Queensland gets $10m mining joint venture

A $10 million joint venture is being launched to exploit resource deposits in north Queensland's Gulf country.

Minerals explorer Smart-trans and Zinifex, which operates the Century Mine, will work to develop an area north-west of Mount Isa over the next seven years.

Spokesman James Laurie says the joint venture will involve test drilling, surveying and mapping several projects to a feasibility stage.

"Zinifex would manage the project on our behalf and then would take up the exploration from where we have left off and then if that's positive then we can both go ahead and participate in the mining operation," he said.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA