Securing the Future of Phosphate Hill
Dyno Nobel's (formerly Incitec Pivot) Phosphate Hill is at risk of collapse, with the company revealing in an ASX statement yesterday that if an agreed sale could not be reached by 31 March 2026 Phosphate Hill will close.
The Phosphate Hill deposit is located around 140km south-east of Mount Isa, with a closure putting 540 direct and 2,500 indirect jobs at risk, many of which operate on a fly-in-fly-out roster from Townsville.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme said this announcement has created deep uncertainty and anxiety for the 540 direct and 2,500 indirect employees at Phosphate Hill.
“Our thoughts are with the families whose livelihoods are at risk, and we stand with you during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Securing the future of Phosphate Hill comes down to two key elements – saving the Mount Isa Copper Smelter, which supplies sulphate for fertiliser production to Phosphate Hill, and ensuring an affordable natural gas supply.”
Ms Brumme continued that “We encourage the Federal and State Governments and Dyno Nobel Limited (DNL) to work collaboratively to find a solution for the 540 direct and 2,500 indirect employees and their families.”
“Australia has the best gas, the best coal, and the best renewable energy resources in the world. Yet we are losing this advantage by allowing our manufacturing jobs and industries to be pushed offshore.”
“We recently provided a submission to the Federal Government’s Gas Market Review, and we acknowledge the Government’s focus on this issue. What today’s announcement shows is just how urgent it is to guarantee domestic supply first, address monopoly pricing and unlock new gas supply.”
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said she is deeply concerned about the potential closure of Phosphate Hill and the impact this would have on not only our community, but the interconnected industries from Mount Isa to Townsville.
"For decades this facility has provided fertiliser both domestically and for our export market, but also put food on the table for members of our community and beyond. I stand with the workers and families affected by this uncertainty. Townsville’s economy is underpinned by industry, whether it be on our doorstep, or across the north-west and this cannot be taken for granted."
“As a Council we support the advocacy efforts of Townsville Enterprise and other regional stakeholders in calling for action on domestic gas supply and pricing. Ensuring affordable and reliable energy is essential to keeping jobs and industries in Australia.”
Read our submission to the Commonwealth Government’s Gas Market Review.
