Unearthed Potential: Mining the demand boom
Following the release of our powerful five-part Keep Our Copper docuseries, Townsville Enterprise is proud to launch Episode Two – spotlighting not only the national significance of North Queensland’s copper supply chain, but the untapped potential it holds for the future.
Our journey through the Northwest Minerals Province and into the heart of our copper communities made one thing abundantly clear: urgent action is needed to secure these critical assets. This is not just about protecting 17,000 jobs – although that alone should compel action – it’s about unlocking the future growth of our region and our nation.
Global demand for copper is surging. While other nations race to secure their supply chains and dominate the market, Australia risks being left behind. Emerging copper mines across the Northwest can power the Mount Isa Smelter and Townsville Refinery into the future – but they need time to scale. These are the only copper processing facilities in the country that accept third-party materials, making them nationally strategic.
Without immediate intervention, we risk losing more than infrastructure – we risk losing a generational opportunity.
