Major critical minerals project fast-tracked to boost Queensland manufacturing and jobs

A major $515 million critical minerals project in North Queensland has been fast-tracked, with the Sugarbag Hill Ultra High Purity Quartz Sand Project declared a prescribed project to accelerate its delivery.

The development is expected to generate around 600 jobs during construction and support 140 ongoing roles once operational, providing a significant economic boost to regional communities across North and Far North Queensland.

The project will involve a quarry at Sugarbag Hill, located about 17 kilometres from Forsayth, along with pre-processing facilities at Mount Garnett. Further downstream processing is planned for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct south of Townsville, supported by a pilot plant in Stuart and chemical storage infrastructure at the Port of Townsville. Export of high-quality quartz sand will also occur via the port.

Ultra-high purity quartz is a key input for advanced manufacturing, used in products such as semiconductors, specialised glass and solar technologies.

The declaration as a prescribed project is designed to streamline approvals and provide greater certainty for investors, helping to bring the development online sooner.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the move would unlock investment and strengthen Queensland's position in the global critical minerals market.

"Queensland is open for business, and this declaration ensures a major project like Sugarbag Hill can progress without unnecessary delays," he said.

"This investment will deliver jobs, strengthen our critical minerals capability and support long-term economic growth across regional Queensland."

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said the project would create employment opportunities across the entire supply chain.

"This is about building jobs in regional Queensland-from the quarry to processing facilities and through to export infrastructure," he said.

"We are focused on reducing red tape and providing the certainty needed to get projects moving and deliver real outcomes for local communities."

Queensland Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said the declaration would allow closer coordination between government agencies, councils and the project proponent to maintain momentum.

High Purity Quartz Limited CEO Stuart Jones welcomed the decision, saying it would support the project's next phase.

"This provides important certainty as we progress through feasibility and engineering studies," he said.

"The project will help establish a reliable Queensland-based supply of ultra-high purity quartz, a globally scarce resource critical for solar and advanced manufacturing industries."

Subject to approvals, a final investment decision is targeted for early 2027, with construction expected to begin in early 2028.