Workers form the soon-to-close Mt Isa underground copper mine in Queensland are being redeployed as part of Glencore’s firm commitment to remaining a key player in the state.
The second largest copper producer in Australia, the Mount Isa copper mine has been a feature of the Australian copper landscape since 1924.
The mine is scheduled to close in July, but Glencore has been staunch in its determination to see its foothold in the region remain steady.
“I want to make clear that Glencore is not going anywhere,” Glencore chief operating officer for Australian zinc and copper assets Sam Strohmayr said.
“Mount Isa Mines is an important asset for Glencore globally and we’re continuing to invest in these operations.”
Glencore has invested $1.8 billion in its Queensland metals business over the past five years and has a strong focus on supporting employees amid the transition, with Mt Isa on track to close in July.
The company has already transferred 89 people from Mt Isa to its George Fisher zinc mine around 12km north of Mt Isa, with 71 additional transfers pending as part of Glencore’s aim to replace contractor fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) roles with local workers.
“The future for our long-life George Fisher mine, which produces zinc, lead and silver, is bright,” Strohmayr said.
“With its life of mine to 2042, we are upskilling our workforce, expanding production and advancing our fleet.”
Strohmayr said Mt Isa’s copper smelter and refinery are strategic assets for Queensland that will continue to provide value well beyond the underground mine’s sunset date.
“We have approached both the Queensland and Federal Governments about the future of these assets and their support for a regional solution that benefits the whole north-west Queensland,” he said.
Glencore is also advancing a pre-feasibility study for its Black Star open cut project, which adjoins the Mt Isa operation and has the potential to provide 300–400 jobs from 2027. If approved, the project will supply zinc, lead and copper ores to Mt Isa’s processing facilities.
