Mount Isa, located in Queensland, Australia, is known for being a significant mining town housing one of the world's largest mining operations. Operated by Mount Isa Mines Limited, a subsidiary of Glencore, the town's mines focus on extracting copper, lead, zinc, and silver. These mining activities are split into two main categories: copper operations and zinc-lead-silver operations.
The copper operations at Mount Isa consist of two underground copper mines, Enterprise and X41, with a combined ore mining capacity of 6.2 million tonnes per annum. Supporting infrastructure includes a concentrator with a capacity of 7 Mtpa, a copper smelter, and various ancillary services. Notably, the Enterprise mine serves as a significant source of copper ore and holds the distinction of being the deepest mine in Australia, reaching depths of up to 1,900 meters.
In addition to copper, the town's mining activities also encompass zinc, lead, and silver operations. These operations involve two underground mines, namely George Fisher and Lady Loretta. George Fisher, initially known as the Hilton mine, commenced operations in 1990, while Lady Loretta began commercial activities in 2013. Alongside these minerals, the Mount Isa ore bodies also contain substantial copper resources, further contributing to the town's mining significance.
With mining operations expected to continue at Mount Isa until at least 2023, the town serves as a crucial economic center, offering job opportunities to over 3,200 individuals and contractors. As a hub for both copper and zinc-lead-silver mining, Mount Isa plays a vital role in providing valuable resources and employment within the region.