Mount Isa copper smelter faces closure as mayor pleads for govt rescue

Mount Isa's mayor says the region has delivered $15 billion to governments in a decade and now desperately needs help to save thousands of copper industry jobs.

The North West resources sector has delivered a whopping $15 billion to state and federal coffers in the past decade alone and it’s now time to return the favour, Mount Isa’s mayor Peta MacRae says.

With Queensland’s copper industry on its knees, Ms MacRae has issued her most direct plea yet to both levels of governments: get the deal done now to save the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Refinery – and the 17,000 jobs that depend on them.

The Townsville Bulletin reported last week that after months of warnings Glencore told staff that preparations were underway to place both assets into care and maintenance.

Mt Isa Mayor Peta MacRae. Picture: Evan Morgan

Ms MacRae said she has grown tired of the state’s response that the company “needs to be good to Queensland.”

“This region has been good – no, great – to Queensland for generations,” she said.

“Mount Isa has quietly powered the state and national economy.”

The Queensland Resources Council Economic Report shows that Mount Isa had contributed almost $15B in economic value over the last decade.

“In return this region has asked for very little,” Ms MacRae said.

“Mount Isa has been good to Queensland. Now it’s time for Queensland and Australia to be good to Mount Isa.”

In the wake of its proposed senate inquiry into Australia’s metals manufacturing industry decision being blocked, the Coalition called on Labor to tap into the billions available in the Future Made in Australia, northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, Critical Minerals Facility or National Reconstruction Fund programs to save the facilities.

Queensland Senator Matt Canavan, Dawson MP Andrew Willcox, Herbert MP Phillip Thompson, and Queensland Senator Susan McDonald, met in Townsville to push for an inquiry into Australia’s metals manufacturing industry. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Speaking in Canberra yesterday federal member for Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said the please for help from the people of North Queensland had fallen on deaf ears.

“But not everywhere has it fallen on deaf ears,” he said during parliament.

“Because in Tasmania, the Prime Minister was happy to support the smelter down there.”

“But that was only because there was a State election happening. The Prime Minister is happy to bail out his Labor mates down in Tassie, but won’t support the people of North Queensland.”

Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson. Picture: Shae Beplate.

For more than 60 years the Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville refinery have underpinned Queensland’s manufacturing capability and built the infrastructure, services, and communities that many now take for granted.

“Queensland has funded hospitals, stadiums, and public services from the wealth of this region. Now it’s time for Queensland – and Australia – to return the favour,” she said.

“This is our moment of need.”

“We need leadership. We need a deal. And we need it now.”

Ms MacRae said the copper supply chain was being undermined not by mismanagement, but by global market manipulation.

“This is not just a Mount Isa issue – it’s a national issue. Copper is essential for our clean energy future.

“If Australia walks away from refining and processing it here, we are handing over control to others who do not share our values or strategic interests.”

Mayor MacRae said the industry support package being considered represents just a fraction of what the region has already given.

“This is about more than a deal – this is a desperate plea from our community, it’s about the future of our people, our economy, and our place in the national story,” she said.

Originally published as Mount Isa copper smelter faces closure as mayor pleads for govt rescue