As a result of the growing investment in the north-west minerals province, North Queensland is considered to be the epicentre for renewable advanced manufacturing of batteries, solar panels and other critical technologies.

The demand for low and zero emissions minerals products have continued to grow as the deadlines for emissions reductions targets rapidly approach. Townsville is well placed to support a secure, sustainable and high-value minerals supply chain for the global commodity market. The investment of key enabling infrastructure projects like CopperString 2032 will ensure that the Townsville region will benefit from the increased economic activity in the North West Corridor as more renewable energy and critical mineral projects come online.

Mining Industry

The North Queensland and North West regions are rich in minerals essential for the global transition to a low-carbon economy. The regions have to opportunity to extract these minerals that are necessary in the transition, which will be supported with the development of CopperString proving prospective mines the opportunity to connect to the National Energy Market. 

The North West Mineral Province contains about 75% of Queensland's base metal mineral along with critical minerals and rare earth deposits, which are increasing in global demand.   

Traditional Minerals Critical Minerals Rare Earths

Copper

Zinc

Lead

Nickel

Silver

Gold

Uranium

Magnetite

Cobalt

Vanadium

Graphite

Lithium

Rhenium

Scandium

Yttrium

Niobium

Tantalum

Tungsten

Molybdenum

Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing sector in Townsville North Queensland is a cornerstone of the region's economy, comprising a diverse range of capabilities across industries such as:

  • Mining
  • Agriculture
  • Food and Product
  • Renewable Energy
  • Defence 

The sector supports advanced metal fabrication, machinery production, and innovative technologies tailored to regional demands. The presence of a skilled labor force, coupled with collaborative initiatives between local businesses, research institutions, and government, drives innovation and sustainable practices. Additionally, the region is increasingly embracing renewable energy solutions, positioning itself as a hub for green manufacturing and emerging technology development.

Townsville is home to the established processing facilities including Glencore's copper refinery and Sun Metal's zinc refinery. Both refineries are strategically located near the Mount Isa rail line and proximity to the Port of Townsville. The region is well positioned for further refinery development, leveraging the abundance of minerals from the nearby mining areas as well as the growing renewable energy infrastructure.