials to collaboration across industry and education. There is such great diversity to how people can be involved.

“We have a lot of RTOs and training organisations that will come and use our underground mining simulator facility to deliver training, but equally there are a lot of companies that

have based themselves at the RCOE, using our facilities as their first office or their first step into the region.”

The RCOE also hosts workshops, conferences and has its own fully equipped VR laboratory where VR technology meets cuttingedge safety education for an unparalleled learning experience.

“We have gone from being an empty building in the industrial estate here in Paget to now 25,000 people coming and using our facility each year as well as connecting with over 500 different companies.

“I think that’s probably what I’m most proud of, that we’ve been able to take what was a really great idea, create a strategic plan and then we’ve actually been able to activate that plan to the point of where we are today.”

THERE ARE THREE STAGES TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN. STAGE 1 HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AND NOW THEY ARE POWERING AHEAD WITH STAGE 2 WHICH IS BEING BUILT ALONGSIDE THE RCOE FACILITY IN MACKAY. “Stage 2, our Future Industries Hub, is nearing completion and will be operational by the end of this year.

“The Hub will be a collaborative space to solve industry problems.

With technical, digital and immersive capabilities, there will be opportunities for manufacturing businesses to seize opportunities to

6 JULY 2025 | @ THE COALFACE QUEENSLAND

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supply high value goods and services into global supply chains and export markets.

“It will be home to our Future Industries FlexiLab Pilot Processing Plant, a critical mineral pilot processing plant which will be the first of its kind in Australia. The FlexiLab will be a commercial common-user facility, helping to transition and support the emerging new economy minerals sector, generating jobs for the future and our regional economy.

“The pilot plant will also support the development of new and improved methods for processing minerals, enabling the pilot-scale demonstration of new technologies and assisting companies to increase mining yields and decrease associated costs.”

The RCOE has also turned the first soil on Stage 3, which is the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct at Moranbah.

“That project is really exciting, it’s a $42 million fully funded project that will weave together everything that we have done across Stage 1 and 2, and we envision it as being able to bring to life opportunities for aligned future industries and help secure the futures of our Bowen Basin mining towns.”

It’s quite remarkable what RCOE has achieved in such a short time, though Steven said it hasn’t been without its challenges.

“Without a doubt it has been challenging. We started with virtually next to nothing though we were fortunate to have good support

from Mackay Regional Council, the Queensland State Government and organisations like BMA which gave us our first kick along.

“But since then we have made sure that we are financially sustainable and we can stand on our own two feet and as we have grown we have reinvested our success to further evolve the organisation.”

That evolution has seen the team at RCOE grow to seven, with Steven being the only employee in the beginning, to the most recent addition, Jason Sharam who is the new Resource Innovation & Partnerships Manager.

“Jason will pick up the platform that we’ve built, the connections that we’ve made and he is tasked with charging forward to genuinely help solve industry problems, weaving people together across industry, education, university research and government.”

Steven said another challenge was getting the word out when they were starting out, a challenge that they still are overcoming today.

“A lot of people still don’t know who we are, or they don’t really understand what it is we do and can offer.

“WHAT WE WANT THEM TO KNOW IS THAT THE RCOE IS ABOUT BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER, EMPOWERING NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY, AND DELIVERING POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR ALL OUR FUTURES.”

“WE SEE THE FUTURE FOR OUR RESOURCE COMMUNITIES”

RCOE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tony Caruso | Chair

Tony is an accomplished senior executive and board director with more than 30 years of experience in the Australian resources sector, specialising in underground coal and metals. A former CEO and Managing Director of an ASX-listed mining services company, Tony oversaw the organisation’s substantial growth, leading major acquisitions, diversification strategies, and cultural transformation programs.

Today, Tony serves as Chair of the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE), Chair of the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), and Advisory Board Member of a mining services engineering and maintenance business. With extensive experience in corporate governance, risk management, M&A, and stakeholder engagement, Tony brings a balanced perspective that combines strategic governance with deep operational insight. Recognised for integrity, collaboration, and building high-performing organisations, Tony contributes expertise in safety leadership, people and culture, and strategic growth to boards in complex and high-risk sectors.

Darryl Sweet

Darryl is General Manager APAC at Infravision PTY LTD, an Innovation and Technology enabled, aerial Power Transmission line Stringing Company that delivers power transmission line construction and maintenance activities across the globe. Darryl has extensive experience in Operational risk management and continuous improvement in the Construction, Bulk materials handling and complex logistics operating environments. Darryl has a keen interest in renewable power generation and sustainable management of pressure vessels and equipment. Darryl has extensive experience in working across the globe in construction and operating steam and power plants.

Shane McDowall

Shane is a strategic mining executive with over 15 years of leadership experience in underground coal operations. He began his career at Aurecon while completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) at the University of Queensland, before joining Anglo American in 2010. He has held senior leadership roles across Anglo American’s underground producing 22% of QLD’s thermal coal portfolio, including General Manager and Site operating Senior Executive at Aquila and Grosvenor mines, where he led thermal coal mines operational transformation and introduced remote longwall strategies. Previously, Shane served as Principal Technology & Automation, shaping the Longwall Mine of the Future strategy and driving the deployment of transformative technologies across multiple sites.

Recognised for his collaborative leadership style, strategic foresight, and ability to drive operational excellence, Shane is passionate about shaping the future of mining through innovation, resilience, and value creation. He brings a strong focus on safety, continuous improvement, and stakeholder alignment to his role as a Board Director at the Resource Centre of Excellence.

Linda Murry

Linda has a career spanning more than 20 years in the mining industry and more than 10 years in heavy industrials.

Linda has a diverse background in chemistry, processing and mining engineering and has worked in most aspects of the mining supply chain from Production (overburden and ore), Processing, Ports, Maintenance (MEM and Plant/Port/Shutdowns), Logistics and Technical Services. Linda holds a Bachelor of Science, a Masters of Mining Engineering and a number of other qualifications. Linda has a proven track record of business improvement and cultural transformation. Linda is passionate about developing people and is a strong advocate for mentoring and training.

Naomi Atherton

Naomi is a Senior Associate and experienced commercial solicitor at McKays Solicitors. She acts for a diverse range of individual and business clients, including those involved in the mining and resources sector. Naomi’s legal experience, combined with practical commercial insight, allows her to deliver solutions that align business objectives with broader community outcomes. A proud Mackay local, Naomi is deeply committed to fostering the growth and sustainability of the region. She is actively engaged with a number of local not-for-profit organisations and charities.

Naomi brings to the board a combination of legal expertise, commercial acumen, and a genuine passion for regional development.

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Steven Boxall RCOE CEO

0407 818 645

ceo@rcoe.com.au

Jason Sharam

Resource Innovation and Partnerships Manager 0428 544 076

innovatercoe.com.au

Tracey Dean

Operations Manager 0412 005 408

events@rcoe.com.au

Kelly Portelli

Stakeholder Engagement & Projects 0405 721 793

engage@rcoe.com.au

Alex Caruso

Marketing & Events 0447 033 370

marketing@rcoe.com.au

Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct Resources Centre Of E cellence Ltd Crichtons Road¦ Macka Queensland

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