New study to examine turning mine waste into wealth across the Bowen Basin

More than $1.5 million has been awarded to unlock critical minerals from coal mine tailings in Queensland.

The study will examine options to recover valuable minerals, such as rare earths and vanadium, from mine waste across the Bowen Basin.

It will be led by circular economy consultancy Coreo Pty Ltd in collaboration with major coal producers and will build on the successes and lessons of the Bowen Basin Circularity Project to capture untapped value across the mining supply chain.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the project demonstrated the strength and innovation Queensland’s resources sector has to offer.

“Queensland’s coal industry helped build this state, and now it’s helping us build the next generation of resource opportunities,” Last said.

“This collaboration is what our industry does best, bringing together some of Queensland’s leading coal producers with government and research partners to find value in materials once considered waste.

“We’re creating new jobs, attracting new investment and supporting a more sustainable future for regional Queensland.”

Coreo Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Ashleigh Morris said the funding strengthened the Bowen Basin Circularity program.

“By focusing on critical minerals in coal tailings, and the potential to extract them alongside other valuable components, we are targeting full value from the full volume of tailings,” Morris said.

“This advances whole-of-system resource recovery and positions Queensland to lead in circular resource innovation.

“Building on Bowen Basin Circularity, this program will sharpen our understanding of critical minerals in tailings and create new value pathways for regional Queensland, supporting long-term jobs and competitive industry growth.”