Jobs saved at Qld copper operations

Hundreds of Queensland mining jobs have been taken off the chopping block.

Glencore's Mount Isa Mines copper smelter and Townsville copper refinery were due to close in 2016 and 2017 respectively but will now remain operational until the end of 2022 following the finalisation of new environmental licensing conditions.

The decision ultimately secures 800 direct jobs across Glencore's north Queensland supply chain, the company said on Tuesday.