North Queensland Copper Assets chief operating officer Mike Westerman welcomes political support which could lead to a four- year extension of Mount Isa’s copper smelter.
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Local Government Minister David Crisafulli will call on the Queensland Government to extend current environmental legislation so Glencore can continue copper smelter and refining operations in Mount Isa and Townsville.
If legislation is existed for Mount Isa Mines' copper smelter the company could extend closure of the copper smelter from 2016 to 2020.
Mr Westerman said Mount Isa Mines continuously reviewed the mine’s planning and future options for extending existing assets.
“And we welcome any discussion with the government about how this may be possible,” Mr Westerman said.
“In addition to addressing environmental regulatory conditions, any extension of our copper processing operations needs to be economically sustainable, globally competitive and have the support of the local community.”
Mr Westerman said the copper processing operations were beneficial to the region because of jobs, procurement of goods, services and interaction with third party businesses.
Last year Glencore’s North Queensland copper and zinc businesses provided jobs for about 7400 people across a supply chain extending from Mount Isa to the Port of Townsville and injected $2 billion into the Queensland economy, Mr Westerman said.
Mr Westerman acknowledged the continued strong support of Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady and Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter.