Regional economic development group Townsville Enterprise has stressed the importance of retaining the skilled workers from Mount Isa Mines copper operations in the region.

About 1200 jobs are expected to be impacted as Glencore shuts down the Enterprise, X41 and Black Rock mines and Mount Isa copper concentrator in the second half of 2025.

Townsville Enterprise chief executive officer Claudia Brumme-Smith said now was the crucial time to transition the skilled workers and the north-west region into the economies of the future. 

“Mount Isa is a strong and resilient community and has seen closures before, but we feel for the families, businesses and communities impacted directly and through the supply chain and servicing operators that are today receiving this news,” Mrs Brumme-Smith said. 

“Unfortunately, the nature of the mining industry means that an end of life is certain at some point. Mount Isa Mines has had an incredible 60-year history in copper mining, and this has undoubtedly been part of the lifeblood of the region for almost a century.” 

“This cyclical nature of mining is exactly why Townsville Enterprise, MITEZ, regional councils, and State Government worked together to secure CopperString 2032. This nation-building project will secure the future of the North West through affordable green power, unlocking new mining opportunities, and improving global competitiveness in refining and processing.” 

She said the priority from all levels of government and industry must be retaining the skilled workers in the north west and safeguarding the communities in which they lived and worked. 

“We urge all levels of government to remove any obstacles and bureaucratic processes to fast-track getting new mines off the ground now and into operation,” she said.

“Our message is clear – let the North West be open for business and work proactively with proponents. 

“To ensure the North West remains open for business and remains globally competitive we need water security, efficient transport connections from pit to port, and to retain the highly skilled workforce in our region.” 

Mount Isa City Council said it was working with Glencore to make sure the best interests of the Mount Isa community were at the centre of any changes.

“Council is urging Glencore to make sure workers who live in Mount Isa are made a priority for jobs so they can continue to support their families and this community,” the council said in a statement.

It called for support from the State and Federal governments to guarantee good, secure jobs in industries with a bright future.

“Mount Isa is critical to the wealth and security of Queensland and Australia,” the council stated.

“It has an incredible history of mining and minerals and there is no question we also have a bright future too if our community gets the support it deserves.”