Mount Isa Mines (Xstrata 100%) operates two separate mining and processing streams, copper and zinc-lead-silver. Mount Isa Mines’ zinc operations include an underground zinc-lead mine – George Fisher from which 3.1 million tonnes of ore is mined per annum, and two open pit zinc-lead mines –Black Star and Handlebar Hill; a concentrator with 6.5 million tonnes throughput per annum capacity; and a lead smelter.

The Handlebar Hill open pit mine is being developed and from the second half of 2008 should provide 1.75 million tonnes per year for the next three years.

Xstrata Zinc is expanding the Mount Isa zinc concentrator from 6.5 to 8 million tonnes of throughput per annum.

Prospector John Campbell Miles discovered silver-lead ore at Mount Isa in 1923. Mining began the following year and Mount Isa Mines was formed. During Mount Isa Mines’ early years the company focussed on zinc-lead-silver production with only a brief period of copper production during World War II. Parallel production of zinc-lead-silver and copper did not begin until 1953.

Xstrata acquired Mount Isa Mines in June 2003 through its MIM Holdings Limited acquisition.

In May 2006, Xstrata opened a new vocational and trade-based training facility in Mount Isa. The Xstrata Skills Centre consists of a series of lecture facilities and four training workshops: a metal fabrication workshop; fitting workshop; electrical workshop; and a diesel workshop. The centre will be used as a training facility for current employees, while also providing new career opportunities for people within the region. In 2006, Xstrata welcomed 96 apprentices to its Mount Isa Mines operation and anticipates apprentice intake will increase significantly from 2007.