Be Informed: a new video interview series for the BBMC Episode 1: Queensland Resources Council, Ian Macfarlane 18 May 2020 The BBMC Be Informed Interview Series kicked off with Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Mr Ian Macfarlane. Naturally, conversation revolved around the resources sector’s response to COVID-19 and the industry’s important role in the road to economic recovery. The best outcomes were that no one contracted the virus up to that time by being part of a site workforce - maintaining the safety of surrounding communities, while keeping production levels steady. Interstate FIFO was cut by approximately 65%, with crucial workers moved to Queensland, while filling up Central Queensland accommodation - good news for local businesses. Resource companies rallied strongly to the cause, getting behind medical centres, pathology laboratories and social programs to minimise isolation and keep communities connected. In an environment of wholesale job losses and an economy suddenly dependent on welfare programs, the resource industry became an even more important source of support for the government, bringing in both export and royalty income. The mining sector was not nearly as badly impacted as retail and tourism, and in recovery mode, industry’s role will be twofold. Firstly, continuing income to support people and maintain health services is key, and secondly, to ensure the economy remains resilient enough with a strong base to recover from post-pandemic. Ian reiterated that the QRC would continue to advocate strongly for cutting away red tape that holds applications back, arguing that opening up new investments such as gas fields and mines will give the state a much-needed economic boost – we never know when the next disaster will demand another major response. Episode 2: Multicom Resources, Shaun McCarthy 4 June 2020 Shaun McCarthy, CEO of Multicom Resources, talked about the status of their St Elmo project, and the exciting future of vanadium in Queensland’s North West Minerals Province. While vanadium is traditionally used to produce a high-strength steel alloy, there’s growing excitement around emerging technology in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries. These batteries represent an ideal grid-scale storage solution, although there’s also a place for smaller industrial demand as well as residential use. They have significant advantages over traditional storage media such as lithium. Photo: Josh Kelly
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BBMC Yearbook 2020
