Welcome news from CMT

The Hodgman Liberal Government welcomes today’s announcement from Copper Mines of Tasmania that it will move to the final feasibility stage of a plan to restart mining at Mt Lyell.

While there is no doubt there are still challenges to overcome, including low commodity prices and a weakening in international markets, today’s news is a positive step towards mining recommencing at the site.

The Government has been working with CMT through the care and maintenance period to do whatever we can to maximise the prospects to capture any new mineral opportunities and we continue to support the West Coast with projects and training proposed by the Government and community-led working group which is helping to reinvigorate and diversify the region’s economy.

The Hodgman Liberal Government committed $2.47 million to a West Coast rescue package following the closure of the Mt Lyell mine last year.

The West Coast Working Group was established and a series of short-term job stimulus projects were identified in addition to longer-term strategies to transition the region’s economy alongside traditional mining operations.

It has been pleasing to see that just last month 80 West Coast residents, including 68 CMT workers, graduated in Certificate III in mining.

The Hodgman Liberal Government is proudly working alongside the West Coast community and CMT to find solutions and achieve results and we will not flinch in support of this key industry.
Paul Harriss, Minister for Resources