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
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.
