Mayor Issues Plea to Governments to Secure Copper Smelter Deal

Published on 30 July 2025

With the future of North West Queensland’s copper industry hanging by a thread, Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae has issued a direct plea to the State and Federal Governments: secure a deal to save the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Refinery – and the 17,000 jobs that depend on them.

After months of advocacy and warnings, Glencore has confirmed preparations are underway to place both assets into care and maintenance until they become viable. Despite this, the Government response continues to deflect to Glencore, insisting the company “needs to be good to Queensland".

Cr MacRae says that line misses the mark, calling on the Queensland and Australian governments to back Mount Isa’s future.

"This region has been good – no, great – to Queensland for generations. Mount Isa has quietly powered the State and national economy," Cr MacRae said.

“The Queensland Resources Council Economic Reports state that the Mount Isa resources sector has contributed almost $15B in economic value over the last decade. In return this region has asked for very little.

“For over 60 years, the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Copper Refinery have underpinned Queensland’s manufacturing capability and built the infrastructure, services, and communities that many now take for granted.

“Queensland has funded hospitals, stadiums, and public services from the wealth of this region. Now it’s time for Queensland – and Australia – to return the favour. This is our moment of need.

"Mount Isa has been good to Queensland. Now it's time for Queensland and Australia to be good to Mount Isa.

“Mount Isa is my home – and has been for decades. This community are humble and hardworking people who rarely ask for help. But right now, we are staring into a void of fear and uncertainty. This is our moment to ask. We need leadership. We need a deal. And we need it now.”

Cr MacRae said the copper supply chain is being undermined not by mismanagement, but by global market manipulation.

“Glencore is not a charity. They’re competing in a distorted global market manipulated by foreign countries intent on cornering the copper supply chain. The smelter and refinery are no longer viable without urgent government action – and yet they are critical to Australia’s sovereign capability and decarbonisation ambitions," she said.

“This is not just a Mount Isa issue – it’s a national issue. Copper is essential for our clean energy future. If Australia walks away from refining and processing it here, we are handing over control to others who do not share our values or strategic interests.”

Cr MacRae said the industry support package being considered represents just a fraction of what the region has already given.

“This is about more than a deal – this is a desperate plea from our community, it’s about the future of our people, our economy, and our place in the national story," she said.