Mount Isa Mines Community Information Session: July 2024
In July, Mount Isa Mines hosted a Community Information Session to provide updates on various aspects of our operations, including mining, processing, health, safety, environmental management, and community engagement. Here’s a summary of the key points discussed during the session:
Continued Investment in Mining and Processing
Mount Isa Mines is committed to ongoing investment in the George Fisher (zinc) Mine, zinc-lead processing, and copper smelting operations. These activities are set to continue into the future, reflecting our dedication to maintaining a robust and sustainable mining operation.
Copper Operations and Social Transition Plan
Significant progress has been made on plans to close our copper underground mines and copper concentrator by the second half of 2025. In conjunction with this, a Social Transition Plan is being developed to support the Mount Isa community through these changes. The plan aims to mitigate the impacts of the asset closures and maximise opportunities for the community.
Ongoing Projects and Future Developments
Following up on the commitments made during the last Community Information Session in January, Mount Isa Mines is progressing with several key projects. These include ongoing exploration activities and the potential reopening of the Black Star Open Cut zinc operation. The recent information session served as an opportunity to update the community on these initiatives, and we will continue to keep our workforce and the community informed about significant developments.
MICO Workforce Engagement
Glencore is actively engaged in a detailed operational and workforce planning process. This process includes exploring options for retention, redeployment, and retraining for affected employees. To date, Glencore has received 671 Expressions of Interest from impacted workforce members regarding their future employment interests, with over 400 expressing interest in redeployment. So far, 38 internal redeployments have been completed within Mount Isa Mines, with an additional 38 redeployments pending.
Restructure Efforts
A restructure of crews and leadership functions at MICO is currently underway and is being implemented in stages. Glencore is prioritising redeployment within Mount Isa Mines to non-impacted areas of the business, such as the George Fisher Mine. As we approach the closure of the copper operations in mid-2025, Glencore will also assist employees in exploring external job opportunities within Mount Isa and the broader northwest region.
Black Star Open Cut Zinc Operation
Glencore is currently completing a prefeasibility study and must do a detailed feasibility study prior to any final decision on the project. Subject to a final investment decision from Glencore, the project could be operational from 2027.
George Fisher Mine
George Fisher Mine (GFM) is a long-life asset with an extensive mineral resource, expected to remain operational until at least the mid-2030s. Mount Isa Mines continues to invest significantly in GFM to ensure a robust and sustainable mine plan. Key initiatives include:
- Leveraging existing skills and offering training to continuously improve safety, culture, and productivity.
- Undertaking physical mine development to access and ventilate new mining blocks.
- Conducting diamond drilling programs from the surface and underground to further define and potentially extend the mine plan.
Mount Isa Mines remains committed to maintaining open communication with the community and our workforce as we navigate the ongoing changes and opportunities within our operations. We appreciate the community’s continued support and will provide further updates in the months ahead.