Xstrata Copper / Australia
Ernest Henry Mining
Xstrata Copper: World > Australia
| Detail label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | North Queensland, Australia |
| Products | Copper and Gold |
| Employees | Approximately 500 people |
| Annual production capacity | 120,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate, 120,000 ounces of gold in concentrate |
Description of Operation
The Ernest Henry copper-gold deposit is located 38 kilometres north-east of Cloncurry and is 100% owned by Xstrata. The open pit mine produces copper concentrate containing gold which is either trucked to Mount Isa for smelting or sent to Townsville for export. Ernest Henry supports many community groups and activities in the local town of Cloncurry where about half of the mine’s employees and their families live.
Brief History of the Operation
Ernest Henry was formed in 1993 following the discovery of economic and significant copper/gold mineralisation in 1991. Following an intensive feasibility study, construction of the mine commenced in 1995. Two years later the first concentrate was transported to Townsville. Xstrata acquired Ernest Henry in June 2003, through its acquisition of MIM Holdings Limited.