The Australian and Queensland Governments have begun the Mount Isa Transformation Study to identify future opportunities for the local copper industry.
The Mount Isa Transformation Study intends to assess the full copper value chain across North West Queensland regions to ensure long-term industrial capability and regional growth opportunities.
A consortium led by CRU International will lead the study through meetings with stakeholders, including industry, investors, councils, workers, and local communities.
The full copper value chain will be assessed from Mount Isa through to Townsville, with the final report to be provided by the end of 2026.
Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last says the transformation study coming to fruition represents the Queensland Government’s commitment to “future-proofing” Mount Isa.
“This is about securing the long-term future of North West Queensland and the thousands of jobs and local communities that depend on it,” Last says.
“The study will investigate future opportunities across the entire copper value chain, from the Mount Isa Copper Smelter to the Townsville port and refinery, and all the communities in between.
“The Crisafulli Government backs North West Queensland, and the transformation study is the next step towards securing a future for thousands of Queenslanders across the region.
“This is about building community confidence, growing local industry, bolstering our sovereign capability, and making sure this region stands strong for decades to come.”
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Senator Tim Ayres says the study is a “key milestone” under the joint Commonwealth–Queensland support package.
“In a more volatile global environment, this work will help strengthen Australia’s resilience, regional growth, and international competitiveness,” Ayres says.
“The Albanese Government is rebuilding Australia’s industrial base, and this transformation study is about securing the long-term industrial future of North West Queensland.”
Queensland’s copper industry is a cornerstone for the state’s mineral output. In 2023, the state’s copper industry directly employed 5,000 people and contributed $2.7 billion to the country’s annual export revenue.
The commodity is a key focus for explorers, with $163 million contributed to copper exploration expenditure in 2023, equalling around 46% of total exploration costs.
Queensland accounts for around half of the country’s total refined copper output, contributing more than 200,000 tonnes of annual refined copper — equivalent to around 1% of global copper production from the state alone.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Unsplash
