Construction has begun on CopperString 2032’s second workforce accommodation site in Richmond, marking another significant milestone for the ambitious project set to transform Queensland’s North West.
The 840-kilometre transmission line corridor, known as CopperString 2032, aims to unlock the $500 billion North West Minerals Province and establish one of the largest Renewable Energy Zones in Australia.
Powerlink, the state-owned corporation responsible for the project, has officially broken ground in Richmond for the new accommodation site.
The ceremony featured local school children turning the first sod, symbolising the project’s long-term benefits for future generations.
The Richmond facility, scheduled for completion in mid to late 2025, will house up to 250 construction workers.
These workers will be responsible for constructing the nearby substation and advancing the transmission line westward towards Mount Isa.
CopperString 2032 is poised to unlock an estimated $500 billion worth of critical mineral deposits in the North West Minerals Province.
The Richmond and Julia Creek area is particularly significant, hosting one of the world’s largest vanadium deposits.
Scott Stewart, Minister for Critical Minerals and Resources, emphasised the project’s importance, stating: “This is the largest ever expansion to the state’s publicly owned energy system and requires a workforce of more than 800 to deliver. The North West is rich with critical minerals and today we are one step closer to unlocking this huge potential and future economy.”
Tom Dockray, CopperString 2032 Project Director, provided an update on the project’s progress, stating: “In July we commenced construction in Hughenden and launched our Supplier Capability Development Program, in August we opened the Experience Centre in Townsville and now in September we have broken ground in Richmond. We are progressing rapidly and are on track to construct CopperString by 2029.”
The commencement of construction in Richmond marks another step forward for CopperString 2032, a project that promises to revolutionise Queensland’s energy infrastructure and mineral resources sector.
