In short: The Mount Isa copper smelter is set to close in 2030. Mining giant Glencore is looking for a government bailout so it can continue operating ahead of that time.

"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.

A seismic change has struck Mount Isa after the state government announced it’ll reduce rail charges for new phosphate mines, fast-track the Eva Copper project to construction, and more.

A seismic change has struck Mount Isa after the state government announced it’ll reduce rail charges for new phosphate mines, fast-track the Eva Copper project to construction, and more.