Austral Resources Acquires Rocklands Copper Mine Amid Community Concerns

In a significant development for Queensland's mining sector, Austral Resources Australia Limited has finalized the acquisition of the troubled Rocklands Copper Mine near Cloncurry, marking its third ownership change in just seven years. The agreement comes amidst a backdrop of community skepticism due to the mine's tumultuous history, which has been marred by financial instability, unpaid wages, and job losses.

The acquisition agreement, executed on July 3, 2025, positions Austral Resources as the new owner of a mine that has not operated since November 2024. Cloncurry residents, however, remain cautious. Past owners have failed to deliver on promises, leading to a legacy of distrust. According to Cloncurry Shire Mayor Greg Campbell, the mine's previous operations have left a lasting impact on the community, with many local businesses suffering from the fallout of unpaid invoices and job cuts. "We’ve heard promises about Rocklands Copper Mine too many times," Campbell remarked, underscoring the community's exhaustion with the mine's repeated failures.

The Rocklands Copper Mine opened in 2016 under the Chinese-backed company CuDeco, which encountered financial difficulties and ultimately went into administration in 2019, leaving behind $60 million in unpaid wages and debts. The mine's subsequent owner, Copper Resources Australia, acquired it in 2021 but also faced challenges, leading to its administration within three years.

Dan Jauncey, a non-executive director at Austral Resources, expressed optimism about the new ownership, stating, “We’re in this for the long haul.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to rebuilding trust with the local community and ensuring that operations are conducted transparently. Jauncey acknowledged the mine's troubled past, stating that it has been "undercapitalized" and "under-resourced," and committed to thoroughly assessing previous management failures to avoid repeating them.

The potential for economic revitalization in Cloncurry, a region home to approximately 3,000 residents, is significant. Mining has historically been a cornerstone of the local economy, and the successful operation of the Rocklands Mine could bring jobs and stability back to the area. However, Mayor Campbell insists that the new owners must prioritize their commitments to the community. "If they want to come and operate in our shire, they’re more than welcome," he said. "But we have a strong desire to keep our people ultimately employed and then paid once they do their work."

Austral Resources has also been operating the Lady Annie copper mine north of Mount Isa for the past six years, providing them with relevant experience in managing mining operations in the region. The company aims to finalize the acquisition by the end of August 2025, and Jauncey stated that Austral is prepared to face potential challenges, including the looming closure of the Mount Isa copper smelter, which could lead to a significant shift in local copper production.

As the community navigates this new chapter, the success of Austral Resources at Rocklands will depend not only on the company's operational strategies but also on its ability to foster a cooperative relationship with the residents of Cloncurry. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this acquisition can truly herald a new era for the Rocklands Copper Mine and its surrounding community.