- Coordinator-General releases Terms of Reference for Graphinex's Esmeralda Graphite Project in North Queensland.
- Project is expected to create up to 213 jobs, including 100 during construction and 113 at peak operational capacity.
- Environmental Impact Statement process to include public consultation.
- After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is delivering investment certainty in Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a major milestone in the environmental assessment of one of North Queensland's largest proposed resource developments.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Terms of Reference (ToR) for the proposed $1.23 billion Esmeralda Graphite Project has been released, marking the next step to delivering a key project for the north.
Subject to approvals, the project could create up to 100 construction jobs and up to 113 operational jobs at peak production.
The project would extract up to 3.5 million tonnes of ore annually to produce around 25 million tonnes of graphite concentrate over a 50-year project life.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government was committed to backing projects that supercharged the economy and restored investor confidence in Queensland.
"After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is finally delivering jobs and investment certainty for Queensland," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"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.
"The Crisafulli Government is serious about cutting through red tape and delivering jobs and economic certainty for regional communities."
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the project is a vote of confidence in the Crisafulli 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," Minister Last 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."
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."
Graphinex proposes to develop a $1.23 billion greenfield graphite mine and processing facility approximately 70 kilometres south of Croydon, within the Georgetown mining district.
The Terms of Reference are available at https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/coordinator-general/assessments-and-approvals/coordinated-projects/current-projects/esmeralda-graphite-project
The broader community will have the opportunity to provide feedback during the public notification of the draft EIS.
