- Glencore to close Mount Isa Mines underground copper operations and copper concentrator in Australia by the second half of 2025
- The closure is due to the end of mine life and inability to extend it further
- The underground copper operations have been running for approximately six decades
- About 1,200 people will be affected by the closure
- Lady Loretta zinc mine, located northwest of Mount Isa, will also close in 2025
- Other businesses of Mount Isa Mines will continue to operate
Swiss commodities giant Glencore has announced the closure of its Mount Isa Mines underground copper operations and copper concentrator in Australia by the second half of 2025. After conducting various studies and reviews, Glencore concluded that it was not possible to further extend the life of the underground copper mines. The closure will impact approximately 1,200 employees. In addition, Glencore’s Lady Loretta zinc mine, located northwest of Mount Isa, will also close in 2025 due to a finite orebody. However, the company’s other businesses, including a copper smelter, zinc-lead concentrator, lead smelter, George Fisher mine in Mount Isa, and a copper refinery in Townsville, will continue to operate.
