Circular Economy in the Bowen Basin

Circular Economy in the Bowen Basin: From Site Based Efficiency to Regional Value

The Bowen Basin plays a critical role in Queensland’s resources industry, supporting some of the state’s largest and most productive mining operations. As global expectations shift toward sustainability and efficiency, the Basin is becoming a key example of how circular economy principles can be applied at scale.

Traditionally, mining operations have focused on optimising efficiency within individual sites. Circular economy thinking challenges this model by taking a broader view. In the Bowen Basin, this means treating multiple mines, suppliers and infrastructure assets as part of a connected regional system rather than isolated operations.

Through this systems approach, materials such as overburden, water, tailings and wear parts can be reused, repurposed or recovered across different sites. Instead of managing waste independently, shared solutions can reduce duplication, lower operating costs and create new economic opportunities from materials previously considered end of life.

The Bowen Basin Circularity Program brings together industry, government and research partners to explore these opportunities using detailed regional material flow data. By understanding how materials move across the Basin, the program is identifying pathways for improved resource efficiency, emissions reduction and long term resilience for the sector.

This regional approach demonstrates how circular economy principles can deliver practical outcomes for the resources industry, supporting productivity today while preparing the Bowen Basin for future market and regulatory expectations.

Sources:
Bowen Basin Circularity Program: https://www.bowenbasincircular.com.au
Queensland Government circular economy initiatives: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/104125