North Queensland's Copper Industry on Brink of Crisis as Government Fails to Intervene

The future of North Queensland's copper industry hangs in the balance, with the potential loss of 17,000 jobs and $10 billion in economic contribution to the state government at stake. Industry leaders and politicians are sounding the alarm, warning that the closure of Glencore's smelter in Mount Isa and refinery in Townsville would not only devastate the local economy but also pose a risk to national security. The crisis is centered around Glencore's decision to close the Mount Isa Mines underground copper operation in July, leaving the smelter and refinery at risk of closure by the end of the year.

Key Takeaways:

• The closure of Glencore's smelter in Mount Isa and refinery in Townsville would result in the loss of 17,000 jobs and $10 billion in economic contribution to the state government.
• The industry's annual direct economic contribution to the state government was around $10 billion, according to Glencore's spokesman.
• Copper is vital for the production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, energy storage, and solar panels, and demand is expected to double in the coming decades.
• Industry leaders and politicians are calling for urgent government action to ensure North Queensland can be competitive in the global market.
• The closure of the smelter and refinery would have nationwide impacts, including the loss of Australia's ability to support sovereign manufacturing and decarbonisation.
• Mount Isa City Council Mayor Peta McRae highlighted the importance of the mining and manufacturing sectors to her region's future, stating "Copper is the key to securing our future."
• Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith warned that any loss of copper-producing capacity would have nationwide impacts, stating "Copper is the new oil, and if we miss the opportunity to safeguard our own critical minerals, we risk losing our ability to support sovereign manufacturing and decarbonise 'made in Australia'".

Statistics:

• 17,000 jobs are at risk of being lost if the smelter and refinery are closed.
• The industry's annual direct economic contribution to the state government is around $10 billion.
• Copper demand is expected to double in the coming decades.
• The closure of the smelter and refinery would result in a loss of 16% of North West Queensland's Gross Regional Product.
• Copper is vital for the production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, energy storage, and solar panels.

Sources:

• Townsville Bulletin
• Glencore spokesperson
• Claudia Brumme-Smith, CEO of Townsville Enterprise
• Peta McRae, Mayor of Mount Isa City Council
• Robbie Katter, MP for Traeger and Katter Australia Party leader