EQ Resources (EQR) has been granted $250,000 through Queensland’s mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) collaborative project fund, supporting innovative trials aimed at revitalising the historic Wolfram Camp tungsten mine. This EQ Resources tungsten redevelopment initiative plays a vital role in advancing Queensland’s critical minerals strategy while fostering local economic and technological growth.
Cutting-Edge XRT Ore Sorting Technology
The funding will back trials of advanced X-ray transmission (XRT) ore sorting technology, designed to assess the redevelopment potential of the Wolfram Camp site, located 100 km southwest of EQR’s operational Mt Carbine tungsten mine. This historic mine is set to benefit from cutting-edge industrial XRT sorters supplied by Tomra Sorting, a trusted partner with proven success in Queensland’s mining sector. Tomra’s previous work at the Mt Carbine mine and Barruecopardo mine in Spain positions it well to enhance EQR’s tungsten cluster in the region.
Collaborating with the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), the project will also benefit from expert geometallurgical analysis, focusing on tungsten and molybdenum deposits. This collaboration aims to ensure the new technology’s efficiency in processing materials from Wolfram Camp, reducing inefficiencies that previously hampered operations.
Advancing Queensland’s Critical Minerals Strategy
EQR’s CEO, Kevin MacNeill, highlighted that the funding is a significant step in driving the company’s plans for Wolfram Camp, which is part of its broader Queensland tungsten cluster. By leveraging advanced ore sorting and geometallurgical techniques, EQR aims to unlock the potential of this historic site, aligning with Queensland’s critical minerals strategy.
MacNeill also emphasised that the redevelopment of Wolfram Camp, alongside the Mt Carbine operation, strengthens EQR’s strategic focus on deploying innovative technologies to maximise the site’s capabilities.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The trial at Wolfram Camp is part of a larger effort to overcome previous inefficiencies at the mine. If successful, it could lead to full-scale redevelopment, providing a boost to the regional economy and creating new job opportunities in north Queensland. This redevelopment would contribute to Queensland’s reputation as a leader in sustainable minerals production, supporting both national and global demand for critical minerals.
EQR continues to expand its tungsten assets in Australia and abroad, with projects in Queensland and Spain, further strengthening the global critical minerals supply chain. The company remains committed to innovation and responsible exploration, ensuring long-term benefits for Queensland’s mining communities.
Conclusion: Strengthening Queensland’s Position in the Global Supply Chain
This initiative stands as an example of how innovative partnerships and government support can lead to significant advancements in mining technology, further bolstering both local and global supply chains. EQR’s collaborative efforts at Wolfram Camp offer a promising outlook for Queensland’s critical minerals sector, helping the state lead the charge towards a sustainable and prosperous mining future.
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