The expansion of the George Fisher mine in Queensland, Australia may cost $274 million, but will also provide the Mount Isa region with hundreds of jobs. The zinc mine is one of the largest in the world and is owned by Xstrata. Located in north west Queensland the mine is hoping to produce 30% more zinc after the expansion by 2013.
The announcement for the expansion of the mine comes after another major development for the city. This was the recent decision to expand another mine in Mount Isa, which was the Black Star project.
The Mayor John Molony shared the news with city residents saying that the region’s profile would rise to a major global player with these proposed expansions. He said that while you could not call it a mining boom, it was a bit bigger than a mini boom.
President of the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that a number of projects were moving forth in the north west minerals province. This included Xstrata’s George Fisher mine, Ernest Henry mine, a proposal for a major phosphate plant, the Elouise mine and Mount Gordon.
Mr Peterson also said that the money started flowing into the regions mines as soon as the Federal Government scrapped its proposed mining tax.