A $2.3 billion copper mine in North West Queensland is set to deliver a major economic lift and create 1,450 jobs, amid efforts to stabilise the state’s critical minerals sector.
The Eva Copper Mine announcement comes after a $600 million state and federal government package to boost the existing Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville refinery, helping maintain around 600 jobs following concerns they could close due to Chinese oversupply.
The new mine will be built 75 km north of Cloncurry and 95km northeast of Mount Isa. It is expected to employ around 1,000 people during construction and 450 once operational.
Approximately 60,000 tonnes of copper will be extracted each year over its 15-year mine life, with construction beginning in early 2027 and first production due by mid-2028.
Premier David Crisafulli said the mine would help position Queensland as a global resources leader.
“Queensland is open for business, and by rebuilding investor confidence, we’re delivering new investments to strengthen our regional communities and create local jobs,” he said.
“We’re driving growth in our resource sector that underpins Queensland’s long-term prosperity.”
The Premier said Queenslanders would enjoy a better lifestyle through stronger economic growth through the project.
Treasurer David Janetzki said the announcement showed confidence in Queensland’s critical minerals sector and the emerging Copperstring project, which will connect the minerals province to the national grid.
“Eva Copper Mine will add $17 billion to Queensland’s Gross State Product over its anticipated 15-year mine life, securing jobs, industry and ensuring our regional and remote communities thrive,” he said.
Harmony Gold CEO Beyers Nel emphasised Queensland’s status as a Tier 1 jurisdiction for mining investment.
“Eva Copper Mine represents an exciting new era in Harmony’s 75-year history of responsible mining,” he said.
“We are proud to invest in Queensland’s world-class North West minerals province, and we look forward to working with all our stakeholders as we move into project execution.”
Calls to Fast-Track Copperstring
Robbie Katter chats with workmen in his electorate. (Courtesy of Robbie Katter)
MP’s Call for Speedy Copper String Process
The project announcement was also met with praise by Katter’s Australian Party Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter, who reiterated calls for an expedited process on Copperstring.
“It has to be said that we would have been celebrating this announcement 18 months ago, had there been confidence in Copperstring being built all the way to Mount Isa,” he said in a statement provided to The Epoch Times.
“Successive Brisbane governments have wasted millions and years on bureaucratic processes, procrastinating real progress on Copperstring, while projects like Eva need more government Band-Aids to get off the ground.”
He criticised successive governments for prolonged bureaucratic processes, saying almost $800 million of taxpayer funding had already been spent to keep the region’s smelter and refinery operating and to help meet the Eva Mine’s significant power needs.
“Surely, between the $2.6 billion of capital from Harmony Gold and $800 million of taxpayer investment, the bean counters can see that Copperstring is vital for the region, and vital to enable vast wealth for the whole state,” he said.
According to the MP, the Eva mine will use close to 70MW of power, around the same amount as Townsville’s combined household demand.
He added that $17 billion of the region’s estimated $680 billion in untapped minerals had now been unlocked, but warned the sector remained fragile without reliable baseload power and a gas reservation policy.
“Copperstring for reliable, affordable baseload power, and a gas reserve policy would be just the start to really underpin what really is a vast potential for our state,” he said.
Katter also praised Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell for his advocacy in securing the new mine.
