Miles Doing What Matters: New projects and jobs to boost Mount Isa’s economy for the long term

• More than 2500 jobs to be created
• Three new projects accelerated with a big focus on developing key industries close to Mount Isa hub
• Copper, phosphate and vanadium mining incentivised with a multi-million dollar package.

More than 2500 jobs will be created over the next five years, with the Miles Government unlocking new opportunities to support mine workers and the Mount Isa community, investing in the mining town’s future.

The $30 million Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program will expedite mining projects in the North West Minerals Province with a focus on projects that generate local jobs within a matter of months.

The Acceleration Program funding will be allocated to three projects:

• Eva Copper Mine Project (Harmony Gold) $20.7 million
• Paradise South Phosphate Mine (North West Phosphate) $5.77 million
• Vecco Critical Minerals Project (Vecco Group) $2.33 million

The three companies will advance the development of new copper, phosphate and vanadium mines in the resource-rich North West Minerals Province.

Upon completion, the mines are expected to generate almost 1000 long-term mining jobs, following a peak early works and construction workforce of 1600 jobs.

Harmony’s Eva mine, about 95 kilometres northeast of Mount Isa, will be one of the largest copper mines in Queensland.

The Eva Copper Mine Project will generate approximately 800 construction jobs and create 450 jobs when in operation and is expected to have a 15-year minimum life.

The government is also providing funding to North West Phosphate’s Paradise South mine, about 130 kilometres northwest of Mount Isa.

The proposed Paradise South open cut mine has a forecast resource of two million tonnes of phosphate ore per year, with at least a 20-year initial life.

This funding will bring the project forward by up to six months to ensure operations and jobs get underway sooner, with construction to commence within the next year.

The mine will generate 74 immediate jobs, with 492 construction jobs and 245 mining operations jobs created by 2026.

Near Julia Creek, the proposed Vecco Critical Minerals Project will mine vanadium and high-purity alumina (HPA), crucial critical minerals that also supports downstream battery production in Townsville.

The Vecco mine will engage 274 operational workers from 2026, following construction starting this year and generating 300 jobs in 2025 and 2026.

The Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program is part of a total package of up to $50 million to support Glencore mine workers and the broader Mount Isa community.

This investment supports diversification of Queensland’s critical minerals sector and creates broader demand for skills across the province and is also subject to reporting and community benefit obligations.

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:

“The Miles Government said it would back this city and region and we are doing just that.

“The Isa, as it’s affectionately known by locals, has stood tall as a thriving mining hub for 100 years and we are investing in the North West so it will continue to prosper for the next hundred.

“We are investing up to $30 million to bring local projects and jobs, online sooner.

“This includes one of the largest copper mines in the region as well as a phosphate mine and greenfield vanadium mining.

“These investments will help unlock opportunities months and years sooner.

“The government has selected these projects to support the people of Mount Isa by providing jobs sooner and diversifying industries and skills across the region.

“Mount Isa community can be confident the Queensland Government will continue to support the region.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals Scott Stewart:

“Ensuring there is a strong future for Mount Isa and North West Queensland is a priority for the Miles Government and this announcement will help create new jobs after Glencore chose to close its underground copper mine and copper concentrator and the Lady Loretta Zinc mine.

“This acceleration fund will help get these major projects off the ground quicker and I’m excited to see a strong future for the region.

“Queensland’s North West Minerals Province has an abundance of critical minerals that can support Australia’s transition to a clean energy future.

“Our Critical Minerals Strategy seeks to help unlock these opportunities and capitalise on the potential for about $500 billion in resources in this region alone.

“Our investments are supporting development of these resources and creating enabling infrastructure, while safeguarding our regional communities.”

Further information:

The Queensland Government developed a support package of up to $50 million for mine workers and the community, this includes:

• Up to $30 million to accelerate the development of resource projects, now known as the Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program.
• Up to $20 million for an economic structural adjustment package; the Mount Isa Transition Fund that aims to support job creation for the local workforce, strengthen the economy, liveability and community resilience in Mount Isa in the short-to-medium term.
• Any remaining funding under the $30 million Mount isa Mining Acceleration Program will be administered in accordance with objectives of the program to ensure benefits remain in Mount Isa.