QEM Names Robert Cooper as CEO, Ushering New Era for Julia Creek Project

Leadership Transition Marks New Chapter

QEM Limited has officially ushered in a new leadership era with the appointment of Robert Cooper as Managing Director and CEO, effective 2 July 2025. This follows the retirement of founder Gavin Loyden, who stepped down on 1 July after more than a decade of guiding the company from its inception to its current position as a critical minerals and energy contender.

Mr. Loyden’s tenure was marked by securing the Julia Creek asset and advancing it into a nationally significant project, laying the groundwork for QEM’s ambitions in vanadium and energy fuels. His departure signals a pivotal moment as the company prepares to transition from exploration and development into production and market engagement.

A Veteran at the Helm

Robert Cooper arrives with a formidable resume, boasting over 30 years in the mining sector with leadership roles spanning major players like BHP and New Century Resources. His experience includes executive and board positions in companies focused on battery materials and critical minerals, aligning well with QEM’s strategic focus.

Cooper’s appointment is widely seen as a move to leverage his operational expertise and industry connections to accelerate the Julia Creek Project’s development and position QEM as a key supplier in the growing vanadium market, which is critical for energy storage and steel production.

The Julia Creek Opportunity

The Julia Creek Vanadium and Energy Project is a standout asset, featuring a JORC-compliant mineral resource of 2,870 million tonnes at 0.31% vanadium pentoxide. This makes it one of the largest vanadium resources listed on the ASX. Additionally, the project contains substantial contingent oil shale resources, offering a dual commodity opportunity that could enhance project economics and sustainability credentials.

Strategically located near major infrastructure corridors in Queensland, the project benefits from proximity to transport links and services, which could facilitate smoother development and eventual production phases.

Looking Ahead

With Cooper’s leadership, QEM is poised to navigate the complexities of advancing a large-scale critical minerals project amid evolving market dynamics. The company’s ambition to become a leading producer of vanadium pentoxide and liquid fuels taps into growing global demand driven by energy transition trends.

Investors and industry watchers will be keen to see how Cooper’s stewardship influences project timelines, capital strategies, and partnerships as QEM moves from resource holder to active producer.