Building stronger communities: The success of Glencore’s Corporate Social Investment Fund in 2025

At Glencore, we are proud to play an important role in the social and economic fabric of North Queensland. Through our operations in Mount Isa and Townsville, we contribute not only to regional employment and industry but also to the wellbeing and development of our local communities.

In 2025, Glencore Queensland Metals continued to strengthen its community partnerships through the Corporate Social Investment Fund, a unified program that delivers targeted support across all areas of our operations.

Through this fund, we proudly invested over $840,000 in 60 community initiatives, helping local organisations in Mount Isa, Townsville and across North Queensland deliver projects that enhance wellbeing, education, economic resilience and community connection. This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to building enduring relationships that generate positive and lasting social and economic outcomes.

Supporting local organisations

In 2025, funding from the Corporate Social Investment Fund reached a diverse range of community groups, schools and service organisations, from health and education to sport, culture and economic development.

Some of the recipients included:

Community, health and wellbeing

Mount Isa Cancer House, Ronald McDonald House Charities, North West Hospital and Health Service, The Salvation Army, Foodbank Queensland Ltd, Mission to Seafarers, Endeavour Foundation and PCYC Mount Isa.

Education and skills development

Country Universities Centre Queensland, James Cook University, TAFE Queensland, Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, University of Queensland Mining and Metallurgy Association, Mining Electrical Safety Association, and multiple Mount Isa and Townsville schools including Spinifex State College, Good Shepherd Catholic College, Healy State School, Happy Valley State School, Sunset State School, Townview State School, Barkly Highway State School, Mount Isa Central State School, Townsville State High School, Southern Cross Catholic College, St Kieran’s Catholic School, St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mount Isa Flexible School, Mount Isa Special School, Mount Isa School of Distance Education and Estelle Cardiff Kindergarten.

Community and cultural development

Mount Isa Show Society, Mount Isa Pro Rodeo, Mount Isa City Council, Commerce North West, Townsville Enterprise Limited, Townsville Eisteddfod Inc and Zonta Club of Mount Isa.

Sport and recreation

Townsville Gymnastics Association, North West Canoe Club, Mount Isa Go Kart Club, Mount Isa Rugby League and the Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club.

Economic and regional partnerships

Women in Mining and Resources Queensland, Department of Trade, Employment and Training, AusIMM and the Apex Club of Mount Isa.

Spotlight on some of our 2025 partners

Mount Isa Cancer Care Unit

Nurses at Mount Isa’s Cancer Care Unit have received a mobile, hand-held ultrasound device to assist in locating veins for patient cannulation during chemotherapy treatments. This equipment was funded by Glencore in response to James Coghlan’s 7in700 challenge, in memory of his wife, Fiona Coghlan.

“As Fiona went through the treatment, I remember watching the problems when her vein couldn’t be found, and that machine is going to take that worry and stress away. It’s really touching to be able to help cancer patents,” says James Coghlan.

Earlier this year, James ran 700 kilometres in just nine days, spanning seven North West mine sites, all to raise funds and awareness for the Mount Isa Hospital Cancer Care Unit.

Books in Homes

Books in Homes brings books directly into the hands of children in regional communities, helping to foster a lifelong love of reading. In Mount Isa and surrounds, this initiative has supported local schools by providing thousands of books to students who might otherwise have limited access.

“Our partnership with Glencore allows us to give more children the gift of reading, helping them build confidence, imagination, and literacy skills that last a lifetime,” says Peter Large, CEO of Books in Homes Australia.

Mount Isa Pro Rodeo

As a highlight of Mount Isa’s cultural calendar, the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo attracts thousands of visitors each year, driving local tourism and celebrating the region’s outback heritage. Glencore’s support has helped maintain this iconic event, allowing local families and businesses to benefit from increased engagement and economic activity.

“Glencore’s sponsorship ensures the rodeo continues to be a cornerstone of our community, connecting generations through our shared love of the outback lifestyle,” says Mark Thomson, Chair of Mount Isa Pro Rodeo.

Country Universities Centre Queensland

The Country Universities Centre in Mount Isa provides flexible pathways for regional students to access higher education locally. By supporting this initiative, Glencore helps students pursue university studies without leaving their community, contributing to the growth of skilled local professionals. 

“With Glencore’s support, we can expand our programs and provide more students with opportunities to achieve their academic and career goals, right here in North West Queensland,” says Sean Bower, Centre Manager.

Lasting impact

Through the Corporate Social Investment Fund, Glencore continues to partner with local organisations that are making a real difference on the ground. These initiatives are helping to improve access to education, enhance local infrastructure, support community resilience and create opportunities for future generations.

By consolidating our community programs into one fund, we’ve made it simpler for organisations to access support, while ensuring our investments align with the evolving needs and priorities of the Mount Isa and Townsville regions. Our goal is to ensure that the benefits of our operations extend far beyond our mine sites, supporting a sustainable, inclusive and thriving future for Townsville and Mount Isa.

Learn more and apply

Community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for future funding opportunities through the Corporate Social Investment Fund. To determine eligibility and apply, please review our program guidelines and application form.