The Crisafulli Government is investing in north west Queensland to boost mining and freight opportunities in the region.
After connecting with industry leaders and local stakeholders, the government has announced several decisive actions intended to boost regional projects and drive economic growth in Mount Isa.
Incentives for growth
The new incentives for north west Queensland include a reduced access charge on the Mount Isa rail line, allowing emerging rock phosphate producers to save funds. It will also increase freight volumes and open the door for new businesses to compete in the market.
The Crusafulli Government has also secured a commitment from Glencore to allow third-party access to copper tailings at its Mount Isa mines. It will progress the Black Star Open Cut project, which is currently undergoing a feasibility study and could be operational from 2027.
Glencore has begun on a Social Transition Plan to help the people of Mount Isa to maximise possible opportunities and investment in the George Fisher (zinc) Mine, zinc-lead processing, and copper smelting operations.
The Queensland government is investing in Mount Isa mines.
A key industry
A big part of this drive for upscale in Mount Isa is fueled by the phosphate market.
Phosphate is a major player in the fertiliser industry, and 90 percent of mined phosphate is used to produce chemical fertiliers. It is one of the three major nutrients required by plants, helping the transfer and storage of energy on a cellular level.
North West Phosphate is in the final stage of regulatory approvals to open its Paradise South Complex just a little ways north of Mount Isa. The project is expected to create 445 new construction and operational jobs, and support the move to a decarbonised economy.
It is important that the government and other stakeholders continue to invest in the mining future of Mount Isa, as the Mount Isa copper smelter is one of two still in operation in Australia and the only one that treats third-party products.
According to Glencore, while recent announcements have revealed the closure of several underground operations, the George Fisher Mine will continue to run and Black Star Open Cut mine is preparing for its opening in the next few years.
An old mine near Mount Isa © Tourism and Events Queensland
Looking to the future
The Resources Cabinet Committee will focus on expediting any outstanding approvals or required information to move the Eva Copper project towards construction.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, says the coordinated measures of several important bodies will provide real improvements in the region.
“We want to see mines opening, not closing. 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,” Minister Last said.
“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.
“But the number one issue on my desk is the future of the Mount Isa Copper Smelter.”
“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.
“We’re also cutting red tape, backing investment, and creating the conditions for long-term jobs in the North West. This is particularly important as Eva Copper reaches its key financial decisions.”
The hope is that this investment in Mount Isa’s mining future will help stabilise the economy and promote growth in the region, to ensure a prosperous future for all.
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