$20M MINING BOOST TO UNLOCK HUNDREDS OF NQ JOBS

Hundreds of jobs could be created in North Queensland after a $20 million investment was announced to help unlock one of the region’s largest undeveloped copper deposits.

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The investment in Aeon Metals’ Walford Creek Project, about 350km north-west of Mt Isa, is expected to support up to 200 construction jobs and 60 ongoing positions as the project progresses towards development.

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The site contains an estimated 75 million tonnes of resources including copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, silver and nickel.

The funding, through the Queensland Critical Minerals Fund, will allow Aeon Metals to undertake feasibility studies and resource expansion drilling as it works towards a final investment decision.

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Natural Resources and Mines Minister and Burdekin MP Dale Last said the project demonstrated the potential of Queensland’s resources sector.

“Walford Creek has the potential to supply the copper and cobalt needed for advanced manufacturing, defence, and technology which is increasingly important for nation’s looking to secure their global supply chains,” Mr Last said.

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“The Crisafulli Government is backing our resources sector to attract investment, get projects moving and create long-term jobs and economic opportunities for regional Queensland.”

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The investment is one of the first from the State Government’s expanded $250 million Queensland Critical Minerals Fund, which received an additional $100 million in this year’s Budget.

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Aeon Metals Executive Chair Paul Harris said the funding would support key development work and help progress the project towards a final investment decision.

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