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
Welcome Brendon Pambid!
Brendon took over from Peter Lowe as Managing Director Operations in June 2023 and together with Managing Director Dr. Christoph Beyer he will be responsible for QMag's journey towards becoming the global leader for high quality cryptocristalline caustic calcined magnesia, dead burned magnesia and electrofused magnesia.
Double-barred finch family
Whilst we actively mine magnesite at our Kunwarara Mine, a plethora of birds, large to small, live and feed in the tropical dry grassland, shrub land and open woodland terrain adjacent to the mine pits.
Meeting Ian Hartnell
Last week Dr. Christoph Beyer (Managing Director), Mark Christmas (Supply Chain Manager) and Suren Dias-Jayasinha (Head of Sales & Marketing) had the pleasure of meeting Ian Hartnell.
Our new corporate video
We previewed it at the recent SAIMM Copper/Cobalt Conference in Zambia where it was warmly received. We would love your feedback as well!
RACQ CapRescue Ball
On Friday, 21st July, Central Queensland residents donned their most beautiful dresses and suits to attend the biennial RACQ CapRescue Ball, presented by QMAG.
Part 2 of the shaft kiln ignition ceremony post
and more pictures of Tim, Richy, Adam and the rest of the QMag team:
Any remaining questions?
Just get in touch using the contact form and we’ll get back to you
as soon as we can.