Wolfram mine in Queensland set to reopen

Abandoned since 2018, the Wolfram mine in Dumbulah could be brought back online if the State Department of Resources receives enough bids.

The former tungsten mine, located 133km south-west of Cairns, was owned by Tropical Metals before the company appointed Martin Ford and Michael Owen as liquidators in 2018.

That same year, the mine became part of the Queensland Government's Abandoned Mine Lands Program.

The site currently consists of two open pits, waste rock dumps, a tailings storage facility and processing equipment. The Queensland Government believes it is still a workable source of ore.

"After consulting with industry groups, miners, explorers and local representatives last year, it was clear there was great interest in restarting resource activities at the abandoned Wolfram Camp mine," Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said in a statement.

The mine was not decommissioned or rehabilitated before it was abandoned, which means hazards still exist that pose a risk to public health and safety, and the environment.

These risks would be mitigated and dealt with if the mine were to re-open.

"Queensland's long history of resources activity has left a legacy of abandoned mines across the state but, thanks to advancing technology and changing market demands, some of these mines have the potential to once again become commercial operations," Stewart said.

"This project is a pilot that could potentially see more of our abandoned mine sites around the state transformed from a liability to an asset, once more generating good jobs and royalties for all Queenslanders.

"Those royalties can also help offset the cost of managing existing, abandoned mines, while the Government has also acted to prevent future issues with tighter requirements for progressive mine rehabilitation.

"Our 30-year plan for the resources industry contains a suite of measures to find, mine, process and manufacture critical minerals.

"Together, the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan and the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will help create good jobs in our regional communities."

An online information session regarding the mine and the upcoming bids will be held on February 15.