Qld backs $5b transmission project despite mine closures
The Palaszczuk government says it is still committed to the $5 billion CopperString transmission line from Townsville to Mount Isa despite global miner Glencore announcing it would close its copper mines in the region within two years.
The mine closure decision cast doubt on the Swiss mining giant’s other operations in north-west Queensland, including its copper smelter and zinc assets, although Glencore said it was committed to further investment in Mount Isa.
Glencore is closing its copper mines but will keep its copper smelter in Mount Isa open. Glenn Hunt
Glencore’s shock decision raised concerns about the economic viability of the 1100-kilometre CopperString high-voltage line, which the state Labor government took over earlier this year.
A spokeswoman for Queensland Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said the CopperString project – which will unlock the renewable energy zone near Hughenden as well as connect mineral projects in Mount Isa – was still feasible.
“The closure makes the CopperString 2032 project even more important to support the economic future of north-west Queensland, by linking the largest renewable energy zone on the east coast of Australia with half a trillion dollars in globally sought after critical minerals,” the spokeswoman said.
“The closure of mines in the north west at the end of life were factored into economic modelling on the project.”
CopperString has been spruiked for years by long-serving federal Independent MP Bob Katter who wants to increase the electricity connectivity to the mining city.
Last week, Mr Katter urged the Palaszczuk government to “boot” Glencore out of Mount Isa and allow other companies to take over their leases, saying the region was home to the best copper resource in
Read more on afr.com
