The State Government plans to deliver the CopperString transmission project, with an expected $5 billion price tag and the promise of unlocking a wealth of mineral and energy opportunities.

Early works will start this year and construction is planned to begin next year, with Powerlink leading the task.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart described the announcement as ‘a Eureka moment’ for the whole world.

“Queensland has vast reserves of critical minerals, such as copper, zinc, vanadium and cobalt, that the world is demanding to produce batteries and renewable energy as part of their plans to decarbonise,” he said.

“Copperstring 2.0 will help create opportunities for resources companies to develop critical minerals projects and the broader North West Minerals Province.”

Copperstring 2.0 centres on a 1100km high-voltage transmission line to connect the North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Market.

The State Government is backing its potential to unlock Australia’s largest renewable energy zone and more than $500 billion dollars in new critical minerals in North Queensland. 

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said CopperString was the most significant investment in economic infrastructure in North Queensland in generations.

“Unlocking affordable renewable energy and our critical minerals will benefit Townsville, Mount Isa and every town in between – unlocking thousands of jobs and billions in investment,” she said. 

“Townsville will become a renewable manufacturing epicentre between the world and the largest renewable energy zone in the nation and the world class North West Minerals Province. 

“CopperString ensures that Mount Isa will continue to be the heart of the North West Minerals Province. 

“CopperString and the Townsville critical minerals demonstration plant will act as a magnet for investment into North Queensland during the clean energy industrial revolution and that means good secure mining and manufacturing jobs for Queenslanders.” 

The CopperString project has been advanced for years by private Townsville-based company CuString, which indicated an expected capital cost of $2.5 billion for the infrastructure.

The updated CopperString project scope under government-control now includes an increase in transmission capacity for the section between Townsville and Hughenden, from 330kV to 500kV.

The State Government has also adjusted its cost estimate for current global supply chain conditions.

The project is expected to be completed by 2029.