Mount Isa Mines celebrates 100 years of operation

Media statement
Mount Isa, Australia

Today, we are celebrating the 100th birthday of one of Australia’s most iconic mining operations, Mount Isa Mines Limited.

Mount Isa Mines Limited was formed on 16 January 1924, almost a year after prospector John Campbell Miles discovered mineralised outcrops near the Leichhardt River that contained high grades of lead-silver. Over two months, Miles pegged out the ‘Racecourse’ lease around the outcrops. He named the larger outcrop ‘Mount Isa’, claiming 17 hectares that led to one of the most productive single mines in history.

Mount Isa Mines has grown to be a major contributor to global supplies of copper, zinc and lead products, which find their way into items we use every day like smartphones, laptops, electric cars and renewable energy technologies.

On the centenary of this iconic mining operation, we want to publicly thank the thousands of people who have worked at Mount Isa Mines. From the geologists, engineers, tradespeople, plant operators, environment, health, and safety professionals to the office personnel, thank you for your contribution. Many of you have built successful careers in the sector, contributing to the success of not only Mount Isa Mines, but also the global mining industry. 

Our growth and success over the years has been led by some of the most significant names in Australian mining, including Julius Kruttschnitt, Sir George Fisher, Sir James Foots and Sir Bruce Watson. 

Several significant mining industry innovations have been pioneered at Mount Isa Mines including the ISASMELT^TM smelting technology, the IsaMill^TM fine grinding technology, and the Jameson Cell flotation technology. Today, these are part of Glencore Technology and sold to customers around the world helping them extract more from their metal and mineral processing assets – lowering costs, reducing energy consumption, and improving safety outcomes.

Over its life, Mount Isa Mines has produced enough copper to build over 39 million houses, and enough zinc to manufacture over 535 million cars.

"This remarkable achievement reflects the qualities of resilience, drive and dedication that define our company. Our success has been built on the hard work of former and current employees, support of the community, and a commitment to excellence in all our endeavours,” said Sam Strohmayr, Chief Operating Officer for Glencore’s zinc and copper assets in Australia.

“Our long history is made-up of hard work, countless stories, fond memories and valuable experiences for people who have either worked at Mount Isa Mines for a short time or several generations,” he said.

In 2009, Mount Isa Mines was recognised as having made the most significant contribution to the State’s economy since Queensland’s separation from New South Wales in June 1859. In 2022, our Queensland Metals business directly contributed $2.4 billion to the economy.  

Since 2003, our Corporate Social Investment programs have contributed more than $35M to North Queensland communities, the largest contribution of more than $20M, has been towards programs directly supporting the Mount Isa community.

Mount Isa Mines has always actively supported the local community. Through decades of strong partnerships and collaboration with the people of Mount Isa, Mount Isa Mines has invested in education, health, environment, Indigenous and community development programs. One of the most enduring is our 65-year partnership with Isa Rodeo.

“Mount Isa Mines has been an integral part of our community for 100 years, contributing not just to our economy but also to the social fabric of Mount Isa. This milestone is an opportunity to celebrate the strong bonds we have formed and look forward to a sustainable and prosperous future together,” Sam said.

To mark the centenary, we are planning a series of events and initiatives that will take place throughout the year. From community festivals to employee recognition events, the activities will provide an opportunity for everyone to come together to reflect on and celebrate the past 100 years.

Mount Isa Mines has a strong long-term future with our zinc-lead operations, and copper smelting and refining, despite the planned completion of our underground copper operations. 

We know how important our operations are to the north west region and Queensland and we will continue to invest in exploration and studies into other potential business opportunities. 

As we move forward, Mount Isa Mines remains committed to the responsible management of our resources, the environment, and health and safety of our people, while aiming to create lasting benefits for our community and other stakeholders.

We look forward to releasing further details about Mount Isa Mines’ planned centenary activities, including a Family Fun Day, Outdoor Cinema weekend and our longstanding tradition of supporting the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo – just to name a few!

For further information, please contact:

Kate Collins
m: +61 408 129 909
e: Kate Collins

Nadine Roberts
m: +61 436 341 650
e: Nadine Roberts 

Notes for editors

About Glencore Australia

In Australia, Glencore produces coal, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead and silver from 23 mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including metals smelters, concentrators and refineries.

We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.

We employ 18,190 people in Australia and in 2022 contributed nearly $20 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $10.4 billion with 7,370 businesses across the country, as well as $7.5 billion in government tax and royalty payments.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.

Glencore recognises our responsibility to contribute to the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050. In August 2021 we increased our medium-term emission reduction target to a 50% reduction by 2035 and introduced a new short-term target of a 15% reduction by 2026.

Learn more about Glencore Australia.

About Mount Isa Mines

Mount Isa Mines, established in 1923, operates two separate mining and processing streams: copper and zinc-lead-silver, to deliver natural resources that have enduring roles in our society. It is one of Australia’s largest industrial complexes.

The operations host the world’s largest zinc resource base and include two underground zinc mines, three underground copper mines, a copper concentrator and smelter, and a zinc-lead concentrator, lead smelter and zinc filter plant.

Products from Mount Isa Mines are exported all over the world, contributing billions of dollars to the Australian economy each year.

We provide work for about 3,500 employees and contractors and are committed to supporting local people, local businesses and to creating strong links between our operations and the city of Mount Isa.

Learn more about Mount Isa Mines.