Keep our Copper: Negotiations Underway
ABC North West Queensland has reported today that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is working closely with the Queensland Government to help secure the future of the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Copper Refinery. Stating that copper and other critical minerals like lithium, vanadium, nickel and cobalt, will be vital for powering the world this century.
“We are working on a plan to make sure that not only that industry survives as well, but Mount Isa thrives and we're working those issues through," said Mr Albanese.
“It is important that we keep these industries alive. It is important that we work these issues through and that's precisely what we're doing.”
It is understood that Glencore is negotiating with both governments for temporary bridging support to rebrick the infrastructure, to avoid closure in 2026 while a longer-term solution is investigated.
Message from our CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith
"It is reassuring to see the State and Federal Government working together with Glencore towards a solution."
"We cannot underestimate the consequences of closure - from the loss of 17,000 direct and indirect jobs, to the disruption of supporting industries, and the erosion of Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability."
"The copper industry currently supports more than 13% of total employment across North and Northwest Queensland. These closures won’t just hurt the mining sector – they will be felt in every corner of the North."
"We appreciate the engagement of both the Albanese Government and the Crisafulli Government to ensure the economic prosperity for our copper industry continues."
