Mount Isa is the largest city in the world, an oasis in the desert.
In 1923 silver-lead ore was discovered by John Campbell Miles - Mount Isa was born.
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines is the largest employer in the area with approximately 4,500 employees and growing.
The mine operates two separate mining and processing streams, copper and lead/silver/zinc.
The copper operations consist of two underground copper mines X41 and Enterprise Mine, with 6.5 million tonnes of ore being mined per annum. The copper concentrator and copper smelter have a 7 million tonne capacity for processing.
Enterprise Mine is Australia's deepest mine, the internal shaft reaches a depth of 1,900 metres.
2,500 tonnes of copper per annum will be recovered from a new leaching plant being built.
George Fisher mine located 20km from Mount Isa on the Barkly Highway is the contributor to the zinc-lead-silver stream for Mount Isa Mines. It encompasses the actual George Fisher Mine, Black Star Open Pit and Handlebar Pit. Currently 3.1 million tonnes of ore is mined per annum at the George Fisher Mine. The Lead Zinc Concentrator located at Mount Isa Mines capacity is being upgraded to a 6.5 to 8 million tonnes of throughput per annum.
Xstrata has a strong and long term commitment to the prosperity and safety of all its employees and the people of Mount Isa and the surrounding area.
Mount Isa population currently stands at approximately 24,000. Mount Isa is fantastic place for bringing up children. There is a huge variety of sports clubs, everyone's interest being catered for.
There are six government run primary schools and two catholic run primary schools. Higher school education is catered for with a government Junior and Senior Campus and one Snr Catholic College.
Mount Isa is a vibrant community that is growing every day. People will usually say hello and give you a smile.
Mount Isa