The Queensland government has granted a major mining lease approval for a new copper mine in the state’s northwest, paving the way for expanded operations and economic growth in the region.
The state government’s approval of the mining lease allows AIC Mines Limited (AIC) to develop the Jericho copper mine near Cloncurry and expand its nearby Eloise Copper mine.
The combined operations are expected to extend the mine’s life by another decade.
With the development of the Jericho mine and the expansion of the Eloise processing plant, the production rate is projected to increase to more than 20,000 tonnes of copper and 10,000 ounces of gold each year.
Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart highlighted the significance of the project, stating: “The North West Minerals Province continues to deliver more good jobs for Queenslanders and the critical minerals to power our state’s renewable energy transformation.”
The minister emphasised the ripple effects of the new project, which will boost local and international copper supply for solar, wind, and battery energy manufacturing, including the Mt Isa copper smelter.
The project is also expected to have flow-on effects in Townsville, which is part of the critical minerals supply chain.
Minister Stewart underscored the importance of prioritising and fast-tracking mineral extraction, a key action identified under the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy.
He expressed confidence in Queensland’s preparedness to become a mining, processing, and manufacturing powerhouse for renewable energy.
“Critical minerals like copper are key to delivering our renewable energy future, which we know the LNP does not back,” Stewart said, criticising the opposition’s stance on the issue.
AIC Mines Managing Director Aaron Colleran praised the consistent and well-understood Queensland mining approvals process, which enabled the company to acquire the mining lease for the Jericho copper deposit within 15 months of ownership.
“Granting of the Jericho Mining Lease is an important milestone on the Jericho development journey,” Colleran said.
“It provides a pathway to expanding annual production at Eloise to over 20,000t of copper and 10,000oz of gold in concentrate.”
The project is expected to create 150 jobs during the 24-month construction period and an additional 100 permanent positions once in production, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Colleran emphasised the global demand for copper as the world transitions away from fossil fuels, stating: “Queensland is a great place to be operating — it has the copper, the mining infrastructure and the skilled labour force to help fill what is expected to be an insatiable global appetite for copper.”
With the approval of the mining lease, the Jericho copper mine and the expansion of the Eloise Copper mine are poised to stimulate the local economy through procurement activities, additional trade with local suppliers, and job creation, while contributing to Queensland’s renewable energy goals.
