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Significant boost in greenfield exploration a bellwether for confidence

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Significant investment in greenfield exploration across Queensland was a strong indicator of future growth in the resources sector, Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said.

Mr Macfarlane said the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data in the March 2018 quarter found greenfield exploration was up 39 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2017.

“Exploration is an important indicator of confidence in the resources sector and greenfield exploration demonstrates the sector’s willingness to explore for larger deposits,” he said.

“When greenfield exploration is successful, it can generate new projects, new industries and the potential to create hundreds of millions of dollar of royalties for the life of the project.

“These figures again demonstrate the diversification story in Queensland’s resources with copper exploration surging 150 per cent, base metals 139 per cent, gold 37 per cent and coal up 65 percent all underpinned by a sustained lift in prices.

Queensland Exploration Council (QEC) Chair Brad John said the State’s world class mineral deposits include the resources needed for high-tech products.

“The increasing level of copper exploration reflects the resource as a key ingredient for future technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy,” Mr John said.

To further bolster confidence in exploration, the Palaszczuk Government has been seeking tenders for coking and thermal coal in the Bowen, Surat and Galilee basins.

“It’s an important industry and we will work with governments to ensure there is certainty for future investments and future jobs,” Mr Macfarlane said.

Petroleum exploration fell 20 per cent over the quarter coming off many years of considerable investment. The Government tenders for exploration permits over 1107 square kilometres in the North West Minerals Province and for authorities to prospect for petroleum and gas over 17,245 square kilometres have recently closed.

“Momentum in Queensland’s resources sector continues to build with three major announcements last week. South32 acquired a stake in Eagle Downs, BMA transacted its Gregory Crinum mine to Sojitz and Santos invested $400 million in its Arcadia project. In total, it’s around a $700 million investment and 600 jobs,” Mr Macfarlane said.

The Queensland resources sector now provides one in every $6 dollars in the Queensland economy, sustains one in eight Queensland jobs, and supports more than 16,400 businesses across the State – with almost 7000 businesses in the Greater Brisbane region – all from 0.1 percent of Queensland’s land mass.

Link to ABS data:
http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/8412.0Main+Features1Mar%202018?OpenDocument

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