Breaking: Tasmania's Mount Lyell copper mine to reopen in boost for west coast

The historic Mt Lyell copper mine, situated near the Tasmanian town of Queenstown on the west coast, is set to reopen, bringing new economic opportunities to the region. Mining conglomerate Sibanye-Stillwater has received board approval to restart operations, which were halted in 2014 following the tragic deaths of three workers and a damaging rockfall that damaged underground infrastructure.

The mine, once a pillar of the local economy for over a century, had been operated by Copper Mines of Tasmania before being acquired by Sibanye-Stillwater in 2023. Mayor Shane Pitt of the West Coast Council expressed excitement over the news, stating that the mine's reopening would "breath new life into our region." The company anticipates starting work early next year, with full production set to begin in early 2029, contingent on a $490 million capital investment.

This will create more than 300 jobs and generate significant economic benefits for the surrounding area, including flow-on effects for local contractors, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses, and retailers. Sibanye-Stillwater plans to power the mine using hydropower, employ increased automation, and adhere to stringent environmental regulations to close the mine in a sustainable manner.

While the mine's restart is met with hope, the area's environmental legacy remains a concern, as historic mining practices have severely impacted nearby rivers and stripped the surrounding hills of vegetation. Sibanye-Stillwater is actively exploring solutions such as mine-water treatment, progressive rehabilitation, and the strategic placement of potentially acid-forming materials to address these ongoing issues.