Newsroom
Confusion Reigns on CopperString Ownership: Katter
February 24, 2026
I don’t get it – will Queenslanders own CopperString, or will the industry and job creating project be sold off to a multinational like Glencore who only have the interests of their boardroom at heart? Katter’s Australian Party Leader, and Member for Traeger has said.
Mr Katter asked the Treasurer and Energy Minister in Parliament last sitting week if he would categorically rule out handing the CopperString project to private ownership, to which the Treasurer answered “…we are absolutely determined to keep state involvement, state ownership and a state management process involved…”
“The Treasurer was clear in his answer in Parliament, but now he’s on the radio saying he’s tasked QIC with attracting private capital – which will it be?” the KAP leader asked.
“CopperString exists to break the stronghold a single private entity has on power prices in the North West Minerals Provence; to drive more jobs, stronger communities.
“If CopperString is handed to private capital, they sure won’t have the interest of Queensland, of the North West, at their core – they’ll have the interests of their boardrooms and shareholders front and foremost.
“You only have to look to the Mount Isa Copper Mine to see what happens when the interests of an overseas boardroom and commodity traders are put ahead of Queensland jobs and our economy,” Mr Katter said.
Glencore ceased operation of the Mount Isa Copper Mine with the loss of 1200 jobs, despite their own report showing there remains more than 150 million tonnes of ore in the ground, at a comparatively high 1.65% copper.
“Government can and should consider tax revenue, job creation, and industry development when investing. Private investment generally disregards these and focuses primarily on profit.
“Jobs and thriving communities don’t materialise on a wish and a promise. Industry needs confidence that CopperString will be built, and will combat the eye-watering cost of power in the North West.
“I talk to those who go to their boardrooms and investors to get the sign off on massive investments, and they all tell me, they are less confident in CopperString than ever before!
“We need clarity, not confusion. Will the Government hand over the biggest investment outside SEQ in enabling Queensland’s future to private investors seeking a quick return?
“When will our communities see the influx of jobs and industry that will come from being connected to the national power grid, and having access to affordable power?” Mr Katter said.