Major Funding Announced for Mount Isa Mine Workers Memorial

Published on 07 August 2026

Mount Isa City Council has welcomed major funding commitments from the Queensland Government and Glencore towards the new $4.7 million Mount Isa Mine Workers Memorial.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last visited Mount Isa today to announce the Queensland Government’s $2 million commitment to the project.

Glencore has also committed $2 million towards the Council-led memorial, which will be constructed at Frank Aston Hill overlooking Mount Isa Mines.

The memorial will provide a permanent place to honour the 150 mine workers who lost their lives and recognise the contribution generations of mine workers and their families have made to Mount Isa.

It will feature commemorative panels, shaded areas, amphitheatre seating and dedicated spaces where families, colleagues and members of the community can gather, reflect and pay their respects.

Mount Isa City Council Mayor Peta MacRae said the investment would support important community priorities while recognising the city’s proud mining history.

“The Mount Isa Mine Workers Memorial will be a deeply significant place for our community, providing a permanent and dignified place to honour the 150 workers who lost their lives,” Mayor MacRae said.

“For many local families, these are not simply names from our history they are loved ones, friends and workmates whose contribution helped build Mount Isa.

“Council is proud to be leading this long-awaited project alongside the dedicated memorial committee, and we sincerely thank the Queensland Government and Glencore for their significant support.”

Today’s announcement was attended by Mayor MacRae, Mount Isa City Councillors, Council’s Chief Executive Officer and staff, representatives from Mount Isa Mines, members of the Miners’ Memorial Committee and approximately 20 mine workers.

The Queensland Government’s $2 million contribution to the memorial forms part of nearly $6 million being invested through the Mount Isa Transition Fund to support community infrastructure and the city’s long-term economic future.

Other projects being supported through the fund include:

• More than $1.705 million to establish a Small Business Incubator, providing co-working facilities, workshops and support for local businesses.
• $1 million towards the development of a 110-hectare Circular Economy Industrial Estate with capacity for up to 10 commercial operations.
• $500,000 for Elevate Isa, including a feasibility study and detailed design for potential residential, retail and commercial opportunities in the CBD.
• $500,000 for a dollar-for-dollar Shopfront Revitalisation incentive supporting CBD businesses and property owners.
• $285,500 for a business case for a Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements Research Centre.

“The broader Transition Fund investment will also create new opportunities for local businesses, industrial development, CBD revitalisation and critical minerals research,” Mayor MacRae said.

“Together, these projects recognise Mount Isa’s history while demonstrating strong confidence in the future of our city and its people.”

Construction of the Mount Isa Mine Workers Memorial is expected to be completed by late 2027.

Council will continue working with the Miners’ Memorial Committee, the Queensland Government and Glencore as planning and development of the memorial progresses.