Brendon Pambid, one of two Managing Directors at Queensland Magnesia alongside Dr Christoph Beyer, offers insight into the products, processes, and most importantly, people that have led to 35 years of success.
TRANSFORMATIVE RESOURCES FROM ORE TO DOOR
Australia’s ever-evolving mining industry continues to be both exciting and challenging.
Shifting global markets, increasing demand for critical minerals, and the ongoing need to balance operational performance with environmental expectations are transforming the nation into a strategic and sustainable supplier of critical minerals.
At the same time, cost pressures around gas and energy pricing remain significant and require agile management and long-term planning.
“For companies like Queensland Magnesia (QMAG), innovation and adaptability are essential as we navigate these dynamics,” introduces Brendon Pambid, Managing Director of the leading Australian producer of high-grade magnesia products.
Indeed, the business is positioning itself to support global supply chains whilst contributing to a growing critical minerals landscape in Queensland (QLD).
Producing a full suite of premium magnesia products derived from one of the largest deposits of cryptocrystalline magnesite in central QLD, QMAG boasts a comprehensive product portfolio used across a range of industries.
Its customer base spans the refractory, chemical, agricultural, hydrometallurgical, environmental, steel, cement, and industrial processing sectors across global and domestic markets.
EXPECT THE BEST
This year, QMAG is proud to have secured funding under QLD’s Collaborative Development Programme (CDP) to advance a groundbreaking initiative: the extraction of high-purity magnesium chloride from magnesite tailings.
The project focuses on reprocessing mine waste to produce magnesium metal, turning tailings – which traditionally hold limited residual value – into critical mineral feedstock.
In undertaking such a venture, QMAG is driving circular economy outcomes and enabling downstream magnesium metal production capability within QLD.
It is also supporting the state’s critical minerals strategy and stimulating regional industry participation and supply chain uplift.
“This is an important step towards positioning central QLD as a leading hub for critical mineral innovation,” Pambid emphasises.
As part of the Refratechnik Group (Refratechnik), QMAG enacts a unified corporate leadership culture around the group’s motto, ‘expect the best’.
“Refratechnik’s global culture emphasises performance excellence, integrity, and people-first leadership,” he adds.
At QMAG, this is brought to life by the company fostering an inclusive work environment, prioritising safety and well-being and empowering its teams to take ownership of innovation and continuous improvement.
“Refratechnik’s motto resonates strongly with our approach to product quality, operational discipline, and building meaningful relationships with employees, partners, and customers,” Pambid tells us.
It also ensures that every decision made aligns with long-term sustainability and global best practice.
STABILITY, HERITAGE, AND PURPOSE
Having celebrated Refratechnik’s 75th anniversary last year, QMAG is proud to be part of the world’s largest family-owned refractory.
“It grants us a sense of stability, heritage, and shared purpose,” Pambid smiles.
Refratechnik’s anniversary was a moment of pride for the entire workforce, especially as QMAG is celebrating its own 35th anniversary in 2026.
To mark the event, QMAG was visited by Maleachi Bühringer and Michael Frei, Managing Directors of Refratechnik.
It also brought its workforce and their families together for a special family fun day at the Parkhurst site, where everyone could connect with QMAG’s operations and recognise the people who drive the company’s success.
Guided tours of both the Parkhurst processing plant and the Kunwarara mine enabled employees to proudly show their loved ones the work they do.
“The day also featured a variety of family activities such as children’s rides and games, food trucks, a mini mine site for kids to explore, a petting zoo, and, of course, cake!”
More widely, QMAG is deeply connected to central QLD and committed to giving back, demonstrated by its corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach.
“We support local education and career pathways, including hosting students and partnering with industry groups to promote STEM and trade opportunities, such as during the Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) Roadshow,” Pambid explains.
The company is also dedicated to creating inclusive and welcoming workplaces through programmes driven by its Culture Committee.
In addition, QMAG engages transparently with industry partners, government, and community stakeholders as it progresses new projects – particularly the CDP initiative.
“We believe strong communities create strong industries,” he states.
“For us, sustainability means operating responsibly across every dimension”
Brendon Pambid, Managing Director, Queensland Magnesia
SUSTAINING COMMUNITIES AND CULTURES
As it continues to strengthen its operational capability and futureproof the business, QMAG is progressing a number of important projects that highlight its commitment to growth, innovation, and community.
Some of its key initiatives include the CDP-funded magnesium chloride extraction project, which has taken a transformative step towards turning waste into value and advancing QLD’s critical minerals capability.
The company is also upgrading its Kunwarara and Pankhurst mine sites.
“This includes improvements in site infrastructure, beneficiation efficiency, and sustainability practices to support long-term resource optimisation,” Pambid outlines.
It is also working on its people and community initiatives, where the Culture Committee plays a central role in shaping many of QMAG’s people-focused and community-driven programmes.
“Their work spans a wide range of initiatives, from site improvement projects and school placement opportunities to community engagement activities such as sponsorships and volunteering,” he details.
As such, QMAG’s Culture Committee is strengthening local ties, enhancing workplace pride, and fostering a positive, inclusive environment.
“Each of these projects reflects our commitment to innovation, people, community, and sustainable growth,” Pambid points out.
A green focus, meanwhile, is also deeply important to QMAG as it seeks to protect the environment, land, and culture.
“For us, sustainability means operating responsibly across every dimension,” he reflects.
This includes environmental stewardship through efficient resource use, reduced waste, and projects that enable circular outcomes, like the repurposing of tailings into mineral feedstock.
It also means respecting the land that surrounds the company’s sites, ensuring its operations coexist sensitively with local ecosystems and community expectations.
“We also seek to protect people and cultures, which is reflected in our safe workplaces, inclusive initiatives, and programmes that promote diversity, well-being, and employee engagement.”
“Sustainability is embedded in our strategy, not an afterthought,” Pambid asserts.
“As we look ahead, we remain focused on being an employer of choice and partner of integrity for industry, community, and government”
Brendon Pambid, Managing Director, Queensland Magnesia
RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE
Looking ahead, QMAG is focused on strengthening its existing capability, supporting growth in critical minerals, and investing in the people and systems that will drive its long-term success.
“We are also sharpening our focus on cost-saving initiatives and working closely with our stakeholders to ensure the organisation remains resilient and sustainable well into the future,” Pambid insights.
As such, the company’s key priorities include advancing its critical minerals processing capabilities, specifically seen in the progression of its magnesium chloride extraction project.
QMAG will additionally seek to strengthen its sustainability framework, particularly for energy efficiency, resource optimisation, and site rehabilitation.
“We will also expand our high-grade magnesia portfolio to meet global demand in refractory, electric vehicle (EV) battery, and industrial sectors,” he reveals.
With investment in its people remaining a key priority, QMAG’s training programmes and diversity initiatives will continue to nurture a pipeline of talent that is deeply aligned with Refratechnik’s values.
“Moreover, we are enhancing operational resilience, especially around energy, logistics, and supply chain optimisation, alongside driving cost savings and efficiency initiatives across our operations to support long-term competitiveness,” Pambid outlines.
It is also collaborating with customers, suppliers, government, and community stakeholders to reinforce sustainable growth and shared value.
Pambid reflects how QMAG’s strength lies in its people – from the mine to the production floor to its corporate office.
“As we look ahead, we remain focused on being an employer of choice and partner of integrity for industry, community, and government,” he confidently concludes.
QUEENSLAND MAGNESIA PARTNER
This company profile was produced by the editorial team at APAC Outlook, a publication within the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing showcases organisations and leadership teams shaping sectors including manufacturing, mining, construction, healthcare, supply chains, food production, and sustainability.
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