Resources Centre of Excellence - Stage 2 Future Industries Hub

Resources Centre of Excellence stage two construction completed

Mackay has taken a vital step in becoming a key player in Queensland’s new critical minerals sector.

Construction is now complete on stage two of the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) – the Future Industries Hub.

Delivered by Fergus Builders, the project marks a major milestone in expanding the RCOE’s capacity to support emerging industries and advanced manufacturing.

It will also support activities around critical minerals, reprocessing of tailings, and other precious metals.

The modern facility will also feature flexible, innovative meeting and training spaces, and upgraded amenities designed to foster collaboration between industry, researchers and education providers.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council provided about $6 million to bring stage two to life, recognising the project’s role in driving economic diversification, creating skilled jobs and attracting investment to the region.

“The Resources Centre of Excellence has become a leader for the whole resources sector in the nation and we are very proud of that,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Future Industries Hub is now setting our region up to support the industries of the future,” he said.

“This facility keeps us on the forefront of the ever-evolving resources sector and lets us focus on training, research and development, while growing industry connections and partnerships.

“This isn’t just about mining – this facility will allow our region to foster greater collaboration within the agriculture, sugar and bio futures sectors and allow us to lead technology-based initiatives.”

Steven Boxall, CEO, Resources Centre of Excellence said the completion of stage two of the Resources Centre of Excellence marked a significant leap forward in RCOE’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the critical minerals sector.

“We are excited about the potential this facility holds for driving economic diversification and creating skilled jobs in our region," Mr Boxall said.

With construction complete, council is preparing to hand over the facility to RCOE so that interior fit-outs can begin.

For more information on the RCOE stage two, head to rcoe.com.au/future-industries-hub

Future Industries Hub nears completion

Fergus Builders have achieved a significant milestone with the exterior of the building now finished. It features new cladding, bold green trim details and prominent Future Industries Hub signage.

The space for the cutting-edge pilot processing plant is almost complete, along with the open-plan meeting area, kitchenettes, boardroom and bathroom facilities.

The next phase of construction will focus on the finishing touches, including lighting, fencing and landscaping.

Construction is expected to be completed by late August, 2025.

Exciting progress on the Future Industries Hub

The Future Industries Hub is taking shape.

We’re excited to share that the structural steel framing was finished in January, marking a huge milestone in the project’s timeline.

The team at Fergus Builders have now shifted their focus to installing the roof.

What's next? The external cladding will be installed before work begins on the interior.

The plans for the interior include a cutting-edge pilot processing plant, an open-plan meeting area, modern kitchenette, an enclosed meeting room, offices, bathroom facilities and a mezzanine level!

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Contractor Fergus Builders has delivered an early holiday gift this festive season, with the construction of the Future Industries Hub progressing ahead of schedule.

The first project milestone has been completed with the pouring of the concrete slab for the building's foundation.

The installation of the steel structure is now in progress, which will prepare the building for the roof to be installed early in the new year.