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Proposed Global Scale Energy Hub One Step Closer For NQ
NQ energy hub (Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub – TECH), has been declared a prescribed project. This means Townsville is a step closer to a huge industry and jobs boost.
The TECH project has the potential to provide a massive boost to Townsville and the regional industry, creating around 800 construction jobs throughout the build of the facility. Its operational phase would create an estimated 1700 jobs, including 300 highly-skilled advanced manufacturing jobs at the facility and 1400 jobs in support industries.
Now that the prescribed project declaration has been made, the Queensland Coordinator-General can work with project proponent Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) to ensure all necessary project approvals are obtained.
QPM proposes to build the facility in the Townsville City Council’s Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, approximately 40km south of Townsville.
“Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is northern Australia’s first environmentally sustainable advanced manufacturing, processing and technology hub,” Cr Hill said.
“The precinct is perfectly positioned to spur economic growth and job creation for Townsville and North Queensland for decades to come.
“The declaration of QPM’s proposed hub is another shot-in-the-arm of our Lansdown precinct as well as the Townsville and North Queensland economy.”
Jenny Hill – Townsville Mayor
Thanks to Queensland’s cheaper, cleaner electricity, the renewable energy target and zero net emissions target can expect to see more investment in local manufacturing, particularly in regional Queensland.
The Government has already committed $12 million to support rail and road infrastructure to develop the Lansdown precinct and assist projects such as the TECH.
High-grade ore from New Caledonia would be imported through the Port of Townsville and transported to the facility.
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said Lansdown was ideally placed with easy access to the Port of Townsville.
“QPM is planning to export the high-tech products through the Townsville Port,” Mr Walker said.
“This would see Townsville manufactured materials form part of the fast-growing global supply chain for the battery sector.”
Les Walker – member for Mundingburra
Today’s announcement was a step toward unlocking a new industry in North Queensland. It will mean jobs and stable employment in new and existing manufacturing industries for the locals in Townsville.
QPM Managing Director & CEO Stephen Grocott said Townsville is the perfect location, with its existing infrastructure and a skilled workforce.
“Construction of The TECH facility could begin in 2022 with production commencing late 2023,” Mr Grocott said.
“The facility proposes to process 1.5 million tonnes of ore annually to produce nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate and high-purity alumina which are sought after chemicals for use in the emerging electric-vehicle battery manufacture.
“Furthermore, we will do this in a sustainable manner with industry leading low carbon emissions, zero process liquid discharge and no tailings dam. This is a global first, consistent with the TCC’s aims for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.”
Stephen Grocott – QPM Managing Director & CEO
Queensland Pacific Metals has offtake agreements in place to sell products to Korean companies LG Energy Solutions, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, and POSCO.
QPM has also has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a dedicated gas supply from the northern Bowen Basin.
ENDS
Monday 27 September 2021 – Media Release
Read the Media Release here.
© The State of Queensland 1997–2021
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