Exploration opportunities: A call for collaboration and investment in Queensland, plus QEC's cutting-edge initiatives for 2024 Kim Wainwright, Chair Queensland Exploration Council
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n the heart of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and its exploration arm, the Queensland Exploration Council (QEC), lies a commitment to providing valuable insights into Queensland's exploration sector. The recently released 13th annual QEC Exploration Scorecard serves as a beacon, illuminating the challenges and opportunities that shape the future of our vibrant resources sector.
The powerhouse of Queensland's economy Photo: Kestrel
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BBMC Yearbook 2023
Undoubtedly, the Queensland resources sector is the backbone of our state's economy, generating jobs
and driving growth. The Bowen Basin, with its awe-inspiring coal mines, showcases the scale and sophistication of our resources industry. Yet, our sector extends beyond coal, embracing gas projects and mineral mines in the north, all globally renowned. At the heart of this prosperity lies the exploration sector, the catalyst for world-class mines and energy projects. The QEC Exploration Scorecard, now in its 13th year, stands as a testament to the sector's vitality. It offers crucial insights, urging industry and policymakers not to overlook the sentiment that underpins our exploration efforts. Navigating challenges with optimism This year's Scorecard resonates with a clear message: perception shapes reality. Despite a current of negative sentiment among explorers, there is a silver lining of optimism and resilience. The exploration sector, facing challenges from policy interventions, environmental regulations, and uncertainty, stands poised for a positive future if governments get the policy settings right and keep Queensland competitive.