Business
30 July, 2025
MICO to close this week after 70 years
This week marks a poignant moment in the Mount Isa region’s proud mining history.
Mount Isa Copper Operations will close this week after more than seven decades of continuous operation. This milestone represents the end of one of Australia’s longest-running and most iconic copper mining operations.
Since operations began in the 1950s, MICO has produced hundreds of millions of tonnes of ore, supplying critical minerals to the world and driving the development of Mount Isa into one of Australia’s most iconic mining towns.
From its earliest mining shafts to its vast underground network spanning over 1000 kilometres of roadways and mine workings, MICO has stood at the forefront of mining innovation, safety and workforce development.
On Monday, MICO work crews gathered underground for the 'last blast', marking the final time explosives were fired underground at the site in an emotional moment for the workforce and community.
Glencore Metals Australia interim chief operating officer Troy Wilson, who started his career more than 30 years ago at the zinc-lead mine right next door to MICO said that while mining was drawing to a close, the mine’s legacy would live on in the people, stories and history of Mount Isa and the region.
“Mount Isa Mines (MIM) including MICO has a rich history and for generations Australian miners have considered working at MIM a rite of passage,” Mr Wilson said.
“This week, we say thank you to all MICO employees past and present and their families. Our thanks also go to the Mount Isa community who welcomed and supported this mine with pride and perseverance since its first operation.
“The contribution of MICO workers has been vital in shaping the legacy of this operation and the community surrounding it. The skills, resilience and teamwork demonstrated by generations of workers have not only driven our success but have also fostered a strong camaraderie shared across the crews.
“We thank our people for their commitment and the spirit of excellence they brought to MICO. It has been nothing short of remarkable and will be felt for years to come.”
Mount Isa historian Barry Merrick said: “The history of this mine is so detailed and complex, its veins run deeper than just copper. I’m sad to see the change, of course. But life goes on. What we take with us is a story worth preserving and a spirit that will forever be part of this town. I'm gathering and documenting mining history from 1923 onward, both in print and digital formats, to ensure this important legacy is never lost”.
The final shift at MICO will finish in the early hours of Thursday morning, 31 July 2025, with the symbolic last lift of the underground cage. A farewell video, legacy footage and reflections from employees and community members will be shared publicly across media and digital platforms.
Mr Wilson said that although the long chapter of underground copper mining had come to an end, Glencore was continuing to invest in Mount Isa Mines, particularly the George Fisher Mine which has a long mine life to at least 2042.
“Work is also progressing on development of the Black Star Open Cut zinc-lead-silver project, which if approved, would represent further investment of about A$1 billion and a mine life of 10 to 20 years,” Mr Wilson said.