Graphinex equipment at the Esmeralda Graphite Project site south of Croydon. Photo: Graphinex.
The Queensland Government has released the terms of reference (ToR) for Graphinex’s Esmeralda Graphite Project near Croydon.
The project proposes to develop a $1.23 billion greenfield mine and processing facility about 70 kilometres south of Croydon, within the Georgetown mining district.
If it went ahead, the mine project would extract up to 3.5 million tonnes of ore annually to produce about 25 million tonnes of graphite concentrate over a planned 50-year project life.
Graphite is a key element used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics, as well as applications in lubricants, refractory material in steelmaking, and in electric motor brushes.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) ToR takes the proposed project to the next stage that may see it eventually create 100 construction and 113 operational jobs.
The facility would include an open-cut graphite mine, processing facilities, a solar array and energy storage system with back-up diesel generation, water management infrastructure, mine infrastructure area, mine and product stockpiles and loading areas, access road and internal tracks, accommodation facility, and sewage and waste management infrastructure.
The project is backed by capital secured through a trade mission to North America led by Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last earlier this year. The government is brokering the deal to secure the investment.
Mr Last said the project was a vote of confidence in the government’s plan to drive new mining investment.
“We’re serious about restoring certainty for the resources sector to deliver a better lifestyle for Queenslanders through a stronger economy,” he said.
“This project has the potential to deliver more than 200 local jobs and underpin decades of economic opportunity in North Queensland.
“This important milestone shows that by cutting through delays, we’re creating an environment where investors can plan with confidence to create jobs across our regions.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the government was committed to backing projects that supercharged the economy and restored investor confidence.
“Our government is about creating lasting economic opportunities for regional Queensland, attracting global interest and positioning the state as a key player in the minerals supply chain,” Mr Bleijie said.
“The government is serious about cutting through red tape and delivering jobs and economic certainty for regional communities.”
Queensland’s Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said finalising the ToR marked a significant step in the project’s rigorous environmental assessment process.
“The terms of reference provide a clear framework for Graphinex to prepare a comprehensive EIS that addresses potential environmental, social and economic impacts,” Mr Coggan said.
“The coordinated project declaration delivers a whole-of-government evaluation of impacts and benefits that the project can deliver, including comprehensive community engagement.”
The broader community will have the opportunity to provide feedback during the public notification of the draft EIS. Subject to approval, construction of the mine is scheduled to start in 2027. Operations are expected to begin about 18 months later.
