Queensland Opens Opportunities for Critical Minerals Cooperation with Indonesia

The Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner for Indonesia, Tony Burnett, has stated that Indonesia and Queensland, Australia, possess significant opportunities for cooperation, particularly within the critical minerals sector. These opportunities include investments in mining, technology, mining services, and mineral processing.

“Yes, there are significant opportunities for both Indonesia and our State of Queensland, especially in the field of critical minerals. Australia is an environment with relatively high mining costs, so our mining companies, as well as technology and service providers for the mining industry, are accustomed to operating with very tight margins,” he told Media Nikel Indonesia during the Queensland MineTech Forum: Powering Mining Excellence Through Technology at the Mining Expo 2026, held at Jiexpo Kemayoran on Wednesday (9/9/2026).

Tony explained that high mining costs have made investments by Queensland companies highly purpose-oriented, including through products, technology, and services for mining operators.

“This makes our investments very purpose-driven, so our companies are accustomed to producing high-quality products and using advanced technology, providing services that ultimately yield greater profits for mining operators or mining companies,” he said.

Investment opportunities are also open within Queensland’s critical minerals mining sector, ranging from operational mines to the processing stage.

“Queensland has 50 types of critical minerals that we are currently developing as a state. We are seeking inward investment ranging from operational mines to the processing stage. The critical minerals we possess will be highly compatible with the ecosystem possessed by Indonesia,” he explained.

Beyond investment, opportunities for cooperation are also available through knowledge transfer. To build such cooperation, communication between both parties serves as the initial step in unlocking collaborative potential.

“In terms of knowledge transfer and cooperation, I believe cooperation begins with conversation. Therefore, organisations such as Trade and Investment Queensland are present to facilitate conversations between both parties. Everything starts with a conversation, and from there, we build relationships,” he concluded.