Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program: Miles Government’s $30m injection

A $30 million cash injection into the north-west Queensland mining industry is expected to create more than 2500 jobs across three major projects.

The Queensland Government developed a support package of up to $50 million for mine workers and the community, including up to $30 million to the Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program. Picture: Generic

A $30 million cash injection into the north-west Queensland mining industry is expected to create more than 2500 jobs across three major projects.

The Miles Government said on Tuesday that its Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program would advance mining projects in the North West Minerals Province, “with a focus on projects that generate local jobs within a matter of months”.

Of the funding $20.7 million had been allocated to the Eva Copper Mine Project (Harmony Gold), $5.77 million to the Paradise South Phosphate Mine (North West Phosphate) and $2.33 million to the Vecco Critical Minerals Project (Vecco Group).

“The Isa has stood tall as a thriving mining hub for 100 years and we are investing in the North West so it will continue to prosper for the next hundred,” Deputy Premier Cameron Dick said.

“We are investing up to $30 million to bring local projects and jobs, online sooner.”

The three companies are expected to advance the development of new copper, phosphate and vanadium mines in the north-west.

Premier Steven Miles at the Vecco Group in Townsville. More than 2500 jobs will be created over the next five years, with the Miles Government unlocking new opportunities to support mine workers and the Mount Isa community, investing in the mining town’s future. Picture: Evan Morgan

The deputy premier, who is also treasurer and the minister for trade and investment, said the government had chosen the project to not only support jobs in Mount Isa but to “diversify industries and skills across the region”.

“The Mount Isa community can be confident the Queensland Government will continue to support the region.”

The program is part of a total package of up to $50 million to support Glencore mine workers and the broader Mount Isa community.

Upon completion, the mines are expected to generate almost 1000 long-term mining jobs, following a peak early works and construction workforce of 1600 jobs.

According to the government, the Eva Copper Mine Project will be one of the largest copper mines in the state, generating about 800 construction jobs and 450 operational roles over its 15-year minimum lifetime.

Premier Steven Miles and Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals Scott Stewart, the MP for Townsville, at the Vecco Group in Townsville. Picture: Evan Morgan

North West Phosphate’s Paradise South open-cut mine has a forecast resource of two million tonnes of phosphate ore per year, with at least a 20-year initial life.

The mine will generate 74 immediate jobs, with 492 construction jobs and 245 mining operations jobs created by 2026.

The proposed Vecco Critical Minerals Project near Julia Creek will mine vanadium and high-purity alumina (HPA), crucial critical minerals that will also support downstream battery production in Townsville.

The Vecco mine will engage 274 operational workers from 2026, following construction starting this year and generating 300 jobs in 2025 and 2026.

In addition to the $30 million Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program, the Miles Government has announced a $20 million Mount Isa Transition Fund economic structural adjustment package to support job creation for the local workforce, strengthen the economy, liveability and community resilience in Mount Isa in the short-to-medium term. Picture: Generic

Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals Scott Stewart said the announcement was a welcome shot in the arm for a strong future for Mount Isa and North West Queensland.

The Townsville MP said it was a priority for the Miles Government to help create new jobs after Glencore shut its underground copper mine and copper concentrator and the Lady Loretta Zinc mine.

“This acceleration fund will help get these major projects off the ground quicker and I’m excited to see a strong future for the region,” he said.

“Queensland’s North West Minerals Province has an abundance of critical minerals that can support Australia’s transition to a clean energy future.”

He said the government’s Critical Minerals Strategy sought to help unlock opportunities and “capitalise on the potential for about $500 billion in resources in this region alone”.

“Our investments are supporting development of these resources and creating enabling infrastructure, while safeguarding our regional communities.”

Originally published as Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program: Miles Government’s $30m injection