Xstrata Looks to Expand Mount Isa with Large Multi-Commodity Open Pit Mine
The Swiss mining company Xstrata has decided to start a $47 million study to transform its Mount Isa mining operation. The firm wishes to develop a large multi-commodity open pit mine at the already present mine in north west Queensland. The study is to begin in August and will be completed by early 2013.
Xstrata Zinc Australia Chief Operating Officer Brian Hearne and Xstrata Copper North Queensland Chief Operating Officer Steve de Kruijff made a joint statement saying the development of a large scale zinc-lead-copper pit has the potential to extend the life of the combined operations to beyond 2060.
The proposal is part of Xstrata’s long term plans to sustain the future of the Mount Isa Mines. They hope to accomplish this extension though expanded mining and concentrate production at the mines. The statement issued by the company said that their aim was to sustainably manage their growth opportunities as well as their environmental and community obligations.
About three months ago Xstrata had said that it was going to phase out copper smelting at Mount Isa and refining in Townsville by 2016. It had said that the staff that was affected would be employed by the company in new jobs.
There is also concern over the dust pollution that comes from the mine site. Professor Peter Sly from the Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute is concerned that an open cut mine would increase the exposure to lead contaminated dust in the local population. In response Xstrata spokesman Steve de Kruijff said that dust management would be part of the study.
Written by
Joel relocated to Australia in 1995 from the United Kingdom and spent five years working in the mining industry as an exploration geotechnician. His role involved utilizing GIS mapping and CAD software. Upon transitioning to the North Coast of NSW, Australia, Joel embarked on a career as a graphic designer at a well-known consultancy firm. Subsequently, he established a successful web services business catering to companies across the eastern seaboard of Australia. It was during this time that he conceived and launched News-Medical.Net. Joel has been an integral part of AZoNetwork since its inception in 2000. Joel possesses a keen interest in exploring the boundaries of technology, comprehending its potential impact on society, and actively engaging with AI-driven solutions and advancements.
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
APA
Scanlon, Joel. (2019, March 19). Xstrata Looks to Expand Mount Isa with Large Multi-Commodity Open Pit Mine. AZoMining. Retrieved on February 14, 2026 from https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=4703.
MLA
Scanlon, Joel. "Xstrata Looks to Expand Mount Isa with Large Multi-Commodity Open Pit Mine". AZoMining. 14 February 2026. <https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=4703>.
Chicago
Scanlon, Joel. "Xstrata Looks to Expand Mount Isa with Large Multi-Commodity Open Pit Mine". AZoMining. https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=4703. (accessed February 14, 2026).
Harvard
Scanlon, Joel. 2019. Xstrata Looks to Expand Mount Isa with Large Multi-Commodity Open Pit Mine. AZoMining, viewed 14 February 2026, https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=4703.
We're committed to providing free access to quality science. By registering and providing insight into
your preferences you're joining a community of over 1m science interested individuals and help us to
provide you with insightful content whilst keeping our service free.
or
Terms
While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena
answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses.
Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or
authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for
medical information you must always consult a medical
professional before acting on any information provided.
Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with
OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their
privacy principles.
Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential
information.
Read the full Terms & Conditions.