From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 1 - Exploration and Geology
Our Kunwarara – Yaamba deposit extends for around 30km, as one of the world’s largest deposits of cryptocrystalline magnesite.
The Kunwarara mine produces around 3 million tonnes of ore annually.
We screen and wash the ore on site, then send more than 400,000 tonnes of higher quality ore to the Parkhurst plant to be processed into quality magnesite products.
We mine selectively across the site to achieve the perfect blends.
The Kunwarara magnesite deposit was discovered in 1986. Over several years, our geologists skillfully mapped out the broad location of the ‘Mag Seam’: the magnesite-containing layer beneath the surface, using broad-spaced drilling.
Once the Mineral Development License was obtained, substantial infill drilling began. This was to ‘fill in the blanks’ of the broad-spaced drilling, to assess what was truly below the surface. This process still happens today as we continue infill drilling for detailed mapping of all ore.
Today, our geologists work with management to assess the reserves and find newer areas to mine, to meet our mining schedule. Geologists also research what ore types will be needed in the future and explore both inside existing Mining Leases and in new areas.
First picture: Kevin, mine surveyor
Second picture: Magnesite nodule, Kunwarara deposit
Third picture: Ian Howard-Smith, founder of Queensland Metals Corporation (QMC) with Magnesite nodules ca. 1985
Fitzroy River Water Partnership
Since 2019, QMAG has proudly partnered with Fitzroy River Water, supplying our magnesium oxide for use in treating water sourced from the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.
Yaamba Drilling Campaign
Our current drilling campaign across the Yaamba tenements is progressing well, delivering high-quality data on ore grade, deposit geometry, and overburden ratios across this extension of the world’s largest known cryptocrystalline magnesite deposit.
Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference 2026
We are pleased to announce that QMAG, together with our colleagues from Refratechnik Group Holding, Refratechnik Asia and Baymag Inc., will be participating in the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference (ICM 2026) in Jakarta, 3–5 June 2026.
AWIC 2026 Site Visit
QMAG was proud to host another visit from the AWIC - Awesome Women in Construction Roadshow on 15 May 2026, welcoming thirteen Year 10 students from The Cathedral College (TCC), Rockhampton, along with employment and manufacturing professionals. AWIC (awic.org.au) is a Queensland-based not-for-profit organisation with a national footprint, dedicated to championing meaningful careers for women in the construction and related manufacturing industries.
Cobalt Conference 2026
We’re excited to share that QMAG will be represented at the Cobalt Congress 2026 from12–13 May at the Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid by our Head of Sales Suren Dias-Jayasinha and our Managing Director Dr. Christoph Beyer.
Any remaining questions?
Just get in touch using the contact form and we’ll get back to you
as soon as we can.