"The Mount Isa community can take a hit and get back up, the copper mine closure is taking a hit, I don't know whether it can take two hits in quick succession," Mr Peterson said.

Mount Isa has been one of two major domestic sources of the mineral since 1953 when it became a one-stop-shop for copper production — mine, concentrator and smelter all next door to each other.

Mount Isa, Townsville Glencore operations at risk of being put into care and maintenance mode Jarrod Bleiije says Glencore “owe it” to the people of Mount Isa and Townsville to look after its ...