- Expressions of Interest open for the Mount Isa Transformation Study to carve a path for the future of the region.
- Follows landmark deal to secure jobs across the copper supply chain, including a capital infrastructure investment into the Mount Isa smelter.
- Transformation Study forms a key milestone under the joint Queensland-Commonwealth support package for the Mount Isa Copper Smelter.
The next step in securing a strong future for Mount Isa is underway, with Expressions of Interest now open for the delivery of the Mount Isa Transformation Study.
The study will assess the full copper value chain across the North West Minerals Province, including Mount Isa and Townsville, and consider opportunities at the smelter and refinery, across regional supply chains, and emerging projects.
It will examine long-term industrial capability, potential future pathways, market conditions, and broader opportunities for workers, communities, and regional economies.
Completion of the Mount Isa Transformation Study is a key milestone under the joint Queensland-Commonwealth support package for the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Copper Refinery announced in October 2025.
The joint support package provides capital investment into Glencore's copper processing facilities, alleviating immediate pressures so they can continue to benefit North and North West Queensland for decades to come.
Importantly, local working families, businesses, councils and community members will have many opportunities to have their say during the process through a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy worked through by both levels of government.
To participate in the Expressions of Interest, potential suppliers will need to be registered with a Queensland address on the Queensland Government's VendorPanel Marketplace in the Engineering, Research and Technical Based Services category.
Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the study was about securing a strong, long-term future for the Mount Isa region by taking a clear, end-to-end look at the region's copper value chain and industrial capability.
"My simple message to Mount Isa is – we've got your back," Minister Ayres said.
"By assessing the full copper value chain across the region, from the smelter and refinery through to supply chains and emerging opportunities, this work will help inform sound government and industry decisions beyond the current support period.
"The study will examine future pathways not just for industry, but for workers, communities and regional economies, ensuring Mount Isa remains well‑positioned for the decades ahead.
"The Albanese Government will always stand up for Australian workers and manufacturing, and will ensure Mount Isa workers, businesses, councils and community members have a genuine say."
Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said this study was about standing with North and North-West Queensland for the long haul, delivering certainty to the hard-working Queenslanders who keep the copper industry moving.
"We're securing a future for thousands of jobs that rely on the smelter, refinery and Phosphate Hill," Minister Last said.
"We're charting a long-term path that protects jobs and keeps Queensland at the forefront of copper and critical minerals processing.
"At the heart of this work are the boiler makers, diesel fitters, technicians and small businesses who rely on a strong copper processing sector.
We're backing them, we're backing Mount Isa, and we're doing the hard work to secure their future.
"This is an injection of confidence in the region, part of delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, from the copper smelter in Mount Isa, the fertiliser plant at Phosphate Hill, to the emerging projects across the North West Minerals Province and the port workers in Townsville."
