The Mount Isa mining corridor in Queensland will soon welcome more than 2500 new mining jobs.
The Queensland Government has committed to injecting millions into the region thanks to a new $30 million Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program.
The program aims to expedite mining projects in the North West Minerals Province with a focus on projects that generate local jobs within a matter of months.
The acceleration program funding will be allocated to three projects:
- Harmony Gold’s Eva copper project – $20.7 million
- North West Phosphate’s Paradise South phosphate mine – $5.77 million
- Vecco Group’s Vecco critical minerals project – $2.33 million
Upon completion, the mines are expected to generate almost 1000 long-term mining jobs, following a peak early works and construction workforce of 1600 jobs.
Harmony’s Eva mine, about 95km northeast of Mount Isa, will be one of the largest copper mines in Queensland.
The project will generate approximately 800 construction jobs and create 450 jobs when in operation and is expected to have a 15-year minimum life.
“These investments will help unlock opportunities months and years sooner,” Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said.
“The government has selected these projects to support the people of Mount Isa by providing jobs sooner and diversifying industries and skills across the region.”
Harmony chief executive officer Peter Steenkamp said the grant was an important contribution to the Eva project’s progress and an important demonstration of the Queensland Government’s support for growing projects and jobs in the region.
“We are thankful to the people and the Queensland Government for this grant, and we reaffirm our commitment to developing the Eva copper mine project in a way that is sustainable and maximises local economic benefits and jobs,” Steenkamp said.
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