Dept of Industry, Science and Resources
Mount Isa’s Future Secured Through Joint Effort
Joint media release with Dale Last MP, Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have held high-level talks with Glencore over the future of the Mount Isa copper smelter and associated operations.
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres and Queensland Minister for Resources and Mines Dale Last met with senior leadership at Glencore yesterday to discuss potential next steps over the smelter.
The meeting follows extensive engagement from the Federal and Queensland Government’s to explore options for a viable path forward for the smelter, which is a critical asset for the North and North-West Queensland economies.
Minister Ayres and Minister Last will additionally travel to Mount Isa today for a series of stakeholder and community meetings, including a tour of the Mount Isa mine.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last:
“The Queensland Government is engaging genuinely to deliver a solution that meets the expectations of all stakeholders, and we expect genuine engagement from Glencore in return.
“Today’s discussions were frank and focussed, with both the State and Federal Governments in lockstep seeking a constructive long-term solution.
“The Mount Isa copper smelter is a cornerstone of Queensland’s economy and supports the viability of nationally significant supply chain infrastructure like the Mount Isa to Townsville rail line and the Port of Townsville.
“But we can’t make decisions for Glencore. We are continuing to engage in good faith with Glencore, and we expect Glencore to do the same.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres:
“The Australian Government is closely monitoring the situation at the Mount Isa copper smelter and we are committed to working with the Queensland Government on the best path forward.
“As a vital industrial site for the Mount Isa community and the broader region, any closure of the Mount Isa copper smelter would have a detrimental impact on Australia’s sovereign capability and other facilities downstream that rely on the smelter.
“It’s good to be here on the ground in Queensland to work closely with the Queensland Government and hear directly from workers and industry to ensure we have a common foundation from which to continue working.”
https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/timayres/media-releases/joint-effort-secure-long-term-solution-mount-isas-future