Newsroom

May 9, 2025

Australia’s role in the worldwide critical and strategic minerals boom is being determined by the boardroom and CEO of a global commodity trader, the Federal, and State Members of Parliament, and Mayor have declared in Mount Isa.

“Glencore have come out and have sought to remind Queenslanders that their Swiss boardroom control the destiny of mineral production in this state, while at the same time threatening the continued operation of our copper smelter and Townsville’s refinery – a serious threat to thousands of Queensland jobs” the State member for Traeger, Robbie Katter has said. 

“The people of Queensland remind Glencore’s CEO Mr Nagle, that every mineral that he touches belongs to the Queensland people, and it’s only at our invitation that he mines here. 

“All we have seen is utter disregard for Queensland’s best interest from Glencore, and it really calls into question whether they should be allowed to mine anything in Queensland - including coal,” Mr Katter said.

The State member, and Mount Isa resident was supported in his calls by the re-elected member for Kennedy, Bob Katter.

“This country only has one thing of value to offer the US - its resources, particularly those sitting in the North West Mineral Province - the homeland of new age critical minerals,” Mr Katter said.

“If you think we are going to sit on our backsides while Glencore’s foreign shareholder sharks in their slithering suits bleed us dry of our resources and skite about it, then you are sadly mistaken.

“It is not mine, or anyone else’s aspiration as an Australian to work in a country owned by foreign landlords and all Australians should rise up in anger. And we will.

“If you’re not working for the good of the country permitting you to be here, then get the hell out and let someone else do the job.” 

The Mayor of Mount Isa City Council, Cr Peta McRae said the time for plans and considerations was long gone.

“Mount Isa has already started to feel the effect of Glencore’s lack of commitment to our community and our future.  We’ve heard of ‘potential’ and ‘plans’ around the Black Star expansion for more than a decade and we’re still no closer to certainty.  On top of that, we now have them threatening the future of our smelter which is a vital Australian asset – enough is enough,” Cr McRae said.

 

Photo: Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter MP, State Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter MP, and Mount Isa City Mayor, Cr Peta McRae.