Mount Isa Mines Limited Agreement (Continuing Mining Activities) Amendment Bill 2024
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Introduced the bill to prevent Glencore from sitting on copper reserves at Mount Isa while shipping jobs overseas. Argued Queensland should exercise sovereign rights over minerals and force mining companies to either use resources or sell to willing buyers.
“This is the question that this bill asks the parliament: are we prepared to sit by and let a global mining commodities trader based in Switzerland determine the future of copper production in Queensland, or do we want this parliament on behalf of the people of Queensland to determine that?”— 2024-05-01View Hansard
Referred to Clean Economy Jobs, Resources and Transport Committee
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill lapsed and did not become law. It was a private member's bill that sought to amend the 1985 agreement between Queensland and Mount Isa Mines Limited to prevent the company from ceasing copper mining without government approval. The bill was introduced in response to Glencore's announcement to close the copper mine with 1,200 job losses.
Who it affects
Would have affected the Mount Isa community, mining workers facing job losses, the mining company's ability to make operational decisions, and potential alternative mining operators.
Key changes
- Would have required the mining company to continue operations unless the Minister approved a change
- Would have required ministerial approval for any significant operational changes at the mine
- Minister could only approve changes if they would not adversely affect the Mount Isa community or Queensland economy
- Would have required a public tender process to find alternative operators before mining could cease