Macquarie University scientists say their research provides conclusive evidence for the Government to act on the contamination.
Professor Mark Taylor said the combined effects of historic and contemporary emissions were the definitive cause of environmental lead contamination that had dogged the northern mining city for decades.
His study used lead isotopic finger-printing techniques to attack the long-held government and mining argument that contamination was due to natural mineralisation.
"The data we’ve generated for this research provides conclusive and unequivocal information for the state’s regulatory authorities who are responsible for Mount Isa’s environmental remediation and human health protection," Prof Taylor said.
"Xstrata and Queensland Government agencies have long disputed the industrial source of environmental lead, arguing that the elevated lead in local children comes from natural surface exposures of ore bodies.
"This is fundamentally and scientifically incorrect and this study provides sufficient evidence to bring closure to that distracting debate."
He said Mount Isa residents should be informed about the contamination so they could make choices about risks in their jobs and lives.
"The people of Mount Isa deserve the same protection from air, soil and water contamination as is afforded to the rest of Queensland and Australia," he said.
The research potentially could open up a legal hornet's nest, with lawyers already taking legal action over seven children with high blood lead levels.
In 2010, testing of 136 children found seven had excess blood lead levels.
Slater and Gordon lawyer Damian Scattini, who is acting for children with lead poisoning, was not able to comment yesterday because the matter was before the court.
In 2010, he accused the Government of downplaying the contamination issue.
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