PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The federal government on Wednesday announced support of up to A$11-million to help progress the CopperString 2.0 project towards a final investment decision in 2021.

The CopperString 2.0 development is a high voltage transmission line that will connect Mount Isa and the North West Minerals Province to the national electricity grid, supplying electricity to existing customers in north-west Queensland and delivering opportunities for new industrial facilities and large agricultural and renewable energy projects.

It is hoped that the project will also help unlock the full economic promise of the North West Minerals Province and Australia’s important job-creating and export oriented regional industries.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the investment would help deliver this important energy project for the people of Queensland.

“Our support for CopperString is an investment in the future of Queensland that will bring power prices down, create 750 direct construction jobs and unlock the significant economic potential of the North West Minerals Province,” Morrison said.

“Access to affordable and reliable energy supply will help drive new investment and new opportunities, providing a long-term future for families, businesses and local communities from Townsville to Mount Isa”.

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said as Australia recovers from Covid-19, it is critical that we invest in projects that support our economic recovery.

“The government is absolutely committed to delivering a fair deal on energy for the families and businesses of central and northern Queensland,” Taylor said.

“Connecting north Queensland with the National Electricity Market will help deliver lower cost, reliable power to our important job-creating and export oriented regional industries and increase opportunities for the many other energy projects along the corridor.”

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said continued support for this project is a key part of the government’s broader commitment to central and north Queensland.

“Queensland’s mining sector is a significant driver of Australia’s economic success story, and cheaper, more reliable power in the north will continue to support this important industry,” Pitt said.

“Affordable reliable electricity is essential in driving downstream manufacturing and creating more local jobs.

“This will help open up new investment and create new, high-paying jobs for the people of Queensland.”