Aerial photograph of Mount Isa Mines, ca. 1935

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Where: Queensland, Mount Isa, Australia

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When: Unknown

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Creator:
Queensland Newspapers Pty Ltd.

Location: Mount Isa, Queensland.

View the original image at the State Library of Queensland: onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/dls06p/alma...

Information about State Library of Queensland’s collection: www.slq.qld.gov.au/research-collections.

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Owner: State Library of Queensland, Australia
Source: Flickr Commons
Views: 445
queensland statelibraryofqueensland kalkadoon outbacktowns history mountisa johnoxleylibary john oxley library old photographs collection mining aerial view hilly grounds power station

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  • profile

    Bazza155

    • 28/Feb/2023 07:51:06

    Date is correct as another boiler and alternator was installed at the Mine Power Station, bottom left, as it has two stacks. Also the height of the tailings dam also indicates the same date. Foreground is Railway yards and the lead smelter.

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    vesna0103

    • 16/Apr/2023 01:03:35

    Established in January 1924, Mount Isa Mines has grown from humble and isolated beginnings to become one of the world’s largest underground mining operations, and a business that has made a significant contribution to the growth and economic prosperity of Queensland. Lead ore was discovered at Mount Isa in 1923 by prospector John Campbell Miles. As word spread of his discovery, prospectors moved into the region, pegging out 118 leases by the end of 1923. It was engineer and entrepreneur William Corbould who consolidated the many mining leases on the field and established Mount Isa Mines in January 1924. Difficulties such as isolation, flooding, and low ore grades plagued the early years, and milling and smelter operations did not commence until May 1931. The mine survived due to William Corbould’s belief in the wealth of the ore body and its ability to attract significant investment from European and American investors. In the early years, Mount Isa Mines faced hardship in developing the mine and transporting ore to the port in Townsville. The first train pulled into Mount Isa in April 1929, and it was this line that went on to become the State’s most profitable, providing the state government with the capital to revitalize other rail lines throughout Queensland. In 1937 the company made its first operating profit, however, the first investor return of 20c per $2 share was not paid until July 1947. Source: leaders.slq.qld.gov.au/inductees/mount-isa-mines/