Western Australia is a treasure trove of mineral resources, and its mining towns are the lifeblood of the state’s economy. This comprehensive guide takes you on a journey through 15 of Western Australia’s most prominent mining towns, shedding light on the mines, the companies behind them, and the valuable commodities they extract.
1. Kalgoorlie “City Of Gold”
Kalgoorlie, the “City of Gold,” is famous for its rich gold deposits. The Super Pit is one of the world’s largest open-pit gold mines, contributing significantly to Australia’s gold production.
- Prominent Mine: Super Pit
- Mining Company: Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM)
- Commodity: Gold
2. Port Hedland Iron ore and more
Port Hedland is a major export hub for iron ore, with its port handling vast quantities of this valuable commodity from nearby mines.
- Prominent Mine: Port Hedland Port
- Mining Company: Various Companies
- Commodity: Iron Ore
3. BHP’s Pilbara Iron Ore Mines
Newman is located in the Pilbara region and hosts multiple iron ore mines, a cornerstone of BHP’s iron ore operations.
- Mines: Mount Whaleback, Jimblebar, Yandi, Mining Area C
- Mining Company: BHP
- Commodities: High-grade iron ore
4. Rio Tinto’s Pilbara Iron Ore Mines
Paraburdoo, also in the Pilbara region, contributes to Rio Tinto’s iron ore exports.
- Mines: Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Brockman
- Mining Company: Rio Tinto
- Commodities: Iron ore
5. Kalbarri’s Golden Legacy
Kalbarri’s mining history is intertwined with gold production, with Grace Mine being a notable contributor.
- Prominent Mine: Grace Mine
- Mining Company: Murchison Goldfields
- Commodity: Gold
6. Leonora: Preserving the Golden Heritage
Leonora’s mining legacy is closely tied to the Sons of Gwalia gold mine, which played a significant role in the region’s history.
- Prominent Mine: Sons of Gwalia Mine
- Mining Company: Sons of Gwalia
- Commodity: Gold
7. Laverton’s Riches Below
Laverton is known for the productive Granny Smith Gold Mine, a key asset for Gold Fields.
- Prominent Mine: Granny Smith Gold Mine
- Mining Company: Gold Fields
- Commodity: Gold
8. Kambalda’s Nickel Legacy
Kambalda has a rich nickel mining history, with several mines in the area contributing to Australia’s nickel production.
- Prominent Mine: Kambalda Nickel Mines
- Mining Company: Various Companies
- Commodity: Nickel
9. Mount Magnet “Hill 50”
Mount Magnet’s mining heritage is highlighted by the historic Hill 50 Gold Mine, now operated by Ramelius Resources.
- Prominent Mine: Hill 50 Gold Mine
- Mining Company: Ramelius Resources
- Commodity: Gold
10. Coolgardie’s Legacy
Coolgardie was at the heart of the Western Australian gold rush, and the town’s mining legacy continues with operations like the Coolgardie Gold Mine.
- Prominent Mine: Coolgardie Gold Mine
- Mining Company: Focus Minerals
- Commodity: Gold
11. Leonora’s Gold
Leonora’s Gwalia Gold Mine is renowned for its historical significance and ongoing gold production under St Barbara Limited.
- Prominent Mine: Gwalia Gold Mine
- Mining Company: St Barbara Limited
- Commodity: Gold
12. Boulder’s Super Pit
Boulder is closely linked to the iconic Fimiston Super Pit, a world-renowned gold mining operation.
- Prominent Mine: Fimiston Super Pit
- Mining Company: Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM)
- Commodity: Gold
13. Wiluna
Wiluna is home to the Wiluna Gold Mine, a significant gold producer managed by Wiluna Mining Corporation.
- Prominent Mine: Wiluna Gold Mine
- Mining Company: Wiluna Mining Corporation
- Commodity: Gold
14. Norseman’s History
Norseman boasts the historic Harlequin Gold Mine, which continues to contribute to Australia’s gold production under Pantoro Limited.
- Prominent Mine: Harlequin Gold Mine
- Mining Company: Pantoro Limited
- Commodity: Gold
15. Laverton’s Thunderbox
Laverton’s Thunderbox Gold Mine is a noteworthy contributor to Australia’s gold industry, operated by Saracen Mineral Holdings.
- Prominent Mine: Thunderbox Gold Mine
- Mining Company: Saracen Mineral Holdings
- Commodity: Gold
We’ve journeyed through the heart of Western Australia’s mining marvels, each a testament to human ingenuity and the bountiful resources that lie beneath the earth’s surface. From the colossal machines of Pilbara to the golden riches of Kalgoorlie and the rare treasures of Mount Weld, these mines represent Western Australia!