Mount Isa Mines

Mount Isa Mines is the hub of Glencore’s zinc-lead silver and copper processing operations across North Queensland.

Located in the outback city of Mount Isa, home to more than 18,000 residents, Mount Isa Mines includes the long-life George Fisher underground zinc mine, mineral processing and smelting operations, power generation, and support and administrative services.

Our operations

Our operations in North Queensland focus on the mining, processing and smelting of copper, zinc and lead, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term resource management.

Mining and processing

Our primary zinc-lead mining asset is the George Fisher underground mine, located approximately 20 kilometres north of Mount Isa.

This mine supplies ore to our zinc-lead concentrator and filter plant in Mount Isa, where we process zinc and lead concentrates onsite.

Smelting and refining

Our Mount Isa smelting complex includes a lead smelter and a copper smelter.

The lead smelter processes concentrates from our own operations. Since the closure of Mount Isa Mines’ 70-year-old underground copper mines in July 2025, our copper smelter will transition to treat 100% third-party concentrates, predominantly from mines across north-west Queensland, as well as interstate.

To enhance our operational sustainability, we also reprocess our own slag onsite to recover valuable metals.

Refined lead concentrate is processed onsite into lead bullion, and all products, including copper anode, lead bullion, and zinc-lead concentrates, are transported to Townsville, where the copper anodes are refined to high-quality 99.995% pure copper cathode.

From Townsville, the metals are exported to domestic and international markets, ensuring a seamless supply chain from mine to market.

Export and infrastructure

The Port of Townsville serves as a critical hub for shipping our metals, including copper, zinc and lead. Our integrated operations support the global supply of these essential metals while contributing to regional economic development.

Our operations make an important socio-economic contribution to Mount Isa and North Queensland.

At Glencore we are committed to creating lasting, positive impacts by building strong relationships with local communities and supporting initiatives that deliver meaningful benefits for people and the region.

We acknowledge the Kalkadoon people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate, and we pay respect to their culture, history, and enduring connection to Country.

Community investment

Our Corporate Social Investment Fund supports initiatives that aim to create meaningful impact across North West Queensland. Through this program, we seek to empower local communities, open up opportunities, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient North Queensland. We are committed to backing those who help build and strengthen our region.

Funding opportunities

To determine eligibility and apply for the Corporate Social Investment Fund, refer to our program guidelines and application form (DOCX 5MB).

If you have any questions about Mount Isa Mines, please contact us using the information below.

For media enquiries, and information about corporate social investment, sponsorships and donations, visit our contact us page.

General enquiries

Address: Private Mail Bag 6, Mount Isa QLD 4825
Tel: +61 7 4744 2011