ACTING Premier Curtis Pitt declared at the copper smelter gates that the state government has offered Glencore $15 million to re-brick the smelter.
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Mr Pitt was in the company of Mines Minister Anthony Lynham, state MP Rob Katter, and Glencore Copper Assets Australia’s chief operating officer Mike Westerman on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Westerman said Glencore welcomed the offer of support which would extend the smelter’s life.
“Today’s announcement will go a long way to helping us build a strong business case for continued copper smelting activities in Mount Isa out to 2022,” he said.
“Mount Isa Mines will continue to engage with the state government on an approach or measures that ensure North West Queensland remains a significant minearls processing hub into the future.”
Queensland treasurer Curtis Pitt, said the offer was to encourage the company to invest further in the region.
“This grant would be contingent on Mount Isa Mines’ commitment to maintain third party access to the smelter and will be paid for through the $170 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund I unveiled in the Mid-year Fiscal and Economic Review released last week,” Mr Pitt said.
Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone (MITEZ) president David Glasson congratulated the treasurer for using the regional growth fund to invest in Mount Isa’s copper smelter operations.
It would open new opportunities for other copper producers in the region, Mr Glasson said.
“MITEZ hopes this might mean copper smelting might continue in Mount Isa past 2023,” he said.
Mr Katter said the funding was a boost for families before Christmas.
“Mount Isa Mines is the foundation for many other businesses in the region, outlined by being named in 2009 to have made the most significant contribution to the state’s economy since 1859.”
It also supported the copper refineries in Townsville.
He said the re-brick was a preliminary step to a potential ‘super pit’ that would expand operations in the region.
“It has been a high priority to see assistance for the mining industry - and at the very least ensures the copper smelter stays open until 2022 in Mount Isa,” Mr Katter said.
Dr Lynham acknowledged the importance of Mount Isa Mines and that it employed more than 400 people, most being locals.