Mining companies in Queensland's North West Minerals Province are struggling to find workers as drilling ramps up and new jobs open. AIC Mines chairman Aaron Colleran said hiring has been difficult everywhere, including at its Eloise copper mine near Cloncurry. The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association estimates the industry will need 24,000 new workers across the country by 2027. Queensland Resources Council figures point to competing skill needs and fewer young people entering trades and mining careers. Industry leaders say apprenticeships must grow to ease the shortage.
Federal Coalition resources spokespeople have pushed back against Greens claims that the mining sector is undertaxed by $45 billion a year. They warn that new taxes could drive companies out of Australia. Shadow ministers say the industry has paid over $430 billion in taxes and royalties over the past decade, funding rural roads, healthcare and education. They say new tax measures would put regional jobs and projects at risk, including Iluka Resources' mineral sands project at Balranald in the Riverina.
Resources Minister Madeleine King says nationalising Perth-based Northern Minerals is one option for the government. China-linked investors have not sold shares they were ordered to divest by July 2. King said the uncertainty is holding up the Browns Range project, which supplies heavy rare earths used in renewable energy and military technology. She said no decisions have been made. King said the government was taking the failure to divest very seriously and that the review of foreign investment laws will continue.
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Resources Minister Madeleine King says a planned gas reserve would push down prices. Large gas producers would be required to hold back up to 20 per cent of their export volume for local customers. The plan aims to oversupply the east coast gas market to 110 per cent of forecast domestic demand. King also said Australia must respond to China's dominance of critical minerals, pointing to a $12bn pipeline of mineral projects. She said the government may nationalise the Northern Minerals mine after Chinese-linked investors reportedly defied orders to disinvest.
Construction has started on the Nolans Rare Earths Project, the Northern Territory's largest mining investment, with a $1.6 billion backing. The mine site sits 135 kilometres north of Alice Springs and will be the first integrated rare-earths mine and processing project of its kind in Australia. The project is expected to add $25.2 billion to the Territory's economy over its 38-year operating life. It will create more than 600 construction jobs and about 350 ongoing roles, with Alice Springs serving as the main services and workforce hub. A 250-bed workforce accommodation site is targeted for completion by November.
A leading planning expert says the Victorian government is manipulating its planning system to fast-track the Fingerboards mineral sands project in eastern Victoria. The government rejected the project in 2021 over environmental and horticultural risks. It is now considering a modified bid, which the company, Gippsland Critical Minerals, says includes significant changes. The company says it has cut the mine footprint by 27 per cent and the mining rate by 40 per cent. The government says no decision has been made and the project is still being assessed.
Arafura has broken ground on the Nolans Project, which the federal Resources Minister says will become Australia's first integrated ore-to-oxide rare earths facility. Once running, the minister says the facility could supply as much as five per cent of world demand for rare earths used in high-performance magnets. The project has received an $840 million funding package and a $200 million commitment from the National Reconstruction Fund, along with backing from several international partners.
Construction has begun on the Arafura Rare Earths Nolans Project, 135km north of Alice Springs, marking a significant milestone for Australia's critical minerals sector. The $1.2 billion initiative, backed by the Albanese Government and international partners, aims to bolster national security and clean energy technologies. Expected to create 600 jobs during construction and 350 ongoing positions, the project will supply 4-5% of global rare earths demand. Ministers highlighted its role in diversifying supply chains and supporting the Northern Territory's economy. The project aligns with Australia's strategic priorities in critical minerals and defence industries.
A $1.8 billion rare earths mine in Central Australia has begun construction. The Nolans project, backed by the US and Australian governments and Gina Rinehart, aims to challenge China's dominance in the global market. It will produce neodymium and praseodymium for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence capabilities, with a lifespan of over 50 years. The mine is expected to create hundreds of jobs and generate billions of dollars for the Northern Territory.
Glenelg Shire Council has launched its Advocacy Prospectus, setting out priority projects to unlock investment and drive regional growth. The document was unveiled at a launch event attended by councillors, government representatives, industry leaders and community organisations. Its seven priorities cover community infrastructure and sport, tourism and events, freight and export, critical minerals and industrial development. Mayor Karen Stephens said the region has significant public and private investment opportunities emerging. Council will use the prospectus to engage governments, industry and stakeholders to advance the projects.
