“OVER the moon” was how the Member for Mount Isa, Rob Katter described his response to today’s pledge about the extension of the life of Mount Isa Mine’s copper smelter, by Ministers David Crisafulli and Andrew Powell.
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“This is something I have worked with the two ministers on for over 12 months and I have to give full credit to the government and these two ministers in particular,’’ he said.
“They put politics aside and have made things happen.’’
He said the initiative showed that good things can come from all sides of politics to keep jobs here in the North West without having to move the smelting operations to China.
“This smelter was developed with world class technology that was sold to other parts of the globe,’’ Mr Katter said.
“Without this move from the government these jobs would definitely go to China, meaning the same ore would be transported at approximately four times the bulk as concentrate by diesel power halfway across the globe to what would invariably be a dirtier smelter.
“It is important that all sides of the political spectrum support this initiative publicly so that we can have confidence in the continuity of this great asset for Mount Isa.”
Mr Katter added that a firm commitment was now needed from the ALP to definitely honour the agreement.
