- Deputy Premier declares Graphinex's Esmeralda Graphite Project as a prescribed project to streamline approvals and support timely project delivery.
- Declaration to unlock over $1.3 billion in investment to strengthen Queensland's critical minerals sector and economy.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start, and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy by declaring the Esmeralda Graphite Project a Prescribed Project, in a major step to supercharge Queensland's critical minerals sector and drive new regional jobs.
The move will ensure the project, which hosts Queensland's largest graphite deposit, and one of the most significant globally, proceeds without unnecessary delays.
The integrated mine-to-refinery operation represents a transformative investment of potentially over $1.3 billion, anchoring Queensland's emergence as a global leader in the production and processing of critical minerals.
Graphinex's Esmeralda Graphite Project involves developing an open-pit graphite mine and processing facility about 70 kilometres south of Croydon, and a graphite refinery in Townsville to produce battery-grade anode materials.
This declaration follows the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) issuing a Letter of Interest for $1.3 billion—the largest single financial commitment under the US–Australia Critical Minerals Framework.
This partnership highlights Queensland's crucial role in securing critical mineral supply chains.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government was delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
"After years of Labor inaction that left critical minerals projects languishing, the Crisafulli Government is driving progress, creating jobs, and strengthening Queensland's position as a world leader in critical mineral extraction and processing," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"The Crisafulli Government's decisive action stands in stark contrast to Labor's decade of mismanagement and red tape, which saw critical minerals projects across the state stalling and demonstrated their complete disregard for the livelihoods of regional Queenslanders.
"Declaring the Esmeralda Graphite Project a Prescribed Project ensures it moves forward without unnecessary delays.
"After years of missed opportunities, the Crisafulli Government is reigniting investor confidence and delivering progress for regional Queensland."
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the decision reflected the Crisafulli Government's commitment to accelerating the next generation of regional projects.
"This declaration sends a clear message – under the Crisafulli Government Queensland is open for business and we're backing projects that create long-term jobs and deliver investment into regional Queensland," Minister Last said.
"This is another example of the Crisafulli Government's Resources Cabinet Committee in action, cutting red tape, driving faster approvals and delivering certainty to investors so they can get on creating local jobs.
"But we're not sitting on our hands – we're out meeting overseas investors and helping project proponents to lock in the investment they need to get going.
"After a decade of decline under Labor, whose anti-mining policies sent confidence off a cliff, investors now know that Queensland not only has the resources the world needs, but also has a government that backs them and delivers results."
Queensland Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said his office would continue to work closely with government agencies, local councils, and project proponents to maintain momentum.
"Our role is to ensure the approvals process remains coordinated and timely while maintaining high environmental and community standards," Mr Coggan said.
"This declaration allows us to work collaboratively to deliver the economic and strategic benefits this project promises for Queensland."
Graphinex Managing Director Art Malone said the declaration of Prescribed Project status would continue to accelerate the project's path to market.
"This Prescribed Project declaration is a major milestone for Graphinex. It will ensure our approvals are not unnecessarily delayed and confirms the Crisafulli Government's recognition of the project's strategic importance to the State," Mr Malone said.
Subject to approvals, Graphinex is targeting a final investment decision and commencement of construction in late 2026.
The Coordinator-General has issued the Project's Terms of reference for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Graphinex are now preparing the EIS.
