- The Crisafulli Government has secured a $2.3 billion investment in a new copper mine in North West Queensland.
- The Eva Copper Mine will create up to 1,450 jobs.
- The investment follows the Crisafulli Government's deal to save the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville refinery to support copper mining.
- The project is part of the Crisafulli Government's fresh start for Queensland's resources sector, with a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
The Crisafulli Government has secured Queensland's largest copper mine and the creation of up to 1,450 jobs in the resources sector after delivering major international investment.
In another major vote of confidence for Queensland's resources sector, Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited has announced approval of the Final Investment Decision of the Eva Copper Mine project.
The major international investment by South African-headquartered mining company Harmony Gold into the new $2.3 billion Eva Copper Mine 75km north of Cloncurry and 95km northeast of Mount Isa will create up to 1,000 jobs during construction and as many as 450 once the mine is operational.
Eva Copper Mine will be a significant driver of economic growth for the North West region and the Port of Townsville as they transition from the closure of Glencore's Mount Isa Copper Mine.
Approximately 60,000 tonnes of copper will be extracted each year over its estimated 15-year mine life.
The project will now transition to project execution with contractors mobilised to site in early 2027 to commence construction, with first production estimated by the second half of 2028, pending approvals.
Today's announcement follows the Crisafulli Government's investment in the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville refinery, securing the industry and jobs for decades to come.
The investment responds to the Crisafulli Government's 'open for business' approach after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, and delivered critical Queensland mining jobs.
Premier David Crisafulli said the $2.3 billion Eva Copper Mine investment strengthened Queensland's position as a global resources leader.
"Queensland is open for business and by rebuilding investor confidence we're delivering new investments to strengthen our regional communities and create local jobs," Premier Crisafulli said.
"We're driving growth in our resource sector that underpins Queensland's long-term prosperity and the new Eva Copper Mine in Cloncurry Shire and proximate to Mount Isa will deliver exactly that.
"We're delivering a fresh start for the State's resources industry that Queenslanders voted for, while delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy."
Treasurer David Janetzki said the Crisafulli Government was restoring stability and certainty for investment in Queensland.
"Today's announcement is a show of confidence in Queensland's critical minerals sector and our construction of Copperstring from Townsville to Mt Isa, which has also been supported by the $200m North West Energy Fund recently announced in our Energy Roadmap," Treasurer Janetzki said.
"Eva Copper Mine will add $17 billion to Queensland's Gross State Product over its anticipated 15-year mine life securing jobs, industry and ensuring our regional and remote communities thrive.
"Harmony's commitment to invest in the Eva Copper Mine is not only a win for the North West Queensland community but Queensland's economy."
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the project was a major vote of confidence in the future of North Queensland's copper supply chain.
"Queensland's copper industry is one of the pillars of our economy, supporting generations of Queenslanders, from the first discoveries at Mount Isa in the 1920s to today's world-class operations," Minister Last said.
"Eva Copper Mine locks in the next chapter, with a transformational investment by Harmony that delivers jobs for locals and certainty for Queensland mining families."
Harmony Chief Executive Officer Beyers Nel emphasised Queensland's status as a Tier 1 jurisdiction for mining investment.
"Eva Copper Mine represents an exciting new era in Harmony's 75-year history of responsible mining. We are proud to invest in Queensland's world-class North West minerals province and we look forward to working with all our stakeholders as we move into project execution."
