A significant outback copper mine has been given the green light in North West Queensland, forecast to inject more then $17 billion into the state’s economy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A positive final investment decision has been reached for the open-pit Eva Copper Project, 75 kilometres north east of Cloncurry.<\/p>\n
It was acquired by South Africa’s largest gold mining company, Harmony Gold, in 2022.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The project would cost A$2.4 billion over a three-year construction period, beginning in late 2026 and expected to be completed by 2028.\u00a0<\/p>\n
About 1,000 jobs are set to be created during the construction, and 450 full-time roles sustained during operations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It is projected to produce about 60,000 tonnes of copper per year during its 15-year life, with first production targeted for the second half of 2028.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Treasurer David Janetzki said the announcement showed confidence in Queensland’s critical minerals sector.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Harmony’s commitment to invest in the Eva copper mine is not only a win for the North West Queensland community, but the state’s wider economy,” Mr Janetzki said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The Eva Copper Project is located near Cloncurry in Queensland’s north west. (Supplied:\u00a0Copper Mountain Mining Corporation)<\/p>\n
Harmony acquired the project from Canadian Copper Mountain Mining Corporation in 2022 for more than $300 million.<\/p>\n