The Queensland government has moved to fast-track the state’s largest proposed copper project to ensure local communities reap the rewards for the project.
The government declared the proposed AU$2.3 billion Eva copper mine as a “large resource project” under the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017.
This ensures that the towns of Cloncurry and Mount Isa will benefit directly through mandatory local employment and procurement targets, preventing the project from becoming a fly-in-fly-out dominated operation.
In a dual-pronged approach to slash regulatory delay, the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Jarrod Bleijie, also extended the mine’s Prescribed Project status until March 2028.
This extension allows the Coordinator-General to fast-track approvals and provide streamlined support for the proponent, Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd.
“Eva Copper has the potential to be Queensland’s biggest copper mine, and we want to ensure the communities closest to the project share directly in its success,” the deputy premier said.
“Declaring Eva Copper a large resource project strengthens local employment opportunities, supports regional businesses and ensures long term benefits for Mount Isa and Cloncurry.”
Located 75 kilometres north of Cloncurry, the mine is expected to be a powerhouse for the region, producing an average of 60,000 tonnes of copper and 19,000 ounces of gold annually over a 15-year lifespan.
The project is tipped to create 1,000 construction jobs and 450 ongoing operational roles.
Mount Isa’s metallurgical sector will also benefit as the copper concentrate will be processed at Glencore’s Mount Isa Copper Smelter, supporting existing industrial capability in the region.
Harmony Gold’s Chief Development Officer, Johannes Van Heerden, welcomed the certainty provided by the government. The company reached a Final Investment Decision in November 2025 and is currently progressing its environmental amendments.
“Harmony is a responsible investor, and we want to deliver long-lasting benefits to Cloncurry, Mount Isa and the region through local jobs, local business opportunities and community investment.”
Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae and Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell both praised the listing, noting it provides a formal framework to ensure the copper string of the North West remains a source of long-term social and economic prosperity for local residents.
