ASX-listed Queensland Pacific Metals is leading the Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub task to lay out an environmentally sustainable critical minerals refinery within the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct under the Townsville City Council.
This drive aims to import top-notch ore from New Caledonia and cycle it in Townsville, utilising a progressive roundabout assembling process.
With a commitment to zero process liquid discharges and no tailings waste, this process uses captured waste mine gas to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions significantly. All materials are transformed into products with added value.
Central to the TECH Project’s vision is producing critical minerals fundamental for different innovative applications, including emanations decrease, advanced manufacturing, and defence.
Key products, for example, nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate, and high-purity alumina, hold critical jobs in creating lithium-particle batteries, LEDs, microprocessors, and sapphire glass.
These contributions give crucial materials to different industries and eco-friendly options that help feasible practices.
At the core of the TECH Project lies the Direct Nickel Process, an exclusive nickel handling innovation developed in Australia in a joint effort with CSIRO.
Queensland Pacific Metals, under the Altilium Group, has tied down privileges to use this patented technology.
“By harnessing groundbreaking technologies and forming strategic alliances, we are not only enhancing Australia’s position in the global technology sector but also contributing significantly to the local economy in Townsville and beyond,” said the managing director and CEO of Queensland Pacific Metals, Dr Stephen Grocott.
It is anticipated that the TECH Project will significantly impact Townsville, with estimates indicating increased manufacturing activity, job creation, and economic expansion.
“This is exactly the type of project the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments have been calling for many years – advanced manufacturing that value-adds in Australia, creating high-skilled and high-paid careers in a modern, clean industry,” Dr Grocott added.