Closure of Mount Isa Copper Mine sparks urgency to secure copper processing future
Tonight, Mount Isa will feel the last 8pm blast and this week, the last shift will clock off at Mount Isa’s iconic copper mine — ending more than six decades of operations and signalling a turning point for Australia’s sovereign copper capability.
Glencore has confirmed it is also starting preparations to place the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Copper Refinery into care and maintenance until assets can be operated on an economically viable basis. This is of course unless a suitable agreement is struck with government to protect Australia’s copper processing future.
With more than 17,000 supply chain jobs on the line and the nation’s only third-party copper refining capability at risk, a united North Queensland delegation of business, government and community leaders will travel to Canberra this week with a clear message: Keep Our Copper.
While the closure of the Mount Isa Copper Mine marks the end of a chapter, this is not the end of the copper story.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith
“There are hundreds of workers walking away from their jobs this week. We feel for them, their families, and this community."
“This iconic mine has played a significant role in building prosperity and in many ways has built this region. From the port to the rail-line, and the community infrastructure – this is a legacy that North Queensland should be extremely proud of.”
“While the Mount Isa copper mine is at end of life, copper’s future is only just beginning. Demand is booming due to the global race to decarbonate — and foreign powers like China are working to control supply. Australia can’t afford to step away now.”
“Our smelter and refinery are the only assets in the country that can process copper from any mine, anywhere. They’re critical to keeping Australia in the global copper game.”
“Emerging mines across North Queensland are ready to respond to demand, but they need time and certainty to get there. We have the workforce, the infrastructure, the resource and the know-how.”
“To the workers and families facing this uncertainty: we see you, we hear you — and we are fighting for you.”
Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae
“This mine has powered our region and our nation for more than six decades. Its closure brings deep heartache — but it must not mark the end of copper in North Queensland."
“We’ve survived downturns before — but this is different. If the smelter and refinery close, we lose the backbone of our copper industry forever.”
“The economic impact would be devastating. We are staring down the barrel of record unemployment and a permanent loss of sovereign capability.”
“This is a moment for leadership — and a chance for decision-makers to step up and protect our future. We need a deal. Not in months. Now.”
Gavin Starr, BDM of Custom Steel Fab, Mount Isa
“You’d be hard pressed to find someone in Mount Isa who isn’t directly affected."
“Our operations span Mount Isa and Townsville, and this uncertainty is frustrating as we attract staff to Mount Isa and assist them to relocate here, Mount Isa has always presented opportunities and bright futures for families to thrive in our business and in Mount Isa, we don't plan for that to stop.”
“When Glencore announced it was preparing for care and maintenance for the smelter and refinery, the mood shifted overnight. Fear, frustration — and disbelief.”
“These processing assets are national infrastructure advantage. If we let them go, we don’t get them back. We need action now — before it’s too late.”
