Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell said the department has had a pre-lodgement meeting with Glencore representatives and was expecting an application “shortly”. 

“EHP will ensure of timely assessment once received,” Mr Powell said 

Glencore’s North Queensland Copper Assets chief operating officer Mike Westerman said an additional source of copper concentrate feed would be needed if the copper smelter extended to 2020. 

“We are reviewing the potential of a small open cut copper pit within our existing operations,” Mr Westerman confirmed. 

“We continue to review our business to ensure we are competitive in the global market and we are always exploring options to extend the life of our assets.”  

The chief operating officer acknowledged challenges that needed addressing before the company extended copper smelting operations. 

“Any option to extend the life of the copper smelter must be economically viable, environmentally sustainable and supported by the local community,” he said. 

The North West Star understands that last June Premier Campbell Newman expressed support for the open cut pit project while at a private dinner function at Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady’s house. 

Mr Westerman was believed to have been part of the discussion. 

The following day Mr Newman told media he would welcome debate on legislation regarding the opening of the pit. 

“If it means the mine can continue to 2060 then we’d be happy to work on amended conditions that will still protect the town from environmental impacts, but would mean the mine could continue for another 45 years at least,” the Premier said.  

But according to the company’s current Life of Mine Plan the copper operations in Mount Isa were scheduled to end in 2020, the same year the copper smelter would close if its operations extended.