MITEZ Economic Development

Discover the MITEZ Region

Spanning nearly 1,000 kilometres from Mount Isa to Townsville, the MITEZ corridor covers approximately 16% of Queensland’s land mass. This vast footprint includes seven Local Government Areas—Mount Isa, Cloncurry, McKinlay, Richmond, Flinders, Charters Towers, and Townsville—and encompasses the globally recognised North West Minerals Province and the Port of Townsville, Northern Australia’s largest multi-commodity, automotive, and container port.

As one of Australia’s most significant resource and infrastructure corridors, MITEZ connects domestic and international markets with a rich supply of strategic and critical minerals. The region is a powerhouse for copper, zinc, and lead, alongside extensive phosphate reserves and a rapidly emerging vanadium sector. Combined with growing renewable energy developments, the North West is poised for transformative economic growth.

Beyond mining, the MITEZ region boasts a thriving agricultural sector. Dryland and irrigated farming are driving diversification into cotton and grains, while livestock grazing continues to be a cornerstone of the industry.

Adding to its dynamic economy, Outback Tourism brings cultural richness and natural beauty to the region. From iconic events and fossil digs to breathtaking landscapes and scenic drive holidays, the MITEZ corridor offers unforgettable experiences that support a vibrant and growing tourism industry.

MITEZ – Driving Economic Development and Advocacy in the North West

MITEZ is the leading regional development and advocacy organisation for Queensland’s North West corridor. We are dedicated to building a sustainable, globally competitive region supported by world-class infrastructure, strong investment potential, and vibrant, liveable communities.

Our core mission is to champion high-impact economic initiatives that empower industries to grow, create meaningful employment, and enhance prosperity for regional Queenslanders.

As a trusted regional leader, MITEZ plays a pivotal role in advancing economic development, attracting investment, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. We actively engage with all levels of government and key industry players to ensure the region’s priorities and challenges are clearly understood by decision-makers. Through strategic advocacy and partnerships, we work to secure policy support, infrastructure funding, and long-term economic progress.

Supported by all seven North West Local Government Areas, MITEZ collaborates closely with our diverse membership base—from local councils and Tier 1 mining companies to energy providers, logistics operators, and emerging enterprises. Together, we are strengthening the region’s global reputation as one of the world’s richest and most diverse resource hubs.

Through inclusive and collaborative engagement, we are unlocking growth across key sectors including mining, mineral processing, agriculture, and tourism—driving a prosperous future for the North West.

MITEZ Priorities

MITEZ is dedicated to supporting existing industries and pursuing diversification of new opportunities while developing the required infrastructure and effective and efficient logistic supply chains necessary to support projects.

We are guided by strategic priorities determined by engagement with our membership and endorsed by the MITEZ Management Committee. 

Key North West Industries

The MITEZ region is powered by a diverse and dynamic mix of industries that fuel economic growth and opportunity:

Mining & Resources

  • Major players: Glencore, MMG, South32, Incitec Pivot, Evolution, Harmony, 29 Metals, Ravenswood Gold
  • Emerging: Multicom, QEM, Vecco, Richmond Vanadium, Critical Minerals Group, Aeon Metals, True North Copper, Fetch
  • Rich deposits of copper, phosphate, vanadium, and other critical minerals

Agriculture & Agribusiness

  • Strong grazing and beef cattle production
  • Expanding horticulture and cropping sectors
  • Agriculture, forestry, and fishing: second-largest employer in the region

Tourism & Heritage

  • Unique outback landscapes and fossil deposits
  • National parks and iconic regional events
  • Deep Indigenous cultural heritage and storytelling

MITEZ Vision

Help to build a strong and globally competitive region with world-class infrastructure and liveability for our communities.

Our Approach

Through collaborative and inclusive engagement, we aim to achieve strong economic outcomes across key sectors:

  • Mining
  • Agriculture
  • Renewables
  • Energy
  • Tourism
  • Defence

Our Mission

Facilitate the delivery of sustainably sound economic growth initiatives that:

  • Create employment opportunities
  • Raise prosperity for regional Queenslanders

Our Focus Areas

We are committed to:

  • Supporting existing industries
  • Pursuing diversification of new opportunities
  • Developing essential infrastructure
  • Building effective and efficient logistic supply chains to support projects

‘MITEZ is able to get all the relevant players together and this provides us an opportunity to speak with one voice.’ Dyno Nobel – Platinum Member 2025

‘The main benefit of MITEZ is the networking it provides. Sunwater was probably a rather unknown entity in this corridor. MITEZ allows us the opportunity to work with proponents and provide assistance where we can.’ Sunwater – Platinum Member 2025