Political battle for Glencore’s multimillion-dollar contribution
Glencore says it will support the workers impacted by its mine closures, but it is yet to reveal if the state government’s support package will be met.
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The “highest levels” of state government have considered all its options to pressure Glencore to support its Mount Isa workforce during the closure of copper mine operations.
And the Federal Government has also backed state cabinet ministers’ views that Glencore should “put its money where its mouth is” and provide support to the region.
Glencore has not yet publicly determined an amount it would match with the state government, but a company spokeswoman said it would continue to support Mount Isa.
“Of course we will continue to support the community and impacted workers,” a Glencore spokeswoman said.
“But we believe the first step is to establish a working group to better understand the impacts, listen to the workers and local community, and develop an appropriate plan.”
A spokesman for Treasurer Cameron Dick said the government had asked Glencore’s global managing director for $20m to support its impacted workers when underground copper mines close in two years, which it would match in equal measure.
“This $20m commitment from Glencore would be over and above Glencore’s existing regulatory obligations to its employees,” the spokesman said.
“Glencore are yet to respond, but it is our expectation that they do what is asked.
“All options are on the table to ensure Glencore meets its obligations.”
Traeger MP Robbie Katter said in a forum last Friday night that Mr Dick could have taken a tougher stance with Glencore and even request an audit when determining if it was feasible to continue mining copper from the affected mine sites.
Mr Dick’s spokesman said the issue was not raised in the forum that Mr Dick attended in Mount Isa, but that the State Government – through resources minister Scott Stewart – could impose financial penalties if lease obligations were not met, and it also had the power to cancel a lease.
“If a proponent were able to demonstrate to the government it was able to keep Mount Isa copper operations open as a going concern, the government would be willing to support that proponent with the entire $50m announced,” the spokesman said.
Following a sudden announcement last week from Glencore that it would close underground copper operations and its concentrator in 2025, Mr Dick announced the government’s $50m package before then flying to Mount Isa to consult with the community.
The state government’s funds include $20m to support up to 1200 workers that could be financially affected by the decision, but require an equal deposit by Glencore, with the other $30m being used to fast-track and potentially subsidise mining projects in the North West Minerals Province.
A spokesman for Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King did not clarify if it would add to the financial support, but did agree with the State Government’s position and funding offer.
“The federal government echoes the Queensland Premier’s calls for Glencore to put its money where its mouth is and provide support to the region through this transition,” the spokesman said.
“The government is absolutely committed to supporting the community of Mount Isa to ensure the city has a strong future.
“It is encouraging to hear Glencore are engaging workers, unions and local council to support those impacted by these decisions.
“The government has an existing safety net of tailored support measures to help support retrenched workers, such as immediate access to employment services support through Workforce Australia.”
Kennedy’s Federal MP Bob Katter said he had been unable to raise the issue in parliament due to the short notice of the announcement.
But he said he had used media and meetings with the highest levels of the federal government to raise the issue, and also to advocate nationalisation of Mount Isa’s minerals to protect national interests.
“Before question time he (Prime Minister Anthony Albanese) leaned over and asked, ‘what do you want us to do?’” Mr Katter said, referring to a parliamentary session held last week.
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Originally published as Political battle for Glencore’s multimillion-dollar contribution
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