Reflecting on the Queensland Government’s commitment to preserving the future of the state’s mining sector.
The Queensland Government has revealed a series of initiatives in the last couple of months to drive growth and investment across the state’s mining and freight sectors, particularly in the north-west region.
This has seen the Queensland Government ink a new deal with Glencore, allowing third parties to access copper tailings from its Mt Isa Mines site.
The commitment is set to help innovate tailings reprocessing as the Mt Isa underground copper mine closes its doors in July.
With its Mt Isa underground copper operations scheduled to close in July, Glencore is assessing the future of its Mt Isa copper smelter and Townsville copper refinery.
“The number one issue on my desk is the future of the Mount Isa copper smelter,” Last said.
“I’ve met with Glencore CEO Gary Nagle twice since we formed government, and I’ve held numerous other discussions to keep the smelter’s future on the agenda.
“The (Queensland) Government is doing all it can to ensure its continued operations. As part of our negotiations, Glencore has agreed to allow third-party access to the copper tailings at the Mount Isa site, opening up new processing opportunities and value-add potential.
“This is a significant boost for local workers, contractors and suppliers right across the supply chain.”
Amid the closure of its Mt Isa copper mine, Glencore is minimising job losses while continuing to invest in its assets.
This includes investing in the long-life George Fisher mine, which produces zinc, lead and silver. George Fisher’s mine life extends to 2042, with Glencore focused on upskilling its workforce, expanding production and advancing its fleet.
Pearce said the agreement with Glencore is “proactive” and “should be commended for facilitating the opportunity for innovation”.
“The types of companies that are innovative enough to tackle these opportunities are usually small and nimble, so allowing third parties to do testing on large tailings opportunities is a huge step forward,” Pearce said.
An incentive package has also been established to reduce access charges on the Mt Isa rail line.
The package is expected to provide significant savings for emerging rock phosphate producers while increasing freight volumes and supporting new entrants in the market.
“We want to see mines opening, not closing,” Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last said.
“That’s why we’re incentivising phosphate on the Mount Isa rail line, to take the pressure off new and existing rock phosphate rail users while they develop their operations.
“Global demand for phosphate is strong, and north-west Queensland is well positioned to benefit. We’re taking action to ensure emerging producers get the support they need to scale up.”
AMEC chief executive officer (CEO) Warren Pearce welcomed the announcement, describing it as “a sensible step to increase exports and incentivise expansion of this important commodity”.
Harmony Gold’s Eva copper project will also see a helping hand, with the Queensland Government’s newly formed Resources Cabinet Committee to aid the delivery of any outstanding approvals or information required to move the project toward construction.
“We’re also cutting red tape, backing investment, and creating the conditions for long-term jobs in the north-west,” Last said.
“This is particularly important as Eva Copper reaches its key financial decisions.”
Pearce said progressing Eva – an iron oxide copper-gold resource thought to become the largest copper mine in north-west Queensland – is a welcome move, “considering the challenges of getting greenfield resource projects approved” in the state.
This article appeared in the Winter edition of Mining Magazine.
