Local Government
Port Hedland
Region
Pilbara
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
20 km North of Port Hedland
Location Details
Other Name(s)
Du Pont Ammunition Bunkers
Construction Date
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 23 Aug 2017 |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - To be assessed | Current | 24 Sep 2010 |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 28 Nov 2007 | Category 2 |
Category 2 |
|
Statement of Significance
Du Pont explosives bunkers are significant for their association with the iron ore development in the region.
Physical Description
The external view is natural earth with a series of ventilators central along the roof of both bunkers. The entry reveals the Nissan hut form and material of the bunkers, with corrugated iron interiors with no structural elements. Concrete retaining is in place each side.
The Dupont Explosives Bunkers are located above ground with earth coverings.
History
The Imperial Chemical Industries of Australia and New Zealand (ICI) constructed Australia’s first explosives plant near Port Hedland in 1967. ICI were contracted by Goldsworthy Mining Ltd to supply explosives for the iron ore project. The first production of explosives at the plant, costing $500,000 including planned extensions to the plant, was scheduled for December 1967. They stored mining explosives used throughout the area. They needed to be located away from the town area in case of accidental explosions. They were in use for about 15 years before safer alternative explosives were introduced.
Integrity/Authenticity
Integrity: Moderate degree
Authenticity: High degree
Changes to place Minimal evident.
Condition
Fair to good (vandalism)
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| J Hardie; "Nor’ Westers of the Pilbara breed: The story of brave ancestors who pioneered the outback Pilbara of Western Australia". | The Shire of Port Hedland, | ||
| A Bloeman & T Parker; "Hedland Voices: a visual and oral record celebrating the first hundred years of the Town of Port Hedland 1896-1996". | Town of Port Hedland/Port Hedland Historical Society, | 1997 |
Other Keywords
Dupont Explosives Bunkers (2)
Place Type
Individual Building or Group
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Other |
| Present Use | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | CONCRETE | Concrete Block |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Immigration, emigration & refugees |
Creation Date
23 Dec 2010Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
22 Jul 2021Disclaimer
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.