Image : Mine in Queensland. SOURCE: Discovery Alert
Image: Coal Mine in WA. Source: Dreamstime
It’s not a football match, but it might be just as fierce.
In 2025, the quiet rivalry between Western Australia (WA) and Queensland (QLD) isn’t unfolding in stadiums — it’s happening in boardrooms, along rail lines, and deep in the red dirt of the country’s mineral belts. At stake is something far bigger than bragging rights: the future of Australia’s critical mineral exports.
With global demand for lithium, rare earth elements, vanadium, and cobalt surging, both states are vying to become the nation’s leading supplier. But the question stands: WA vs QLD — who’s really in front, and who’s set to dominate the sector by year’s end?
WA: The Established Giant
When people think of mining in Australia, Western Australia is usually the first name that comes to mind. And for good reason. The state has built its reputation over decades as the engine room of the country’s resource economy — from iron ore to gold, and now, increasingly, critical minerals.
As of 2025, Western Australia maintains its stronghold in lithium production, with its flagship operations — including Greenbushes — remaining among the top-performing hard-rock lithium sites globally. Meanwhile, rare earth processing facilities in Kalgoorlie and Eneabba are ramping up capacity, positioning the state as more than just a dig-and-ship region.
WA also benefits from deep infrastructure: existing port access, skilled labour, and well-established relationships with global buyers — particularly across Asia and Europe.
Queensland: The Rapid Challenger
While WA is the incumbent, Queensland is mounting a fast and formidable charge. The state government has taken an aggressive stance on building up its critical minerals strategy, including funding new projects in the North West Minerals Province and investing in the Townsville critical minerals hub.
Cobalt, vanadium, and high-purity alumina projects are drawing investor interest, and Queensland’s lithium output — previously negligible — is now showing signs of serious growth. The proposed Ravenswood Battery Precinct is seen as a game-changer, not only for production but also for midstream refining, which would allow the state to capture more value domestically.
Queensland’s real weapon might be its willingness to integrate policy, innovation, and regional development into a single export vision.
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The Federal View: Split Investment, National Goal
The Australian Government, under its Critical Minerals Strategy 2023–2030, has made it clear that both WA and QLD are crucial. Funding announcements in recent months have split support between both states, with a focus on building downstream capabilities — turning raw ore into usable, export-ready materials.
This dual-state approach reflects a broader reality: Australia doesn’t need one winner — it needs both states firing. Global markets are growing faster than any single region can serve, and Australia’s competitiveness depends on scale and stability.
Still, investors want clarity. And for now, they’re watching to see which state offers faster approvals, more reliable infrastructure, and scalable projects that can deliver over a 10-year horizon.
Who Has the Edge in 2025?
It depends on what you’re measuring.
In terms of raw tonnage, WA is still the heavyweight. Lithium, rare earths, and export infrastructure put it far ahead.
But when it comes to momentum, diversification, and downstream planning, Queensland is closing in fast. The state is attracting junior explorers and global tech partnerships at a pace that could reshape its export future within a few short years.
Why This Race Matters Beyond State Lines
This isn’t just a WA vs QLD issue. The outcome of this race will affect:
- Global EV supply chains, which are scrambling for lithium and rare earths
- Domestic job creation, particularly in regional hubs
- Australia’s geopolitical leverage, as demand grows in Europe, India, and the US
- Investor confidence, in both the ASX and foreign direct investment streams
Australia has the resources. The question is whether WA or QLD — or both — can move fast enough to deliver at scale while maintaining environmental and community standards.
More Than a Rivalry
WA may hold the crown for now, but Queensland’s push is more than symbolic — it’s structural. With supportive policy, new processing facilities, and high-demand resources, QLD is positioning itself not just as a competitor, but as a co-leader.
To establish itself as a true global leader in critical minerals, Australia will need strong, sustained contributions from both Western Australia and Queensland.
Because in the race for clean energy, battery tech, and strategic independence, the world won’t wait for state rivalries to resolve. It’ll buy from whoever’s ready first.
Learn more at ABC News – Australia’s Critical Minerals: Can We Deliver at Scale?
