North Queensland’s CopperString project is looking to employ Townsville locals for the next phase of the critical minerals project.
The CopperString project involves building 840km of new electricity transmission line from Townsville to Mount Isa. With half a billion dollars in critical minerals invested in the project, CopperString will connect the largest renewable energy zone on the east coast of Australia.
This week, 35 new apprentices and graduates from across Queensland began their careers with Powerlink, the leading company of the project.
An additional 22 employees will also begin work at CopperString in the coming weeks.
“It’s important Powerlink have a base of workers in Townsville to deliver this project which will help unlock billions of dollars in critical mineral deposits,” Queensland Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart said.
“On my recent trade delegation to the United States, government and businesses were excited to hear how CopperString would unlock more opportunities for critical minerals.”
Powerlink has released 50 work packages for expressions of interest which cover a range of services, including engineering, construction, environmental management, logistics, camp construction, haulage and communications.
“Not only does this project benefit workers in industries like engineering and construction, but it also means big benefits to small business,” Queensland Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Minister Mick de Brenni said.
“Powerlink has already injected more than $400,000 into the north Queensland economy, and from local cleaners to caterers, bakers to baristas, the economic benefit of CopperString and projects that deliver cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy will continue to be significant.”
The project is expected to be completed in 2029.
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