New copper mine a boost to the north west: Lucas

The $95 million Lady Annie Copper Mine would be a major boost to north west Queensland, Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said today.

Officially opening the mine today, Mr Lucas said the new mine was a vote of confidence in the region.

“The north west has a proud history of mining,” Mr Lucas said.

“But this is the first new base metals mine to be opened in more than a decade – making it the first new mine of the 21^st century.”

The mine, operated by CopperCo, is located 120km north-west of Mt Isa. Around 150 people will be employed full-time thanks to the mine.

Mr Lucas said initial production at the mine would be 19,000 tonnes a year but work was already underway to expand production to 25,000 tonnes a year.

“Last financial year copper exports were worth just under $2 billion to Queensland.”

“Queensland already accounts for around 43% of the nation’s copper exports. Given high world copper prices, Lady Annie should make a considerable contribution to north west Queensland’s economy and to our dominance of Australia’s copper exports.”

Mr Lucas said the development of the mine demonstrated how vibrant the region’s economy was, which the State Government was looking to capitalise on through the Northern Economic Triangle Infrastructure Plan.

The State Government is spending $700,000 this financial year on the first stage of the plan, which looks at economic opportunities in the area bounded by Mt Isa, Townsville & Bowen as a new economic frontier.

“This area has a great potential for new mines and mineral processing, industrial development and horticultural production,” Mr Lucas said.

“The plan not only highlights the government’s commitment to providing energy, transport and industrial land needs but also supports important objectives like Indigenous employment and new investment in a wide range of industries.”

Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said the mine was a big boost for the region.

“Mining is the backbone of the Mount Isa economy,” Mrs Kiernan said.

“The new mine is another example of how industry and the local community can work together, with CopperCo employing indigenous workers from the Myuma Group on the mine.”