Queensland expands century-old Bajool explosives reserve to meet mining demand

The Bajool Explosives Reserve, a high-security site established in 1913 and located about 30 kilometres south of Rockhampton, is set to expand its operations after state approval. Since 2022 the reserve has increased its land area from 300 to over 900 hectares and will commence construction on the new section early next year, aiming for full capacity by 2030. The facility stores and manufactures explosives, including tonnes of ammonium nitrate, for mines nationwide and also destroys seized fireworks and outdated ammunition.

Rob White, explosives director at Resources Safety and Health Queensland, described Bajool as a critical hub linking Queensland with New South Wales and Western Australia. The project is expected to create 50-70 new direct jobs and potentially double that number in supporting logistics roles. Academics such as Xiaohan Yang of CQ University say the upgrade addresses both current and future demand driven by the state's critical-minerals agenda, though the reserve remains primarily focused on mining rather than defence purposes.