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On February 18, 2026, Queensland launched the Flexi-Lab minerals processing facility in Mackay to improve domestic processing of critical minerals. The facility aims to increase the current 15% processing rate by providing shared resources for multiple users, including smaller companies.

It is part of Australia’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030, which targets $500 billion in export potential and includes a $17 billion funding program. Flexi-Lab will also facilitate skills development and support the reprocessing of legacy tailings. The initiative aligns with federal efforts to strengthen supply chains with the U.S. through a $1 billion financing commitment.