CopperString construction one step closer to unlocking the state’s critical minerals

• Construction has begun on CopperString 2032’s second workforce accommodation site in Richmond
• Supercharging the state’s North West, CopperString 2032 will unlock the $500 billion North West Minerals Province and one of the largest Renewable Energy Zones in the country.

Powerlink has broken ground in Richmond on CopperString’s second workforce accommodation site along the 840km transmission line corridor.

The ceremony in Richmond included local school children turning the first sod demonstrating the important connection between CopperString and the future generations who will benefit from it for decades to come.

Like in Hughenden, Powerlink’s construction delivery partner the UGL CPB Contractors Joint Venture together with ATCO Structures will deliver the workforce accommodation which is due for completion mid to late 2025.

The workforce accommodation in Richmond will house up to 250 construction workers. These workers will construct the nearby substation and progress the transmission line heading west towards Mount Isa.

CopperString is set unlock potentially $500 billion of critical mineral deposits in the North West Minerals Province, with Richmond and Julia Creek home to one of the largest vanadium deposits in the world.

Following the ceremony, Powerlink together with the Richmond Shire Council held a community lunch which included the announcement of a funding contribution to the town’s Christmas tree,

Richmond Shire Council and its community have received $8,000 for their Christmas tree which will be displayed proudly in the centre of town. This is part of Powerlink’s commitment to building a lasting legacy across its project footprint.

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

“It’s been less than three months since the Miles Government broke ground on this nation building project in Hughenden and now we are at another construction milestone with the commencement of Richmond’s accommodation facility.

“This is the largest ever expansion to the state’s publicly owned energy system and requires a workforce of more than 800 to deliver.

“The North West is rich with critical minerals and today we are one step closer to unlocking this huge potential and future economy.”

Quotes attributable to Mundingburra MP Les Walker:

“CopperString is nation building infrastructure that will create jobs in Townsville and across the north.

“It’s only the Miles Labor Government that backs this project.

“This next boom for the resources industry is at risk from the LNP because we know David Crisafulli does not back our progressive coal royalties which means CopperString is at risk of being cut, which in turn puts our boom in critical minerals at risk.”

Quotes attributable to Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper:

“There are huge opportunities for Townsville people and local companies to secure work through CopperString.

“It is our progressive coal royalties that are funding this project and we have now passed laws to protect all Queenslanders’ interest in the resources that belong to them.”

Quotes attributable to CopperString 2032 Project Director, Tom Dockray:

“The six accommodation sites that we will build along the corridor for CopperString workers will provide a comfortable home away from home.

“The locations for the workforce accommodation sites have been chosen to ensure construction efficiencies as well as shorter travel distances, making it safer for our workforce along the transmission line and substation locations.

“In July we commenced construction in Hughenden and launched our Supplier Capability Development Program, in August we opened the Experience Centre in Townsville and now in September we have broken ground in Richmond.

“We are progressing rapidly and are on track to construct CopperString by 2029.”

Quotes attributed to Mayor of Richmond, Cr John Wharton:

“I have personally advocated for CopperString for more than a decade and it brings me great pleasure to see the construction begin on the Richmond workforce accommodation.

“The economic injection for our town is enormous and the projects that CopperString 2032 will unlock is endless.

“We will continue to work closely with Powerlink as construction progresses.”

ENDS