Construction is now underway on the Queensland Resources Common User Facility (QRCUF) in Townsville—a major milestone for Australia’s critical minerals sector and a key step toward unlocking North Queensland’s vast mineral wealth. At BLJ In-situ Solutions, we’re proud to see progress on this project which marks a transformative shift for Queensland’s resources industry.

Located at the Cleveland Bay Industrial Park, the QRCUF will be the first facility of its kind in Australia, providing a centralised hub where companies can trial mineral processing techniques, produce mineral samples at scale, and accelerate their path to market. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to support the commercialisation of critical minerals like vanadium, cobalt, and rare earth elements—key ingredients in the global transition to renewable energy, battery storage, and advanced manufacturing. As a provider of specialist mechanical services to the mining and energy sectors for over 38 years, BLJ recognises the strategic importance of this development.

Accelerating Queensland’s Resources Future

The QRCUF is a cornerstone initiative under the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan and is backed by the $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy. It also plays a vital role in advancing the $62 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, aimed at delivering a cleaner, more reliable energy future.

Initially focused on vanadium (pictured above)—used in steel, electronics, and long-duration energy storage—the facility will support miners developing projects in key regions like Julia Creek and Richmond. With the ability to produce customer-ready samples and pilot scalable processes, the QRCUF is expected to fast-track investor confidence, off-take agreements, and commercial approvals for new mining ventures.

Features and Functions

Once operational in late 2026, the facility will offer:

• Pilot-scale mineral processing to prove commercial viability
• Training in equipment use and hazardous material handling
• Sample production for prospective customers
• Analysis of by-products, waste, and recyclables
• A testing ground for technical validation and investment readiness

Sedgman, a member of the CIMIC Group, has been appointed as the managing contractor to lead the facility’s detailed design and delivery.

Government Support and Regional Impact

Queensland’s Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the facility will be a game-changer for the state’s mineral economy.

He expressed that this project is not just about mineral processing—it’s about creating jobs, building a globally competitive supply chain, and securing Queensland’s place as a critical minerals powerhouse. With an estimated $500 billion in mineral reserves in North Queensland alone, this facility capitalises on our regional strengths and positions us for long-term growth.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, added, “The Queensland Resources Common User Facility will put Queensland at the forefront of resources innovation, and we’ll see advances in manufacturing, defence and research because of it.”

Industry Backs New Era of Resource Innovation

Warren Pearce, CEO of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), said the facility marks a turning point for the state’s resources sector.

“The common user facility is strongly supported by AMEC and the Queensland Government has ensured that the project is now moving forward with pace.” The QRCUF provides a vital pathway for emerging companies to secure funding and build value-added processing projects right here in Queensland.

Looking Ahead

The Queensland Resources Common User Facility is expected to begin vanadium processing trials in 2025, with scope to expand to other minerals shortly thereafter. By bridging the gap between resource potential and commercial readiness, the facility is set to play a pivotal role in powering Australia’s clean energy future and regional economic development.

For more updates on Queensland’s critical minerals strategy and infrastructure developments, visit State Development Queensland.