Mining Giant Calls for Government Support Amid Flood of Cheap Chinese Copper

Glencore’s Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville refinery employ around 600 workers but are losing money due to an increase in global volume.
Mining Giant Calls for Government Support Amid Flood of Cheap Chinese Copper
Molten copper is poured in a workshop which recycles copper in Anqing, in China's eastern Anhui province on July 11, 2025. AFP via Getty Images
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One of the world’s largest natural resources companies is calling for a government lifeline as Chinese domination of the market forces the possible closure of two Queensland facilities.

The Swiss-owned Glencore’s Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville refinery employ around 600 workers but are losing money due to an increase in volume from international smelters and refineries, particularly in China, leading to a global oversupply of smelter capacity.

Crystal-Rose Jones
Crystal-Rose Jones
Author
Crystal-Rose Jones is a reporter based in Australia. She previously worked at News Corp for 16 years as a senior journalist and editor.