20 August 2025: Australia has overtaken Russia and China to become the world’s largest holder of economic vanadium resources – a seismic shift in the global critical minerals landscape. At the heart of this transformation is QEM Limited’s (ASX:QEM) Julia Creek Vanadium and Energy Project, one of the largest undeveloped vanadium and oil shale deposits on the planet.
New figures from Geoscience Australia reveal the nation now controls 49% of global vanadium reserves, positioning Queensland and Western Australia as emerging global supply hubs. QEM’s Julia Creek deposit, located in Northwest Queensland, offers both scale and strategic advantage – with a JORC (2012) Mineral Resource of 2,870Mt @ 0.31% V₂O₅ and a contingent in-situ oil resource of 654 million barrels.
Vanadium – the metal powering tomorrow’s grids
Designated a critical mineral by the Australian Government, vanadium is central to the roll-out of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), a fire-safe, long-duration storage solution capable of supporting renewable energy grids for over two decades without degradation. This technology is forecast to play a pivotal role in global decarbonisation and energy independence strategies.
“With vanadium now recognised as a cornerstone of future energy systems, Australia is uniquely placed to lead supply and QEM intends to be at the front of that charge,” said Robert Cooper, Managing Director of QEM Limited. “Julia Creek is a once-in-a-generation project with the potential to deliver battery-grade vanadium products, local refining, and long-term regional jobs – all from a single integrated site.”
Advancing at pace
QEM is accelerating development with environmental approvals underway, beneficiation test work in progress, and a signed Cultural Heritage Management Plan with the Wanamara People. The company recently secured $2.05 million in a strongly supported placement to fast-track project milestones.
As Australia lays the groundwork for a domestic supply chain, QEM is positioning Julia Creek to be a cornerstone producer – unlocking sovereign supply, supporting renewable energy adoption, and driving regional economic growth for decades to come.
