- The Crisafulli Government is delivering fresh investment into Queensland's resources sector.
- Investment into the Rocklands sulphide processing hub has laid the groundwork to restore confidence in copper production in North West Queensland.
- The $15 million refurbishment enables sulphide processing to resume by mid-2027 creating 250 jobs and delivering up to 26,300 tonnes of copper annually.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland's future after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy with a $15 million investment to rebuild and restore confidence in copper operations in North West Queensland.
The funding, delivered through Queensland Investment Corporation, will support Austral Resources' plans to refurbish the Rocklands sulphide processing hub near Cloncurry, laying the foundations for production to resume in the next two years.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and fresh investment into the resources sector after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Rocklands Copper Mine was placed into care and maintenance in 2024 under Labor, but the Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland's resources sector after the former Government's anti-mining policies risked thousands of jobs.
The refurbishment of the Rocklands operation will take place over the next two years, ahead of a planned restart of copper sulphide production in 2027.
The hub is centred on Austral's newly acquired Rocklands copper mine and processing facility, which includes a three million tonne per annum sulphide plant and significant existing infrastructure.
Once operational, Rocklands is expected to deliver up to 26,300 tonnes of copper annually, including processing supplemental feedstock from third-party producers across the North West Minerals Province.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the Crisafulli Government's open for business approach would deliver stability, renewed investment and prosperity to Queensland's resources sector.
"This investment is about laying the groundwork for long-term copper production that this community can rely on and to ensure Rocklands is fit for the future energy demands Queensland faces," Treasurer Janetzki said.
"We're delivering new investment to strengthen our regional communities and create local jobs.
"We are committed to building an energy system that is affordable, reliable and sustainable, and that means investing now in the copper supply chain that makes it all possible.
"The reopening of Rocklands shows the Crisafulli Government's support for the landmark CopperString transmission project is restoring confidence in the North West resources sector."
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the restart of Rocklands showed renewed confidence in Queensland's regional economy.
"Rocklands coming back online means jobs, investment and long-term opportunity returning to the North West," Minister Bates said.
"The Crisafulli Government is focused on creating the conditions for private investment to grow, while maintaining discipline in the State's finances and respecting taxpayers' money.
"When major projects move again, regional communities benefit. That is how you build a stronger economy and deliver real outcomes for Queensland families."
Austral Resources Chairman David Newling said the Crisafulli Government's support was a key milestone in progressing the Rocklands restart and supporting Austral's goal to become a sizeable copper producer in Australia.
"This cornerstone commitment from QIC provides the confidence needed to progress the refurbishment of Rocklands and position Austral as a major regional copper producer," Mr Newling said.
"Rocklands can play a significant role in supplying the copper needed for Queensland's energy future.
"Equally important is making sure that opportunity translates into real outcomes for Cloncurry, through local jobs, local supply chains and long-term economic benefits for the community."
