Government unveils support package for mining hub

News of Mount Isa copper mine closures has sparked a State Government pledge of up to $50 million in support package funds. It includes up to $30 million to accelerate development of resource projects in the North West Minerals Province in the next five years. The government is also offering up to $20 million for an economic structural adjustment package for the region, and calling on Glencore to match that funding dollar-for-dollar. Glencore has started notifying its Mount Isa Mines workforce that, after 60 years of copper mining in the city, the underground copper operations and copper concentrator will close in the second half of 2025. Its Lady Loretta mine, which is operated by contractor Redpath Australia, is also set to close by the end of 2025. Dick highlights State's aid to Glencore Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said news of the planned closure of the underground copper mine and the copper concentrator in particular would cause a lot of uncertainty for the people of Mount Isa. “My message today is clear. Our government will back your city and your region all the way," he said. “The Palaszczuk Government has provided a series of assistance packages to Glencore to maintain operations at Mount Isa over the years, including for the ‘re-bricking’ of the Mount Isa smelter to ensure its continued operation. “Now I’m calling on Glencore to play its part and make a financial contribution to the economic support package, over and above their obligations to these workers.” Related: Union demands support for workers, community AWU Queensland secretary Stacey Schinnerl today said the union would do everything in its power to hold the government and Glencore to account in delivering the support and dignity that the Mount Isa community deserved. “This is an incredibly sad day for the entire Mount Isa community,” Ms Schinnerl said. Resources Minister Scott Stewart. Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said he shared the pain the affected workers and their families were feeling in light of the news from Glencore. “Mount Isa is a proud industrial town and the Mount Isa Copper Operations have been at the heart of the town for more than 60 years," he said. “We must now look to the future, both in how we can support workers transition to other roles, and support for miners to unlock new opportunities for North West Queensland.”

Government unveils support package for mining hub

Industry Queensland

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