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Financial Indicators: Manufacturing
The Manufacturing sector contributed $1.8 billion (or 13.7%) to MITEZ GRP in 2006-07, up 13.1% from 2005-06 levels. In terms of employment, in 2006-07 manufacturing accounted for 8.1% of total employment in the MITEZ region, a slight increase from 8.0% in the previous year.
The MITEZ region is a globally significant mineral processing base with three major processing plants located near Townsville:
- MIMs Copper Refinery in Townsville was commissioned in 1959, and is Australias largest copper refinery with an annual production capacity of 270,000 tonnes of copper cathode that is produced to a 99.95% pure grade A copper standard for export.
- BHP Billitons Yabulu Nickel Refinery, located 25 kilometres north of Townsville, is internationally recognised for the high quality, purity and low levels of trace elements present in the production of high quality nickel and cobalt. The Refinery is also able to produce a wide range of nickel and cobalt products as a special service to niche market segment clients. Nickel and cobalt production capacity is approximately 32,000 tonnes and 1,900 tonnes each year respectively. BHP Billiton has recently completed a $450 million expansion to the Refinery, which will significant increase production and extend the life of the operation.
- Sun Metals Zinc Refinery near Townsville was constructed in 1997 and processed approximately 400,000 tonnes of zinc concentrates annually and producing some 200,000 tonnes of zinc metal. An important by-product of the refining process is the 360,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid that is used elsewhere in the MITEZ region to produce high quality fertilisers.
In addition to these, the Mount Isa Copper Mine Smelter, built in 1978, is one of the largest smelting operations in Australia. Copper and lead are smelted onsite at the Mount Isa mine, producing copper anode, zinc concentrate and lead ingots. The Smelter produces approximately 190,000 tonnes of copper concentrate and 240,000 tonnes of copper anode each year. Product from the Smelter is generally transported to MIMs Copper Refinery in Townsville.
Aside from mineral processing, the region is well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by horticultural processing and value-added food production. The region has a huge surface water runoff, albeit on a highly seasonal basis, that may in the future drive new agriculture developments. Advantages in advanced manufacturing and tropical science and expertise facilities in the region provide potential investors the opportunity to manufacture and supply niche horticultural products for export.
Comprehensive infrastructure networks including an international airport, energy, water, rail, road and telecommunications networks, and deepwater port facilities also lend support to the Manufacturing sector in Townsville.
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