Mining and Critical Minerals

With a strong heritage in mining and resources, the Rockhampton Region has evolved into an ideal hub for businesses seeking to operate within the industry. Well connected by road, rail, air and sea, and on the doorstep to the Bowen and Galilee Basins, businesses within the Rockhampton Region continue to evolve to support existing coal mines through transport and logistics and the supply of workforce.

Our community was built off the back of gold mining in the 1950s and was once home to one of the world's richest gold mines. Today, a new gold rush is occurring as old mines are re-commercialised and the exploration and extraction of critical and strategic minerals and base metals gains momentum.

According to data from the Queensland Resources Council, mining contributes $2.3 billion to the Rockhampton Region economy and supports almost 13,000 jobs.

Download Resources Prospectus(PDF, 4MB)

Rockhampton REgion Mining Map

This map contains indicative locations of some of the coal, critical and strategic minerals, and base metal mines in proximity to the Rockhampton Region, as well as key support infrastructure to facilitate mining operations.

Coal Mining

Two men lean against the bonnet of a ute, in front of a mining truck and wall

Coal mining has long been central to the economic identity of Central Queensland and the Rockhampton Region, underpinning employment, economic growth and export opportunities. With more than 40 coal mine sites within a four-hour drive, the Rockhampton Region is uniquely positioned as a central support and logistics hub for mines across the Bowen and Galilee Basins.

Sitting at the intersection of the Bruce and Capricorn Highways, and with the Central Queensland Coal Network rail export lines passing through the region, Rockhampton plays an essential role in delivering high-quality Queensland coal to the rest of Australia and the world  via major a major export port.

Critical Minerals and Base Metals

A woman in high-visibility clothing holds magnesite rocks in front of a large industrial facility

Rockhampton as we know it today was born from a gold rush, and today is home to global leaders in critical minerals, strategic minerals and base metals. More than a dozen critical and strategic minerals can be found across the Region, and there is increasing interest from exploration companies seeking to re-commercialise old mine sites and deposits in southern and western areas.

The long-standing mining and processing of QMAG's magnesium products, Heritage Minerals' re-invigoration of a historic gold mine, and the new jobs being created by QMines at its gold and copper project, are all supported by extensive road, rail, air and sea connections and our stable and affordable water supply.

Map of mineral deposits in the Rockhampton Region

This map shows identified mineral deposits across the Rockhampton Region, with information sourced from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development.

Map showing deposits of minerals across the Rockhampton Region

Critical minerals and base metals in the Rockhampton Region

The following critical minerals and base metals can be found in the Rockhampton Region:

Battery and Energy Storage

  • Cobalt - Critical
  • Copper - Stategic
  • Nickel - Critical

Industrial Metals

  • Dolomite
  • Magnesite - Critical
  • Pyrite
  • Vandaium - Critical
  • Wollastonite

Precious Metals

  • Gold
  • Palladium - Critical

Steelmaking and Alloy Production

  • Chromium - Critical
  • Iron
  • Lead
  • Manganese - Critical
  • Magnetite
  • Nickel - Critical
  • Titanium - Critical
  • Zinc - Strategic

Support, Logistics and Workforce

Two men point as they walk through a workshop containing mining vehicles and equipment

Coal mining has long been central to the economic identity of Central Queensland and the Rockhampton Region, underpinning employment, economic growth and export opportunities. With more than 40 coal mine sites within a four-hour drive, the Rockhampton Region is uniquely positioned as a central support and logistics hub for mines across the Bowen and Galilee Basins.

Sitting at the intersection of the Bruce and Capricorn Highways, and with the Central Queensland Coal Network rail export lines passing through the region, Rockhampton plays an essential role in delivering high-quality Queensland coal to the rest of Australia and the world  via major a major export port.

Need more information?

Advance Rockhampton Economic Development team

Advance Rockhampton can provide connections with businesses operating within the resources support and supply chains, or provide assistance in developing new projects.

Phone: + 61 7 4936 8282
Email: advancerockhampton@rrc.qld.gov.au

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