Diversified miner Glencore is weighing the business case for its Mt Isa copper smelter and its Townsville refinery.
A spokesperson for the company on Friday said that the assets were facing significant international competition and high fixed costs in Australia which negatively impacts their ongoing commercial viability.
“We have been transparent about the challenges and discussions are ongoing with both the Queensland and federal governments. The bricks which line the smelter are due to be replaced in 2022 and a decision will need to be made soon for new bricks to be ordered in time.
“We expect to communicate a final decision on the metallurgical assets in the next four weeks,” the company said.