Mr Katter said he wanted to challenge Glencore Xstrata's claim to copper at Mount Isa Mines following the company's decision not to proceed with the second phase of their $47 million Mount Isa Open Pit project feasibility study, a proposal expected to extended the mine's life by 20 to 30 years. "The mining laws in Queensland say you can't sit on ore body and not use it. You either work it or get the hell off it," he said.

Despite known copper deposits existing at the site, The North West Star revealed Mount Isa Mines staff were told the copper operations could shut down as early as 2019.

Mr Katter said his work to remove strength from the Australian dollar should bring confidence back to Glencore Xstrata's Australian operations. Shortly after its merger with Xstrata, Glencore reviewed all of Xstrata's operations and pulled the plug on at least three new projects to develop the mining industry in Queensland.

Mr Katter said he would contact State Member for Mount Isa Rob Katter and Mount Isa mayor Tony McGrady before approaching the mine about the future of operations in Mount Isa.

Mount Isa mayor Tony McGrady said he had an excellent relationship with senior management of Xstrata and Glencore and had no doubts the city remained in safe hands for many years to come.

He said if he had any major concerns he would address the mine directly but was happy to meet with the State and Federal MPs for Mount Isa.

A Mount Isa Mines spokesperson said the company met regularly with government representatives across all three levels of government who have an interest in its operations, project development opportunities and the resource industry as a whole.