Harmony Gold Mining has received a conditional grant of A$20.7m ($13.54m) from the Queensland Government in Australia for its Eva Copper Mine Project.

The funding forms part of the Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Programme, which was launched to expedite resource projects in the North West Minerals Province over the next five years.

It is contingent upon Harmony reaching a positive FID by January 2026.

The funds are allocated for preparatory works at the project site near Cloncurry and Mount Isa, on the traditional lands of the Kalkadoon People.

Harmony’s preparatory works funded by the grant include the construction of site access roads, an upgrade of the Burke Developmental Road intersection, fencing, accommodation facilities, and other essential services and infrastructure.

The activities are part of a broader early works programme aimed at initiating copper production.

These developments follow the Queensland Government's designation of the Eva Copper Mine Project as a 'prescribed project' in March 2024, acknowledging its importance to the socioeconomic landscape of the state's North West region.

Expected to create around 800 construction jobs and 450 jobs when in operation, the Eva copper project is expected to have a 15-year minimum operational life.

Furthermore, the Queensland Government is providing A$5.77m in funding to North West Phosphate’s Paradise South mine and A$2.33m funding to the Vecco Critical Minerals Project.

Queensland Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals Scott Stewart said: “Queensland’s North West Minerals Province has an abundance of critical minerals that can support Australia’s transition to a clean energy future.

“Our Critical Minerals Strategy seeks to help unlock these opportunities and capitalise on the potential for about $500bn in resources in this region alone.

“Our investments are supporting development of these resources and creating enabling infrastructure, while safeguarding our regional communities.”