Flexi-Lab Officially Launched at RCOE’s Future Industries Hub
The Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) has officially launched the Flexi-Lab, marking a major milestone in the advancement of pilot-scale minerals processing, innovation and industry collaboration in Central Queensland.
The Flexi-Lab, located within the Stage 2 Future Industries Hub in Mackay, was formally opened alongside key project partners, industry leaders and government representatives. Assistant Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, Sean Dillon, attended the launch to recognise the significance of the Queensland Government’s investment in the project.
The Flexi-Lab has been supported by the Queensland Government through the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, reflecting a strong commitment to strengthening regional industry capability and enabling a “pit to product” value chain across the state.
RCOE also acknowledged the vital role of Mackay Regional Council, which delivered the Future Industries Hub building and has been a strong supporter of the RCOE vision over the past five years. Council’s commitment to regional economic development has been instrumental in establishing the Hub as a centre for innovation and collaboration.
The delivery of the Flexi-Lab has been made possible through collaboration with University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (UQSMI), Core Resources and DGH, whose technical expertise and partnership were central to the facility’s development.
A New Phase for Regional Innovation
The Flexi-Lab is a highly flexible pilot-scale minerals processing facility designed to support:
Tailings reprocessing and beneficiation
Critical minerals recovery
Process optimisation and flowsheet development
Equipment testing and validation
Applied research and industry training
Purpose-built to provide a technically robust, low-risk environment, the facility bridges the gap between laboratory testwork and commercial deployment — helping industry validate recovery strategies, improve performance and de-risk capital investment.
The official launch signals the beginning of operational readiness, with industry pilot campaigns, collaborative research programs and training initiatives set to commence.
Collaboration Opportunities Now Open
RCOE is actively seeking collaboration across a range of areas, including:
Industry pilot plant campaigns
Research and development partnerships
Education and workforce training programs
Strategic partnerships and product placement opportunities
Final tenancy opportunities within the Future Industries Hub for organisations seeking to co-locate within this growing innovation ecosystem
Organisations interested in touring the facility or exploring partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact:
Jason Sharam
Resource Innovation and Partnerships Manager
📧 innovate@rcoe.com.au
📞 0428 544 076
The Flexi-Lab positions Mackay and Central Queensland as a leader in minerals innovation and future industry capability, reinforcing the region’s role in Australia’s critical minerals and resource development landscape.
