Mount Isa transformation study to assess future opportunities across the copper value chain
Sydney, 28th May 2026: CRU, the global commodities experts, has been selected to lead the Mount Isa transformation study, a major joint Commonwealth–Queensland initiative designed to assess future opportunities across North West Queensland’s copper industry and support the region’s long-term industrial future.
Working with our consortium partners, CRU experts will assess the full copper value chain across the North West Minerals Province, focussing on the Mount Isa Copper Smelter through to the Townsville Copper Refinery.
By leveraging our expertise in market intelligence – from mining to refining, cost analytics and facility-level data – our experts will evaluate the end-to-end copper value chain in the region. They will also seek to understand the long-term opportunities for the facilities, workers and industry beyond the government financial support period, positioning the region for a more diverse and resilient future.
Australian Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Senator Tim Ayres, and Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, announced the study as part of the broader effort to secure the long-term future of North West Queensland’s copper industry.
Hugh Greene, Global Head of Consulting, CRU Group, comments:
“CRU is honoured to have been selected to lead this important study. North West Queensland has long played a critical role in Australia’s copper value chain, and this work will help identify practical pathways to strengthen the region’s industrial capability, resilience and competitiveness for the long term.”
CRU will work throughout 2026 to engage stakeholders and develop the final report, which will be provided to the government by end-2026.
CRU offers independent, expert intelligence into global commodity markets. This expertise is built on unrivalled data, unbiased insights and strategic thinking. Delivering knowledge across our four core offerings – data, insights, strategy, and communities – CRU supports businesses in navigating today’s increasingly complex commodity markets, addressing supply chain challenges, decarbonisation and the energy transition with clarity, confidence and speed.
Since its foundation in 1969, CRU has consistently invested in primary research, robust data methodologies and developed expert global teams. The company has completed an IOSCO audit of all its commodity prices, demonstrating the strength and resilience of its methodologies, policies and processes.
Today, CRU employs over 420 experts across 17 locations (including representative offices) in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.
PR Contact
