# Glencore mining and Australian critical minerals policy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/glencore-mining-and-australian-critical-minerals-policy
> Updated: 2026-08-25T07:20:40.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 4.

In early July, Glencore announced it would cease operations at the Glendell mining site in New South Wales and filed an application for a water‑storage permit, indicating a shift in its local mining activities.

Later in the month, the Queensland government unveiled a $146 million four‑year critical minerals strategy, titled “Delivering Queensland’s Critical Minerals Future 2026–30,” aimed at expanding domestic extraction, processing, refining, and manufacturing. The plan seeks to build sovereign capability, create regional jobs, and shield supply chains from geopolitical disruptions. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last noted the strategy aims to provide long‑term policy stability and streamlined approvals to attract overseas investors, citing interest from firms in Indonesia and Japan.

Alongside the strategy, political leaders, including LNP politician Robbie Katter, urged Glencore to stop “land‑banking” its Mount Isa copper assets. There have been calls for “use it or lose it” provisions to ensure the company develops its 151 million tonne copper ore deposit rather than holding the mineral rights idle.

By late August, Queensland moved to implement these objectives through new legislation. The State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 was passed, allowing certain projects to be declared State Strategic Projects to accelerate investment and streamline approvals. Additionally, the state awarded $12.5 million in grants through the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grant Program to support advanced equipment and productivity across various industries.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Queensland implements new manufacturing grants and critical minerals laws

Queensland is advancing its industrial sector through $12.5 million in manufacturing grants, new critical minerals legislation to streamline investment, and CSIRO programs for AI and digital technology R&D.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/queensland-implements-new-manufacturing-grants-and-critical-minerals-laws

### 2026-08-03: Queensland launches critical minerals strategy to boost sector

Queensland unveiled a $146 million, four‑year critical‑minerals strategy to accelerate extraction, processing and export, promising stable policy and attracting overseas investors such as Indonesia and Japan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/queensland-launches-critical-minerals-strategy-to-boost-sector

### 2026-07-29: Queensland launches $146m critical minerals plan, warns Glencore on land‑banking

Queensland unveils a $146 m critical minerals plan to boost processing and jobs, while demanding Glencore develop its Mt Isa copper assets or lose them.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/queensland-launches-146m-critical-minerals-plan-warns-glencore-on-landbanking

### 2026-07-02: Glencore ends mining at New South Wales Glendell site and seeks water‑storage permit

Glencore has stopped coal mining at the Glendell site in New South Wales and is applying for a permit to use the Barrett Pit for water storage under the GRAWTS scheme through 2039.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/glencore-ends-mining-at-new-south-wales-glendell-site-and-seeks-waterstorage-permit

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Cite as: Glencore mining and Australian critical minerals policy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/glencore-mining-and-australian-critical-minerals-policy