Minister Dale Last Reaffirms Commitment to Mount Isa

Published on 08 August 2025

“We will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of this community.” Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last this morning reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to Mount Isa.

At this morning’s press conference, Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae said while the situation is complex and will take time to resolve, she is confident the State and Federal governments are working well together to get the job done.

“My understanding is, if they came up with a solution after one day, it wasn’t going to be much of a solution,” Cr MacRae said.

“They’ve got the information yesterday, they’re going to need to go away and come up with a long-term strategic plan, because we want this complex situation fixed for the long-term.

“We want a solution to do with gas, power – all of those things that Glencore is finding so expensive, but so is every other industry in our area.”

Minister Last attended a Metals and Minerals Processing Summit in Sydney yesterday, August 7, with Federal Industry Minister Senator Tim Ayres.

“We have tabled an offer to Glencore ... and the Federal Government are putting together a package at the moment that they will present to Glencore in due course,” Minister Last said.

“I had a very fruitful discussion with Minister Ayres yesterday along those lines, and we continue to negotiate, to find us an outcome that will secure the future of this community.

“I’ve said from day one that we will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of this community, and of course the copper smelter is a critical part of that issue.”