Hopes Mount Morgan mine could have slice of Brisbane Olympics dream in 2032

There are hopes Central Queensland could have a slice of the Olympic dream when the games are held in Brisbane in 2032. Here’s how.

There’s hopes the Central Queensland region could have a slice of the Olympic dream in 2032 as work continues to get what was formerly the world’s richest mine back up and running.

Heritage Minerals has been working with all three levels of Government on the Mount Morgan Tailings Processing and Rehabilitation Project, which would see the revival of the famous Mount Morgan Gold Mine.

There are hopes the mine would be open in time for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, with aspirations of the Gold medals being made in Mount Morgan.

Heritage Minerals took over the Mount Morgan Gold Mine site in mid 2020 with plans to recover gold and copper.

There are also hopes the mine would see the unemployment rate in Mount Morgan drop dramatically.

“The project is transformational for Mount Morgan. Our analysis of the project estimates unemployment reduction in Mount Morgan from 17.7 per cent to 6.7 per cent. The project will support 150 direct operating jobs and more than 2400 indirect jobs,” a spokesman for the company said.

“Importantly, we have local procurement and indigenous engagement plans.”

The project in full, including the establishment of water treatment and processing facilities on site, would support 250 jobs in construction and a further 150 direct and 429 indirect jobs in operation phases.

The company is working with the State Government to finalise the approvals required for the project to go ahead.

The company also hopes to secure funding from the Federal Government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund (NAIF).

“While early works are underway, we continue to work with the Queensland Government to finalise approvals required for the project. Applications for funding and financing support from the Queensland and Australian Governments are at final stages and subject to final due diligence,” the spokesman said.

“We are confident the project has strong bipartisan support. It is a shovel-ready project. It is a job generator and it will help to address the legacy of a mine abandoned decades ago.”

LNP candidate for Flynn Colin Boyce said he welcomed any project that would invest and create jobs in the Mount Morgan region.

“The potential to rehabilitate the site and recover gold and copper from historical waste could have positive outcomes for the local area, including environmental benefits and job creation – all of which would be welcome,” he said.

“As a candidate I commit to working with all stakeholders and local communities to drive good projects, which create jobs and new opportunities, forward.

“Regarding this project, I understand the proponents have approached the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and I look forward to learning of the outcome of this process.”

Labor candidate for Flynn Matt Burnett said he supports the revival of the Mt Morgan gold mine because he supports job creating projects in the community.

“The Mt Morgan gold mine has the potential to bring secure, local jobs to Central Queensland as well as providing critical minerals to both create things here and export,” he said.

“I‘ve spent a lot of time in Mount Morgan this campaign, including a visit to the mine site and meetings with groups like Mount Morgan Promotion and Development.

“Labor backs projects like this. That’s why we announced $1 billion from our National Reconstruction Fund will be dedicated to value adding within the resources industry.

“I have already, and will continue, to speak to my Federal colleagues about the importance of this project for my community.”