Smelter extension bid out for public comment

A public notice has been issued for feedback on a Mount Isa Mines application for the environmental authority amendment required to continue copper smelter operations beyond 2022. The Mount Isa copper smelter operations directly employ about 255 people and support another 240 jobs at Glencore's Townsville Copper Refinery. In a social media post at the weekend, Member for Traeger Robbie Katter said the application provided a strong indication of the future viability of the copper smelter. "This is a beacon of hope for the future of value adding to our minerals base, not only in the North West, but for the greater Queensland," Mr Katter said. The Mount Isa copper smelter produces copper anodes from concentrate produced by the concentrators at Mount Isa Mines, and concentrates from other mining operations. The company's supporting documents for the EA amendments cover an extension to 2036 at similar rates of production to the currently approved operations. They detail measures being taken to minimise potential impacts from sulphur dioxide emissions as well as dust and ground-level concentrations of particulates, cadmium, and lead. Related: Mount Isa smelter to take Jervois copper concentrate The company said its copper smelter operation had committed to a number of capital projects in 2022 aimed at improving fugitive emissions. They include capture improvements at the primary and secondary convertors, RHF kidney holes, ISA throat and ISA tapholes and feed ports. A large amount of work has been scheduled in line with the 2022 copper smelter re-brick shutdown, set to kick off next month. The paperwork also outlines the economic and community benefits of the extension of copper smelter operations to the end of 2036. MIM’s operations support a number of small and large businesses in the region, including the IPL acid plant in Mount Isa and Phosphate Hill fertiliser plant. Based on a recent analysis, Glencore said it was expected that, in Mount Isa alone, the extension of the copper smelter would provide the following socio-economic benefits from 2023 to 2036: - maintain around 329 jobs (255 direct and 74 flow-on) that would otherwise be lost;- maintain a gross value add (similar to gross regional product) in the Mount Isa local government area of approximately$96 million annually that would otherwise be lost;- maintain around 686 residents (263 households, or 7% of the current population) staying in Mount Isa and support a population size that is important for identity, service levels and business confidence; and- maintain approximately 11 medical professionals, 13 teachers and 96 school enrolments in Mount Isa that would otherwise be lost. A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said the application was currently within the public notification stage and the administering authority would consider all submissions and make a decision in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Glencore has advised it will invest more than $500 million for the continued operation of the copper smelter and refinery. * The public notice can be viewed HERE and application documents can be viewed on the State Department of Environment and Science website HERE. The submission period runs until Thursday May 5. Local MP Robbie Katter believes the application provided a strong indication of the future viability of the copper smelter.

Smelter extension bid out for public comment

Industry Queensland

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