Speaking at the recent Queensland Mining Expo in Mackay, Last said Queensland was entering an exciting period of growth for its mining and resources industry, with critical minerals expected to play a central role in the state’s future. The strategy follows the Queensland Government’s recent $146 million Budget commitment to unlock new critical minerals opportunities and support projects through the extraction, processing and export stages. Last said creating confidence for investors was fundamental to developing Queensland’s critical minerals industry. Last said international interest had accelerated over the past 12 months, driven in part by the US–Australia Critical Minerals Framework signed last October. While mining investment remains a priority, Last said Queensland’s next objective is to build a stronger downstream processing and manufacturing sector.