- The Mount Isa Transformation Study is now underway to map future opportunities for the region.
- The study will assess the full copper value chain, long-term industrial capability, and regional growth opportunities.
- The Transformation Study forms a key milestone under the joint Queensland-Commonwealth support package for the Mount Isa Copper Smelter.
The Crisafulli and Albanese Governments have taken the next step in delivering a long-term future for North West Queensland's copper industry, with the Mount Isa Transformation Study now underway.
A consortium led by CRU International (Australia) Pty Ltd has been engaged to lead the study, meeting with stakeholders including industry, investors, councils, workers and the community to assess the full copper value chain across the North West Minerals Province, from Mount Isa to Townsville.
The Transformation Study will evaluate the end-to-end copper value chain in the region and seek to understand the long-term opportunities for the facilities, workers and industry beyond the support period, positioning the region for a more diverse and resilient future. The final report will be provided to Government by the end of 2026.
The study is a key milestone under the joint Queensland-Commonwealth support package for the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Copper Refinery and will inform government and industry decision-making during and beyond the current support period.
The commencement of the study follows Glencore's announcement of a major milestone – with works to start on rebricking the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and the completion of significant maintenance work funded under the rescue package.
Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the commencement of the Transformation Study was evidence of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to future-proofing Mount Isa.
"This is about securing the long-term future of North West Queensland and the thousands of jobs and local communities that depend on it," Minister Last said.
"The study will investigate future opportunities across the entire copper value chain from the Mount Isa Copper Smelter to the Townsville port and refinery and all the communities in between.
"The Crisafulli Government backs North West Queensland and the Transformation Study is the next step towards securing a future for thousands of Queenslanders across the region.
"This is about building community confidence, growing local industry, bolstering our sovereign capability and making sure this region stands strong for decades to come."
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Senator Tim Ayres said this would strengthen the nation's resilience and regional growth.
"This is a key milestone under the joint Commonwealth–Queensland support package to secure the future of the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and strengthen long‑term industrial capability across the region," Mr Ayres.
"In a more volatile global environment, this work will help strengthen Australia's resilience, regional growth, and international competitiveness.
"The Albanese Government is rebuilding Australia's industrial base, and this Transformation Study is about securing the long-term industrial future of North West Queensland."
The consortium carrying out the Transformation Study is led by CRU International (Australia) Pty Ltd, and includes Core Resources Pty Ltd, RangeX Projects & Partners Pty Ltd, Wall Planning Group and Resources Law Network.
