Plans to build a new tailings storage facility and associated infrastructure required to restart Capricorn Copper operations in North-West Queensland have hit an approvals milestone.

The application for the required environmental authority amendment has been published for public feedback.

It relates to 833ha of land at the mine, about 115km north of Mount Isa, and takes in the construction of a new tailings storage facility in the Upper Esperanza catchment, a new water treatment plant and workshop.

Capricorn Copper operations were suspended in March 2024 after an extended period of rainfall resulting in an accumulation of water on site. The mine had still been clawing back from the impact of a deluge in 2023 when that happened.

Owner 29Metals has pointed to a long-term tailings storage solution as being imperative for a successful and sustainable restart of operations at Capricorn Copper.

The company is aiming to complete a definitive feasibility study for the copper operation’s restart by the end of 2026.

Related: Restart study underway for troubled 29Metals mine

“Capricorn Copper provides a low capital intensity pathway to more than double 29Metals’ annual copper production,” chief executive officer James Palmer said in the company’s half-year report last month.

“With water levels no longer an impediment to restart production, we are progressing the regulatory approval of our application for a new tailings storage facility and completion of a restart definitive feasibility study by the end of 2026.

“In parallel, we are progressing work on strategic funding options to maintain progress towards a restart of production.”