FUTURE MINES
LONG - �ANGE PLAN DRIVES THE QUEENSLAND RESOURCES INDUSTRY TO A STRONG FUTURE
For decades to come, high school principal-turned-Resources Minister, Scott Stewart, wants to see young Queenslanders excitedly planning a career in a resources industry that offers high wages, secure, safe jobs, and opportunities to make the world a better place.
“I
’ve spent years as a teacher working with young people, hopefully equipping them for the future and opening their minds to the range of opportunities open to them,” he said. “As Resources Minister, that remains a passion, which is why Queensland’s new 30-year plan for its resources industry is absolutely crucial. “The industry needs these future workers to prosper, our regional communities need the jobs and business that resources projects bring, and the world needs our mineral and energy resources. “The Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan charts a course for everyone to work together to transform our resources industry so it continues to create jobs and prosperity – responsibly and sustainably.”
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After more than 18 months in development, the plan was released mid-year with a 2022-23 State Budget that included an injection of almost $40 million for the state’s emerging critical economy minerals sector, with a goal of building a long-term pit-to-product industry. Mr Stewart sees critical minerals – which includes exciting new opportunities in the rapidly expanding global market for critical minerals – as key to the industry’s future. “The resources industry has long been one of the cornerstones of Queensland’s economy, generating jobs and prosperity, particularly, in regional Queensland,” he said. “However, economic, environmental and social forces are changing our world. History shows that success lies in anticipating and embracing these changes.
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