An announcement is expected within six weeks regarding the future of Glencore’s Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville copper refinery.

Glencore Queensland Metals chief operating officer Matt O’Neill said the company was in the final stages of reviewing the business case for the facilities.

The Australian Workers’ Union and Mount Isa Mayor Danielle Slade recently called on the Queensland Government and Glencore to commit to the long-term future of the Mount Isa Mines copper smelter.

The closure and its flow-on effects could mean more than 1000 job losses, with a devastating impact on the community, Cr Slade said.

Mr O’Neill said the assets were facing significant international competition and high fixed costs in Australia, which negatively impacted their ongoing commercial viability.

“We have been transparent about the challenges and discussions are ongoing with both the Queensland and Federal governments,” he said.

“The bricks which line the smelter are due to be replaced in 2022 and a decision will need to be made soon for new bricks to be ordered in time.

“We expect to communicate a final decision on the metallurgical assets in the next four to six weeks.”