Rocklands copper mine opening a boost for North West

The opening of a $640 million copper mine near Cloncurry is another sign Queensland has weathered the storm of a worldwide resources price slump.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said today’s official opening of CuDeco’s Rocklands Copper Mine was good news for the economy and for the region.

“Today we mark the opening of a $640 million world-class facility and its first shipment of Queensland copper, which will support up to 120 jobs,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Queensland’s North West Mineral Province is known around the world as a highly prospective region and the opening of Rocklands Copper mine demonstrates the area continues to have a great future ahead.

“During 2014-15, mineral production in Queensland was valued at $8.6 billion – and more than 70 per cent of that amount was sourced from Queensland’s North West Mineral Province.

“While Queensland’s mining sector has faced a challenging period in recent years, there continues to be green shoots across the state – highlighted by today’s official opening and the first shipment of exported copper.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was considering recent recommendations by the North West Minerals Province Taskforce to help boost future exploration and production in the region.

“We need to think differently and innovatively to unlock the next generation of mines and the work coming out through the Taskforce is certainly looking at how to make this happen,” she said.

“The opportunities for regional Queenslanders are evident – with Rocklands mine supporting jobs and putting accommodation in place to ensure the local community shares the flow-on economic benefits.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the Government was committed to laying the foundations for sustainable economic development and growth in the Queensland resource sector, to enable more projects to come to life.

“I am focused on driving economic development in this part of the State and creating jobs, which includes helping to grow this important sector,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Through our Government’s Advancing North Queensland plan, I am working with my cabinet colleagues to find solutions in priority areas such as water, roads, trade and investment, which are vital to support the mining sector.”

Queensland is the 13th largest copper producer in the world.

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  3719 7170