Queensland Government: A Vision and Roadmap to Support Critical Minerals Provenance and Traceability

A Report to the Queensland Government Geological Survey of Queensland

The Challenge

Queensland is rich in critical minerals essential for the global transition to a decarbonised economy. However, ensuring the sustainability and traceability of these minerals presents a significant challenge. Provenance and traceability are vital to verify that these materials are sourced responsibly and meet both national and international regulatory standards. Emerging legislation such as the EU Battery Passport and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism highlight the growing need for ethical and sustainable sourcing and traceability. The Queensland Government recognises that it must ensure its critical minerals meet these stringent global demands while also recognising a range of stakeholder needs, including participation of First Nations communities.. To achieve this, the Queensland Department of Resources has engaged FrontierSI to assess the current landscape and develop a comprehensive roadmap that will guide the government and industry through the complexities of provenance, traceability, and sustainability.

Partners

FrontierSI is working in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Resources and Curtin University

The Solution

FrontierSI has developed a multi-faceted roadmap that can guide the Queensland Government, and other jurisdictions including the Federal Government, in establishing a critical minerals provenance and traceability framework. This project provided foundational work required to better understand the role of Government and focus areas to achieve a secure critical minerals future. This framework addresses digital credentialing, such as a Guarantee of Origin, enabling the verification of responsible sourcing and sustainability. By aligning Queensland’s approach with international standards, the roadmap will help ensure compliance with upcoming global regulations like the EU Battery Passport.

Aligned with the roadmap is a scalable maturity model, developed to support Queensland and other jurisdictions in gradually achieving full provenance and traceability capabilities, beginning with foundational infrastructure and culminating in digital verification systems. This roadmap and maturity model will also support Queensland’s broader initiatives for clean energy and a circular economy.

Impact

This roadmap will position Queensland as a global leader in critical mineral provenance and traceability, enabling its resources sector to meet the rigorous standards required by international markets. By implementing a verified framework, Queensland will not only safeguard its minerals industry from supply chain disruptions but also enhance its competitiveness in the growing global demand for ethically sourced critical minerals.

The roadmap will support mining companies particularly small and junior operators, by helping the sector understand the need to meet complex global regulations. Furthermore, it aligns with national and global sustainability goals, advancing Queensland’s transition to a net-zero economy. By demonstrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership, Queensland will enhance its reputation on the global stage as a responsible mineral producer.

Report

To access the report please click here.

Contact 

To learn more, contact FrontierSI at  contact@frontiersi.com.au.