Community engagement is a key focus for the mining industry, but Queensland’s mineral-rich Mount Isa region is taking it to the next level with the revival of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.
Outback Queensland describes it as “where the romance of the Australian Outback meets the grit of a mining town, east meets west and man meets beast”.
The event had been a main staple of the Mount Isa community since 1959 until the company running it, Isa Rodeo, went into administration last year.
However, the community banded together to form a new company, Mount Isa Pro Rodeo, earlier this year to ensure the annual event went ahead in 2025.
And this year the prize pool is the event’s biggest in its 66-year history, according to organisers.
Back in 1959, the first Mount Isa Mines Rodeo offered just over £500 ($1,041) in prize money. This year winners can take home $15,000 for open events, $2,000 for second division events and $500 for junior events.
There is also now a $2,000 prize for seniors and $500 for juniors that dominate in the Indigenous Rodeo Championships.
The rodeo, which runs from August 8-10, attracts around 750 competitors from across Australia to take part in events including saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell says the iconic Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is an event that shines the light on Outback Queensland.
“It brings in visitors, fans and riders from across the country, and increasingly from across the globe – all keen to walk in the famous red dirt, and watch an Australian rodeo unlike any other,” he says.
Mining is the biggest industry in Mount Isa, with the largest operation in the region being Glencore’s (LSE:GLEN) soon-to-close Mount Isa Mines copper operation.
In July 2024, the Queensland Government launched the $30 million Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program to fast track mining projects in the North West Minerals Province.
The Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program is part of a total package of up to $50 million to support Glencore mine workers and the broader Mount Isa community.
Former Queensland Deputy Premier Cameron Dick said at the time “The Isa”, as it is affectionately known by locals, has stood tall as a thriving mining hub for 100 years and the government is investing in the North West so it will continue to prosper for the next hundred.
Write to Angela East at Mining.com.au
Images: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo
