Mount Isa's $145m critical minerals hub wins state and federal backing
Mount Isa plans a $145 million critical minerals research hub. The government will fund a feasibility study for it.
Mount Isa City Council and the University of Queensland created a business case. It is for a $145 million critical minerals research hub.
The facility would let mining companies test rock samples from local deposits. They would see what minerals are present.
They would know if it would be worth mining. Federal and state governments each committed $241,250 for the feasibility study.
The council added $482,500. The copper mine closed in July 2025.
This took away nearly 500 jobs in the community. The hub is expected to create up to 50 permanent jobs.
It will work with facilities in Mackay and Townsville.
- $145 million
- Hub investment
- nearly 500
- Jobs lost in closure
- $241,250 each
- Feasibility study funding per government
- up to 50
- Permanent jobs expected
Why it mattersThe hub lets mining companies test rock samples locally. They don't have to send them interstate. This helps projects move faster.
AustraliaFor Mount Isa residents, it offers jobs to replace lost copper mining employment. For the mining sector, it enables faster development of critical mineral projects.
