New research has suggested mining giant Xstrata’s operations in Mt Isa have caused lead poisoning in some of the city’s children.

An article in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Pollution has linked air-borne particles to the high concentration of lead previously found in local children. Lead poisoning can result in many negative health effects, including irreversible brain damage.

 Xstrata has previously denied responsibility for Mt Isa’s lead exposure, blaming nearby natural deposits. Researcher Professor Mark Taylor now says he found lead with a distinct ‘chemical signature’ matching Xstrata's mining operations.

"I think nobody's done this sort of work before because nobody's been commissioned to do the study, nobody's wanted to find out necessarily the answer," he said.

The researcher’s claims have been countered by the mining companies and local politicians before, Mt Isa Mayor Tony McGrady says there is nothing new in the report and is critical of Professor Taylor's history.