Business
6 November, 2024
Crisafulli speaks to investors keen to buy Mount Isa Mines
The Premier said he was concerned that Glencore was closing the underground copper mines next year.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has confirmed he has spoken to investors about the future direction of Mount Isa Mines in the wake of scheduled underground copper mine closures next year.
Speaking in Townsville on Tuesday, Mr Crisafulli gave the clearest indication yet that his new government was willing to use tough measures against Glencore to ensure the 1200 underground copper jobs remain at Mount Isa Mines.
Mr Crisafulli said he was listening to those who claimed there was a future for MIM underground copper operations.
“I’ve already fielded a call from some people who are interested in investing there (Mount Isa Mines),” he said.
“I give this message to Glencore – it’s not Australian to sit on something and not use it and hold a proud mining town to mercy.
“And I would like to think that there can be an arrangement that is struck that can enable those jobs to be protected for a long time into the future.
“And I look forward to having some of those discussions.”
“I am not a big fan of multinationals not being good corporate citizens.”
Member for Traeger Robbie Katter said the Premier’s strong rhetoric supported his repeated claims that a viable owner for Mount Isa Mines could be found.
Mr Katter said he had spoken directly with the Premier about the scheduled mine closures in the days after the election and planned to continue discussions when the new parliament sits later this month.
“I am very pleased with the attitude the Premier is showing towards this issue,” he told North West Weekly.
“We had bipartisan support for exploring a new viable owner prior to the election and the Premier’s comments since taking office show he has maintained that position.
“I have been repeatedly saying there are alternative owners that can keep (underground copper operations) viable, and we can see the Premier is engaging in this issue.”
In a statement, Glencore said it was happy to engage with the new government.
“We note the Premier’s comments and look forward to engaging in constructive discussions with his government on our future plans for MIM, including our long-life George Fisher zinc mine, our metals processing assets, and a number of projects we are continuing to assess,” the company said.