Two federal politicians are warning that Australia’s copper processing industry is on the brink of collapse, with Chinese market dominance and federal inaction threatening thousands of jobs, critical infrastructure, and the nation’s sovereign capability.
Liberal Senator Susan McDonald and Katter’s Australian Party Leader Robbie Katter say the closure of Glencore’s Mount Isa and Townsville facilities would devastate regional Queensland and have ripple effects across the country—unless the federal government steps in.