Treasurer Curtis Pitt has held emergency talks on Tuesday with Glencore to discuss the issues impacting its Queensland operations.
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The meeting comes a day after the AFR revealed the mining giant had sent a letter to the Prime Minister and Premier warning power and transport costs could force it to close its North Queensland copper businesses.
Mr Pitt said the meeting was a chance to get a better understanding of the issues.
“We both have an interest in protecting jobs and investment in North West Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.
“I will continue to discuss matters of concern with the company over the coming weeks and meet with representatives as necessary.”
State Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter says Glencore’s letter is a “spit in the face” and is calling for urgent action. “If Glencore can’t commit to Mount Isa, they need to stand aside and let someone else build a business out of this incredible resource, which has at least another 30 to 40 years of operation in it,” Mr Katter said.
“The community and I have worked very hard to support Glencore to make sure they have had every opportunity to create a long term, profitable future in Mount Isa.”
Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch wanted more detail on the letter that was leaked to the AFR.
“I’d like to see what truth is in it before I go sensationalising it,” Cr McCulloch said.
“I am awaiting a call from the minister for mines, and I’ve spoken to Glencore on the ground here."
Glencore has confirmed it has sent a letter on May 26 to the prime minister and Queensland premier casting doubt on the long term future of its North Queensland copper operations.
“Glencore has been open and transparent with State and Federal Government about a range of cost factors currently impacting our copper operations in Queensland,” a Glencore spokesperson said.
“Our focus is on investigating options for secure, affordable and reliable energy / electricity supply at Mount Isa and Townsville to service our operations.”
The spokesperson said they would continue to review processing operations at the Isa smelter and Townsville refinery “with a range of economic factors considered and in line with major investment decisions.”
The letter cited high costs for energy, labour, freight and rail, as well a "materially changed" national investment environment.
The company said it would no longer guarantee copper processing facilities including the smelter in Mount Isa.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
