Editor's letter

Mining is the biggest contributor to Queensland’s economy and will remain a priority under the new government that took office in October 2024.

“Under our government, Queensland is open for business,” Dale Last, Queensland’s new Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, tells Mine Australia in an exclusive interview.

“As far as we’re concerned, coal and gas will play crucial roles in the state’s energy system for years to come,” he adds, highlighting his priorities to expediate mine approvals in the region.

Beyond coal, we look at the role recycling can play in critical minerals supply chains, as well as Australia’s opportunity to ramp up production of ESG-compliant cobalt, which could be sold at a premium.

In tech, we hear from several pump vendors on the innovations supporting more efficient and sustainable pump design, speak to Ericsson about how 5G technology can support connectivity in underground mining and report from Resourcing Tomorrow on the AI solutions available to miners.

Caroline Peachey, editor