MINES and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson has announced that the Bligh Government will invest in the drilling and exploration sector.
As part of the State Government’s $19 million budget spend on mining, $11.97 million will be put towards exploration grants through the Smart Mining - Future Prosperity program and $4 million will be used to complete construction of a new drill core storage facility in Mount Isa.
Robertson says that the grants will help reduce mineral and energy explorers' risks, costs and timeframes and assist them with better opportunities for targeting prospects that could lead to potential new mines, gas fields and jobs for the future.
Furthermore, the Minister says that the drill core facility at Kalkadoon Industrial Estate near the Mount Isa airport will accommodate the increasing stock of drill core samples from surrounding areas and support the promotion of mining and exploration in the North West Queensland Mineral Province.
The Queensland Government says that the budget recognises the importance of a strong and resilient mining and energy sector to Queensland's ongoing economic prosperity.
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