General News
21 October, 2025
Moves to unearth billion-dollar deposit
HERBERTON is on the cusp of regaining its status as a mining powerhouse, with the discovery of Australia’s largest known silver-indium deposit and an investment by the State to help unlock the multi-billion-dollar critical mineral resource.
An $8 million commitment through the Queensland Government’s Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund (QCMBTF) will support exploration and advance development of Iltani Resources’ Orient Silver-Indium Project, which will deliver silver, indium, zinc and lead.
Development of the project’s Orient East and Orient West deposits could unlock up to 40 million tonnes of ore containing the minerals which are integral in technologies like solar PV, semiconductors, batteries and advanced electronics.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the State was investing in world-class critical minerals exploration and processing for regions steeped in Queensland’s proud mining history.
“From the gold and silver rush of the 1880s, Herberton and Irvinebank are towns that helped build this state,” she said.
“Now, more than a century later, we are securing their future by capturing the value of Queensland’s mineral wealth and the jobs, investment and opportunity this brings.
“The Orient Project is recognised as Australia’s largest known silver-indium discovery, and our investment in Iltani ensures we’re not just digging these resources up, but that we are creating lasting value here at home.”
QIC senior investment director Jonathan Crombie said the investment reflected the fund’s focus on scalable projects that contributed to the resilience of global critical mineral supply chains.
“Through the Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund, QIC is supporting the development of domestic production capacity in materials where Queensland holds geological advantage, but global supply remains constrained and highly concentrated,” he said.
“By supporting Iltani at this stage, QCMBTF can help to accelerate exploration, advance resource definition, and create the foundation for a full-scale mining operation that captures value here in Queensland.
“We see a distinct combination of scale, grade, and favourable mining conditions at Herberton, with mineralisation running continuously across Orient East and West.
“While this provides a strong platform for future growth, the opportunity now is to convert potential into a project capable of supplying advanced manufacturing and renewable energy markets over the long term.”
Iltani Resources managing director Donald Garner said the investment was a strong vote of confidence in the world-class potential of the Orient Project.
“With this support, we can accelerate exploration and development of these deposits, taking us closer to unlocking a multi-billion-dollar critical mineral resource for Far North Queensland,” he said.
“Silver, indium and zinc are the building blocks of renewable energy and modern manufacturing.
“By advancing this project in partnership with the Queensland Government, Iltani is helping to ensure these materials are not just mined in Queensland, but contribute directly to the state’s energy transition, high-tech industries and manufacturing supply chains.
“Herberton and Irvinebank are towns built on mining, and we’re proud to be part of writing the next chapter in their story.”
Iltani is progressing further drilling, environmental studies, and feasibility work to pave the way for mine development, with more than 200 local jobs expected to be created when the project commences operations.
