Labor is boosting Victoria's critical mineral processing capacity, creating jobs and investment in regional Victoria.
Victoria has Australia's largest antimony deposits and the nation's only operating mine at Costerfield.
Minister D'Ambrosio will soon call for proposals from industry, universities and researchers to explore the technical and commercial aspects of processing and how to best establish a state-of-the-art facility.
Antimony mining in Victoria currently employs 278 people. If materials were processed locally, the number of jobs would double.
The Advancing Antimony Grants offer a share of $1 million for proposals to get a Victorian antimony processing industry off the ground.
Antimony is a heat-resistant critical mineral in high demand worldwide. It's essential for flame‑retardant materials, electronics, batteries and defence technologies.
Antimony is mined underground, with a small above ground footprint, making it an efficient way to extract minerals and minimise waste.
This follows the approval of exploration works at Southern Cross Gold's Sunday Creek Project near Kilmore last year - one of the state's most significant gold and antimony deposits.
Research by the Geological Survey of Victoria suggests Central Victoria has larger antimony resources than previously believed.
The expansion of the industry is part of Labor's Critical Minerals Roadmap which is driving development of the state's mineral resources and jobs.
Victorians deserve well paid jobs close to home and expanding this industry in regional communities will allow locals to grow or start their careers in mining or manufacturing.
The Advancing Antimony Grants program will be open for applications in April, for more information visit resources.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio
"Building an antimony processing industry here in Victoria means more secure, high‑quality jobs for regional communities."
"Victoria is ready to seize the opportunity of antimony processing, strengthening our local manufacturing industry and giving Victoria a strategic edge in global supply chains."
As stated by Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks
"Processing antimony in Victoria strengthens our local manufacturing and keeps more value onshore while creating new jobs, regional growth, and more downstream processing capability."
