Mining Australia: Today & Yesterday

Companies have been mining Australia for silver and copper since the 1840s. The mines may have prevented the colonies from going bankrupt. So, they have played a significant role in Australian history.

Copper was discovered at Kapunda in 1842 and at Burra in 1845. Mining began at the aptly named Copper Triangle in 1861.

The discovery of gold in Victoria was responsible for making Melbourne the large city that it is today. Prior to the 1851 discovery, the population was less than 450,000. By 1861, there were over a million people in the colony.

Many of the goldfields were exhausted by the end of the 19th century, but Australian mines existing today make the country the fourth largest gold producer in the world. Only South Africa, China and the US produce more.

In addition to gold, silver and copper, there are bauxite, iron, coal and diamond mines. The country is the third largest producer of iron ore and diamonds. It ranks fourth in terms of coal production.

There are also oil and natural gas deposits. Although not one of the largest producers of petroleum, the industry still contributes to the economy and the gross natural product. About 35% of the products exported from the continent are minerals.

Nearly 150,000 people are directly employed by the companies mining Australia today. An untold number are supported by the operations indirectly.

Towns like Broken Hill and Mount Isla started out as company towns. Roxby Downs and Leigh Creek are still. The mines own much of the real estate and are involved directly or indirectly in the small businesses.

Some of Australia's mines are far from major towns and highways. The Challenger gold mine is an example. There is no company town. The Dominion plant is about the only thing out there. They own and operate an airport that flies employees in and out on a rotating basis.

Dominion has only been mining Australia since 2001. The first shipment of gold bullion was sent out in October of 2002. About 95 employees reside in the village, at least on a part time basis.

There is expected to be a good deal of job growth in Australia's mineral industry over the next decade. If you have yet to decide on a career or think that you might be interested in a change, take a few courses, learn how to drive dump trucks and put together your resume. Soon you could be mining Australia, too.

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