The Queensland Government has committed a record $3.2 billion to CopperString ahead of the 2026-27 State Budget, backing the transmission project expected to strengthen power supply across the North West Minerals Province (NWMP).
Designed to connect Mount Isa and north-west Queensland to the national electricity grid through Townsville, CopperString is expected to support existing mining operations and future critical minerals developments across the region.
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive officer (CEO) Janette Hewson said the commitment sends a strong signal to investors considering opportunities in the NWMP.
“Investors are looking for regions that support the development of future-facing resources with infrastructure, including those needed for energy and water,” she said.
The upcoming Queensland Budget will include $420 million in 2026-27 funding as part of the broader $3.2 billion commitment, an $800 million increase on the $2.4 billion committed in last year’s budget.
Access to reliable power remains a key challenge for resource development in north-west Queensland.
“A reliable and affordable energy supply is crucial to unlocking the region’s significant potential to be a major global supplier of critical minerals,” Hewson said.
The NWMP is estimated to hold up to $700 billion worth of critical minerals and hosts significant copper, zinc, lead, silver and phosphate resources.
Construction activity is also gathering pace, with work now underway at the Flinders Substation near Hughenden ahead of bulk earthworks scheduled to begin next month.
“Momentum is building with workers on-site at the Flinders Substation breaking ground right now, an exciting step forward as we deliver CopperString for the North and North West,” Queensland Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said.
The State Government said the funding would support construction of the Eastern Link and preparation works on the Western Link through the North West Energy Fund.
The Government has also committed $200 million to the North West Energy Fund to support electricity generation, storage and reliability projects across the region while CopperString is developed.