Mount Isa Copper Operations (MICO) celebrating a legacy of more than 70 years

Media release
Mount Isa, Australia

This week marks a poignant moment in the Mount Isa region’s proud mining history, as Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines underground copper operations (Enterprise and X41) come to the end of their mine life after more than seven decades of continuous operations. This milestone represents the end of one of Australia’s longest running and most iconic copper mining operations.

Since operations began in the 1950s, MICO has produced hundreds of millions of tonnes of ore, supplying critical minerals to the world and driving the development of Mount Isa into one of Australia’s most iconic mining towns.

From its earliest mining shafts to its vast underground network spanning over 1,000 kilometres of roadways and mine workings, MICO has stood at the forefront of mining innovation, safety and workforce development.

On Monday, MICO work crews gathered underground for the 'last blast', marking the final time explosives were fired underground at the site in an emotional moment for the workforce and community.

Glencore Metals Australia Interim Chief Operating Officer Troy Wilson, who started his career more than 30 years ago at the zinc-lead mine right next door to MICO said that while mining was drawing to a close, the mines’ legacy would live on in the people, stories and history of Mount Isa and the region.

“Mount Isa Mines (MIM) including MICO has a rich history and for generations Australian miners have considered working at MIM a rite of passage,” Mr Wilson said.

“This week, we say thank you to all MICO employees past and present and their families. Our thanks also go to the Mount Isa community who welcomed and supported this mine with pride and perseverance since its first operation.

“The contribution of MICO workers has been vital in shaping the legacy of this operation and the community surrounding it. The skills, resilience and teamwork demonstrated by generations of workers have not only driven our success but have also fostered a strong camaraderie shared across the crews.

“We thank our people for their commitment and the spirit of excellence they brought to MICO. It has been nothing short of remarkable and will be felt for years to come.”

Mount Isa local historian Barry Merrick said: “The history of this mine is so detailed and complex, its veins run deeper than just copper. I’m sad to see the change, of course. But life goes on. What we take with us is a story worth preserving and a spirit that will forever be part of this town. I'm gathering and documenting mining history from 1923 onward, both in print and digital formats, to ensure this important legacy is never lost”.

The final shift at MICO will finish in the early hours of Thursday morning, 31 July 2025, with the symbolic last lift of the underground cage. A farewell video, legacy footage and reflections from employees and community members will be shared publicly across media and digital platforms.

Mr Wilson said that although the long chapter of underground copper mining had come to an end, Glencore was continuing to invest in Mount Isa Mines, particularly the George Fisher Mine which has a long mine life to at least 2042.

“Work is also progressing on development of the Black Star Open Cut zinc-lead-silver project, which if approved, would represent further investment of about A$1 billion and a mine life of 10 to 20 years,” Mr Wilson said.

Last year the Glencore Queensland Metals business contributed A$2.6 billion to the economy, supported 3,840 direct jobs and worked with 1,920 suppliers. We directly contributed A$1.4billion to the Mount Isa and Townsville local government areas.

For further information, please contact:

Francis De Rosa
m: +61 417 074 751
e: Francis De Rosa

Agata Graham
m: +61 438 304 345
e: Agata Graham

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

Notes for editors

About Glencore in Queensland

In Queensland, Glencore produces coal, zinc, copper, lead and silver from nine active mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets, including concentrators, smelters and refineries. Our copper processing assets in Mount Isa and Townsville represent one of only two integrated smelting and refining operations in Australia. In addition, our smelter is the only one in Australia to process third-party concentrate.

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

We provide jobs for 8,380 people in Queensland and in 2024 made a direct socio-economic contribution of $9.4 billion in the state. This included spend of $6.6 billion with 3,920 Australian businesses, many of which are local and regional, as well as $1.7 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.

We will support the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement through our efforts to decarbonise our own operational footprint. We believe that we should take a holistic approach and have considered our commitment through the lens of our global industrial emissions. For more information see our 2024-2026 Climate Action Transition Plan, available on our website at glencore.com/publications.