Transforming Mount Isa’s future
The Queensland Government has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for its Mount Isa transformation study to assess future pathways for Queensland’s north-west region.The study will examine long-term industrial capability, market conditions and broader opportunities for workers, communities and regional economies across the full copper value chain throughout the north-west minerals province (NWMP) and the associated smelter and refinery.Completion of the study is a key milestone under the joint government support package for the Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville copper refinery which provides capital investment into Glencore’s copper processing facilities.Importantly, local working families, businesses, councils and community members will have opportunities to provide input during the process.Federal Industry, Innovation and Science Minister Tim Ayres says the study is about securing a strong, long-term future for the Mount Isa region by taking a clear, end-to-end look at the region’s copper value chain and industrial capability.“My simple message to Mount Isa is — we’ve got your back,” he said.“By assessing the full copper value chain across the region, from the smelter and refinery through to supply chains and emerging opportunities, this work will help inform sound government and industry decisions beyond the current support period.“The Government will always stand up for Australian workers and manufacturing, and will ensure Mount Isa workers, businesses, councils and community members have a genuine say.”The region’s copper industry outlook has been uncertain after Glencore closed the doors at its Mount Isa mines last year.However, the region is ushering in a new generation of developments — including the $2.4b Eva copper project located 95km northeast of Mount Isa — and the Queensland and Federal Governments, alongside Glencore, continue to and the state’s north-west.Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last says this study is about standing with North and North-West Queensland for the long haul, delivering certainty to the hard-working Queenslanders who keep the copper industry moving.“We’re securing a future for thousands of jobs that rely on the smelter, refinery and Phosphate Hill,” he said.“We’re charting a long-term path that protects jobs and keeps Queensland at the forefront of copper and critical minerals processing."At the heart of this work are the boiler makers, diesel fitters, technicians and small businesses who rely on a strong copper processing sector.“This is an injection of confidence in the region, part of delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, from the copper smelter in Mount Isa, the fertiliser plant at Phosphate Hill, to the emerging projects across the NWMP and the port workers in Townsville."
