Industry leaders from the resources technology and critical minerals sector converged on Townsville, Queensland this week to discuss ways to boost this crucial industry in the region.
Hosted by James Cook University, the Regional Trailblazer Showcase & Stakeholder Forum was held on Wednesday 25 September in partnership with Trailblazer program lead Curtin University and partners The University of Queensland.
With a specific focus on Australian organisations in the sector, the showcase welcomed leading voices from all three partner universities, connecting them with government leaders and researchers for a series of presentations and round table discussions.
The Hon Scott Stewart, Queensland Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals, officially opened the event, having announced the day before a $5 million boost in funding to drive critical mineral exploration in Queensland.
“Our task is to assemble critical mass of capability and capacity from industry, academia and government, to drive and energise our agenda for the future,’ Minister Stewart said.
“We have good reason to be positive for our prospects here in Queensland, and when we look at where our critical minerals endowments are situated, North Queensland is set to lead the Trailblazer into the next stage of our states resources.”
JCU Trailblazer Director, Associate Professor Ioan Sanislav, said the event was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the research being done in the region and opened the door for more opportunities.
“The showcase was an opportunity to provide an overview of current research projects, identify the aims and concerns of external stakeholders, and foster new ways for research and industry to collaborate,” Associate Professor Sanislav said.
Attracting and retaining Queensland’s skilled resources workforce, challenges in water-related research, and mine waste management solutions were just some of the topics set for discussion at the event.
The Trailblazer program is a collaboration between James Cook University, The University of Queensland, and Curtin University as well as 50+ industry partners across Australia who are working in value chains associated with the resources and critical minerals sector.
