Harmony’s Eva Copper Mine Project worth $16 billion to Queensland’s economy
Recent research has suggested that based on a range of forward-looking assumptions, the Eva Copper Mine Project is expected to add approximately $16 billion to the Queensland Gross State Product (GSP) and, once operational, will be the largest copper mine in Queensland with 55,000 to 60,000 tonnes of copper produced per annum.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme said she is optimistic and energised by the opportunities the Eva Copper Mine Project will unlock for both local and national industry, if the project gets development approval by the Harmony Board of Directors.
Ms Brumme said, “This project is a game changer for Queensland. It will be a significant contributor to local jobs and will ensure we are ready to feed the domestic and international demand for copper. The report said it will increase our State’s GSP by almost 1.7% - that is a game changer!”
“This economic impact from the Eva Copper Mine alone proves that our sovereign mining and manufacturing cannot be underestimated and must be supported by Government infrastructure investment, including in relation to reliable and affordable energy which is essential to getting any mine off the ground.”
Electricity supply and cost remain a critical risk to investment in the North West Minerals Province. In its recently released FY25 annual results, Harmony notes that finalising the Project’s long-term power supply solution remains a key outstanding element of its Feasibility Study Update for the Eva Copper Mine Project.
Ms Brumme continued that, “It is a positive for industry to see the Government’s steadfast commitment to delivering CopperString – the barriers to investment without competitive electricity supply are too high. The CopperString transmission project will unlock renewable energy and make critical minerals and mining in North West Queensland viable.”
“We must get projects like Eva Copper Mine off the ground immediately to secure the future of copper smelting in Mount Isa and refining in Townsville, and to make an enormous economic contribution to our region and State. That is why we are welcoming and eager to see the State Government’s launch of their Energy Roadmap next month. We hope the Energy Plan will provide much needed confidence around CopperString delivery timeframes to give Harmony and other investors in the copper mining and processing industry more certainty and help fast-track these projects”
For North Queensland, the benefits are direct and substantial: the project is forecast to generate approximately $24 million per annum of spending with businesses in the Cloncurry and Mount Isa region during operations, and around 3,000 full-time equivalent direct and indirect jobs a year created throughout the construction and operations phases.
Presenting at this week’s Meeting of the Mines in Cloncurry, Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited has released key findings from an economic impact report undertaken by respected independent economics firm ACIL Allen which demonstrates the importance of the Eva Copper Mine Project for Townsville, Northern Queensland and Australia.
Harmony Chief Development Officer Johannes Van Heerden said the analysis reflected mine commencement consistent with the Queensland Government’s Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program – designed to protect jobs and businesses in Mount Isa – with first copper concentrate delivered to the Mount Isa Smelter in 2028.
Mr Van Heerden said, “The Eva Copper Mine Project has the potential to be a significant mining operation in North Queensland. The project will be critical for the North West Minerals Province and provides a huge potential uplift for the Queensland economy.”
“The report shows that the Eva Copper Mine Project has the potential to deliver substantial economic stimulus, create jobs in Queensland and, importantly, help to supply copper concentrate to the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Refinery.”
Further information regarding Harmony and the Eva Copper Mine Project can be found at: harmony.co.za
