Copper mine lease approval supporting jobs

• Expansion of North West Queensland copper and gold mine will accelerate the state’s energy transformation.
• The mine will support hundreds of jobs in construction and mining.
• Copper production expected to increase to more than 20,000 tonnes each year.

A major approval for a new Northwest Queensland copper mine has been given with the Miles Government granting a mining lease.

The approval of the mining lease also paves the way for AIC Mines Limited (AIC) to expand operations at the nearby Eloise Copper mine near Cloncurry, while extending the mine’s life for another 10 years.

The development of the Jericho mine and expansion of the Eloise processing plant is expected to increase the production rate to more than 20,000 tonnes of copper and 10,000 ounces of gold each year.

As the world’s most cost-effective conductive material, copper is essential to the world’s energy revolution and in helping Queensland reach its bold net zero emissions target.

The mine will be a boost for the region, stimulating the local economy through procurement activities, and additional trade with local suppliers.

Quotes attributable to the Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart

“The North West Minerals Province continues to deliver more good jobs for Queenslanders and the critical minerals to power our state’s renewable energy transformation,” he said.

“The ripple effects of this new project will resonate far beyond the mine, boosting local and international copper supply for solar, wind and battery energy manufacturing, including Mt Isa’s copper smelter.

“It also means flow-on effects to places like Townsville which is part of the critical minerals supply chain.

“Prioritising and fast-tracking mineral extraction is a key action identified under the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“With our pipeline of critical minerals projects growing, Queensland is prepared to become a mining, processing, and manufacturing powerhouse for renewable energy.

“Critical minerals like copper are key to delivering our renewable energy future which we know the LNP does not back.

“Instead, the LNP wants to build expensive and risky nuclear reactors across Queensland, including places like Townsville.

"Why won't David Crisafulli stand up for Queensland against his mates in Canberra? He's weak and is a puppet for Peter Dutton.

Quotes attributable to AIC Mines Managing Director Aaron Colleran

“AIC Mines acquired the Jericho copper deposit in January last year and to have the mining lease granted after only 15 months of ownership is testament to the quality of the project, the work ethic of the AIC Mines team and, importantly, the consistent and well-understood Queensland mining approvals process.

“Granting of the Jericho Mining Lease is an important milestone on the Jericho development journey.

“It provides a pathway to expanding annual production at Eloise to over 20,000t of copper and 10,000oz of gold in concentrate.

“The project will employee 150 people over a 24 month construction period and then 100 new permanent employees when in production

“The world needs more copper as we transition away from fossil fuels and AIC Mines is focused on delivering on that demand.

“Queensland is a great place to be operating – it has the copper, the mining infrastructure and the skilled labour force to help fill what is expected to be an insatiable global appetite for copper.”

Further information:

AIC also received a funding under the Queensland Government’s Collaborative Exploration Initiative.

Learn about the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy.