Old Ironclad Battery

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Statement of Significance

The Battery at the former Ironclad Mine has historic and scientific significance. It represents an important period of mining history in the late 1880s when hopes of finding abundant gold resources were running high in the Pilbara region.

Physical Description

The Ironclad Battery is a relic from yesteryear found in a bush setting. The remains are of a ten stamp battery. The iron and wood frame rests on solid foundations. Surrounding the Battery is debris left from the mine. Old bits of tin and engine parts can be found throughout the site.

History

The Ironclad Mine was one of the early successful mines of the Marble Bar district. Set up in 1892 it was a lease approximately 18 acres in size. It was held by a partnership of Jim Isdell, Matthews and Walsh. At first the gold bearing ore from the mine was taken for processing to the Huntingdon Mill (run by the Coongan Mining Co.) or to the "Welcome" battery. However, by 1895 they were producing so much ore it became feasible to set up their own battery. The Ironclad Mine also constructed a tramway linking the mine to the battery. The Ironclad crushing plant had 15 stampers, requiring a large amount of machinery to provide energy and water to drive the mill. The necessary water for the stamper was obtained from a good well on the lease. The boilers were fueled by wood and this employed a number of people to ensure supply. The Battery was officially opened in May 1895. The Ironclad Battery worked for a few years, crushing stone for the public. After about 3 or 4 years the mine closed down and the battery was moved to the Warrawoona district. A battery was relocated to the site from Shark's Gully by the Snell Brothers during the 1920s. At that time it was used only for a short period but it was later resurrected by the Comet Mine in the 1930s when the state battery would not cope with the prodigious amount of ore produced by the Comet. Once the Comet Mine built their own machinery this became redundant once more. Today it is visited by tourists owing to easy accessibility.

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Woodstock Homestead

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Statement of Significance

Architectural significance lies in its stone construction and the quality of the stone work in the earliest building. Very little stone work of this quality remains on Pilbara stations. It is a demonstration of a past way of life, first as a wayside pub and later as a station homestead. · It has historic links as the wayside pub on the old wagon route to the Tambourah goldfield.

Physical Description

The building was built in three stages. The earliest stage dating from 1883-4 has granite (pre Cambrian - 3600 million years old) walls which are now pointed in an embossed cement pointing . The stone central core is completely surrounded by verandahs, the western side of which , adjoining the verandah of the later kitchen block (dating from about 1914), is enclosed . The roof is hipped with vented gables . Immediately to the west stands the kitchen block also of granite with a simi lar roof but on an opposing axis . To the south is a newer wing. The whole of the roof sheeting has recently been replaced with new corrugated iron sheeting. The original homestead had 4 or 5 rooms and a kitchen, all in stone. The walls were made about 18" thick. Later, in 1914, when Draper and Parker held the lease a drawing room ..- also in stone - was added to the house. The difference in quality of the stonework is obvious. A verandah surrounded the .homestead and the verandah posts were cut from black heart wood.The roof was made of iron. The accommodation for travellers consisted of a shanty on a hill approximately 80 ya1 from the homestead. The shanty walls and roof were made of galvanized iron, the windows had wooden shutters. The shanty had 3 or 4 rooms. The bar-room was in the middle of the housea room approximately 20ft x 14ft. This room led onto the front verandah .

History

Assessment 1984 Construction 1883 onwards Stonemason: Edwards Woodstock station homestead was one of several wayside pubs on the old wagon route from Cossack-Roebourne to the Tambourah goldfield. (Others at Mallina (built in 1881) and Yandeearra (built in 1882). The Tambourah gold field discovered in 1883 had at one stage 500-600 men working, three pubs and a Post Office connected by telephone to Marble Bar - (this line was later dismantled). Billy Looke held the license at Wood stock and later when the goldfield petered out (c.1900) he took up a lease of the surrounding.country. The lease was held subsequently by Billy Pead, 1903-1910, then by Percy Draper and Robert Parker in partner­ ship 1911-1945. The original Woodstock homestead was built for Looke by a very skilled stoneman call ed _ Edwards. . Woodstock.was built in 1883 1884 and would have taken approximately six months to complete. Edwards had previously built \Villiambury on the Gascoyne. Soon after completion of Woodstock homestead Edwards committed suicide. After the W.A. Government bought the station from the Drapers in 1945 the house was occupied by the Suijendorps of the Dept of Agriculture for a period and subsequently by Tim Eely (of C.S.I.R.O. and his wife while doing research on the Euro - later a technician called Collett was there. It is now used by the W.A. Museum.

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Corunna Downs Wartime Air Base

Parent Place or Precinct

03695 Corunna Downs Station & Former Wartime Airbase

Condition

Fair

Uses

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Statement of Significance

This place has historic, scientific and social significance. Airforce Historian, Lindsay Peet. classed Corunna secret airbase as "strategically crucial to Australia's northern defence". Maintained under top secret security, Corunna was never located by Japanese reconnaissance. U.S. airmen and B-24 liberators based at Corunna hit Japanese targets in occupied Indonesia. A round trip to Surabaya was about 4,000 kms. These were the longest bombing raids flown anywhere before 1943. The base had a significant social influence on the township of Marble Bar.

Physical Description

There are two intersecting runways constructed of bitumen on compacted crushed stone base. The northsouth runway is 5.000 feet long and the east-west is 7,000 feet long. Both are 150 feet wide and linked by a 50 feet wide taxi-way. Off this taxi-way runs a loop road with about 20 aircraft bays. Set in spinifex scrub and near an iron-stone ridge, the base buildings were few - namely kitchen, hospital, administration and recreation huts. Only stone foundations remain.

Integrity/Authenticity

All that remains of Base buildings are concrete-raft floors, sewerage pits etc. Clearance sales in 1946 completely demolished removable materials. Airbase runways/revetments are intact & in fair condition.

Condition

Fair

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Government Buildings

Condition

The complex was built to house a Warden's Court, çMining Registrar's Office, Clerk of Courts, çPolice Station and quarters, native Welfare çOffice, Mines Department office and Post and çTelegraph Office. It is a very handsome, unified çand harmonious collection of government offices. çRoofed with corrugated galvanised iron, it is çconstructed in local stone which blends with the çcountryside, and is decorated with stucco window çdressings and quoins, painted white.

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Statement of Significance

These buildings, which are very much the heart of the town and district, are most distinguished architecturally and very solidly constructed, Their age, appearance and history necessitate their classification.

Physical Description

A very handsome, unified and harmonious collection of Government offices, roofed in Corrugated iron, the group is constructed of local stone which blends in with the countryside beautifully and is decorated with stucco window dressings and quoins, painted white.

History

Contract let for Marble Bar public buildings on 24.10.1894 for £7,949.11.2 to be completed 24.8.1895. Buildings included: Post & Telegraph office and quarters, Mining Registrar nd Warden’s Court, Police Station and Sergeant’s quarters.

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Statement of Significance

have been classified both by the National Trust and the Australian Heritage Commission. They have also been Interim Listed on the State Heritage Register. Historic, aesthetic and social aspects of the buildings are valued by the local community and many visitors to the district. They have unity of setting and townscape and streetscape value. They are a rare and outstanding example of government buildings constructed in the 1890s in a remote part of Western Australia.

Physical Description

The Government Buildings of Marble Bar have been described in the HCWA report as being situated on a triangle of land above Sandy Creek. "It is a very handsome, unified and harmonious collection of government offices. Roofed with corrugated iron, it is constructed in local stone which blends with the countryside, and is decorated with stucco window dressings and brick quoins painted white." The complex consists of four single storey and four double storey blocks. They are further described as "simple functional buildings, that are nevertheless well-proportioned with pleasant massing". The original plans included a clock tower, but it never eventuated. Today (1998) the Marble Bar Government buildings are screened from the street by closely planted gum trees that provide shade but also block the architectural streetscape value that the buildings could provide.

History

George Temple-Poole, famous WA architect of many public buildings, had a strong influence on the design of the Government offices. These included offices for the Mining Warden and the Mining Registrar, a Court House, Police Station and Quarters and the Post and Telegraph Office. Contract drawings were signed on 31st October 1894 with the successful contractor being Charles Darley of Perth. The contract price was £7,949 1 Is 2d and the date for completion was given as 27th August 1895. A local critic described the construction of the Government Buildings by saying: "When this work is completed, Marble Bar may hug to its bosom this White Elephant; this gigantic emblem of official stupidity and extravagance which will remain long after we are in our graves and forgotten; to mark at least one epoch in the history of Marble Bar." (p.219 To The Bar and Beyond.) However, despite such criticism, the Post Office and government buildings went on to provide solid service to Marble Bar residents. Soon after their opening in 1896 the Post Office and Telegraph Office became a repeater station and the Post Office was regarded as the departure point for coaches. Mining Registrars came and left, many with great rapidity. Between 1896-1917 there were approximately 11 mining registrars. Severe cyclones in 1925 and 1930 caused damage to the Goverment buildings which saw the removal of the once substantial tower. For many years the buildings were well occupied and today they are still in use by the Police, Mining Dept. and Community Welfare. They stand as a symbol of the advent of civilization to this remote gold mining centre.

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Veevers Crater

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Meentheena Geological Site

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Opthalmia Dam

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Statement of Significance

Opthalmia Dam has aesthetic, scientific and social significance for the Newman district. In a hot and arid landscape, it provides an attractive recreational area for local people and visitors. It plays a vital role in supplying Newman with a regular potable water supply.

Physical Description

Opthalmia Dam was built in 1981 with the assistance of Israeli scientists. The $30 million dam was designed to replenish underground water reserves from seasonal rain. The artesian water is pumped out to supply the town with a regular potable water supply. There is a series of rock walls creating the walls for the dam. The dam has a large surface area but the perception of depth is false as it rarely gets deeper than 2.5 metres. Recreational facilities, such as shelters, barbecues, and tables and benches are provided, but no power boats are allowed.

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Weeli Wolli Pool

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Statement of Significance

Weeli Wolli is a nautral unblemished environment with aesthetic, historic and scientific heritage values. Though not as spectacular as many other water holes in the Newman region, Weeli Wolli still attracts visitors as it is accessible for most of the year. It is a permanent water supply, whereas some of the other pools are seasonal. The date palms left by the cameleers are some of the few reminders of this era of unique transportation. Camels made an important contribution to traversing the harsh isolated areas of WA in the 1890s until well after the turn of the century. Hardier than donkeys and horses, camels could travel long distances with little water, which made them invaluable in arid regions. Their carers and drivers were often Afghans who planted palms and trees for shade on their return journeys. The camel gave way to motor transport during the 1920s -30s.

Physical Description

Situated on the Weeli Wolli Creek is a series of permanent pools and small waterfalls forming a location known locally as Weeli Wolli. The clear water flows for almost 5kms, providing a haven for fish and bird life. Majestic paperbarks and river gums growing to 30 metres high line the watercourse. Large date palms, a remnant of cameleer days, are scattered amongst the paperbarks. Weeli Wolli is an ideal location for a picnic, with fresh flowing water nearby, pools to relax in on a hot day and plenty of shade. Weeli Wolli can be reached easily by 4WD. The trip takes approximately 1.5 hrs through spectacular scenery. There is no camping allowed at Weeli Wolli.

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Kalgans Pool

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Statement of Significance

Kalgans Pool has aesthetic and social significance. It is an attractive popular natural waterhole that never dries up. It is visited by tourists and local people alike for swimming and picnicking. The large gum tree on the banks of the river/waterhole supports a rope for swinging into the water. There use to be a flying fox across the water but this is no longer there (disappeared in 1996). This is one of a number of waterholes in the district. Others include Eagle Rock, Stuart Pool, Three Pools and Poonda.

Physical Description

Kalgans Pool is located at the end of a meandering 4WD track that leads into the Opthalmia Range. The pool is formed at the bottom of a rich red cliff that dominates the scene. The pool never dries up and nobody knows how deep it is. The pool has waterfalls feeding it during the wet season. The pool is also fed by Kalgans Creek/River. There is a swimming 'tarzan' rope over the pool.

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Mosque

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Statement of Significance

The mosque has historic, cultural and social significance. It is used as a place of worship by the local Muslim community, consisting currently of about 13 families. The community is made up of Arabs, Albanians and Malays. There is no resident Imam in Newman, so the leadership function is shared by members of the community. The mosque reflects the cultural diversity to be found in Newman.

Physical Description

The mosque is a an octagonal (to be verified), two storey building, constructed of metal Trimdeck. It is accessed by means of external stairs. It was formerly the common room for the original single men's quarters, and it was moved to its current location in the late 1980s. The mosque is used daily by some Muslim people, and is open on Fridays for the special prayers sessions held then.

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Newman Recreation Club

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Statement of Significance

These buildings have historic and social heritage significance. In an isolated mining town like Newman, recreational facilities are extremely importants as a focus for community activities. The Newman Recreation Club is due to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 1997.

Physical Description

The Newman Recreation Club was built in two stages. The first structure was the brick hall, built in 1969. This low building with a gently pitched roof, was used for various community activities. It is not known exactly when the squash courts or the rest of the Club buildings were constructed (cl972). {More information needed)

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BHP Iron Ore Silver Jubilee Museum Gallery and Newman Tourist Information Centre

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Statement of Significance

The BHP Iron Ore Jubilee Museum Galleiy has aesthetic, historic and social heritage significance. It represents a joint venture between BHP and the local community, and is a facility to be enjoyed by both local people and visitors to the district. The stained glass window is an outstanding piece of craftsmanship.

Physical Description

There are two adjoining buildings on the site . The Newman Tourist Information Centre was built first in 1991-92 , and the BHP Iron Ore Silver Jubilee Museum Gallery (Museum Gallery) followed in 1994-95. The Tourist Centre building is a simple rammed earth structure with a gabled colourbond roof, and a verandah on three sides. The top half of the gabled wall is timber, and is overlaid with the name. 'Newman Tourist Information Centre and Museum' in large letters. The adjoining Museum Gallery is a larger, more complex building, also with rammed earth walls and a colourbond roof. It also has a wide verandah under the eaves. The two buildings are linked by a covered walkway. A unique feature in the Museum Gallery is the magnificent stained glass window on the east side. The window is 9m long and 2.5m wide. It is triangular, and is made up of a number of shaped panels. The design shows a typical Pilbara scene and features the Hamersley Ranges, wildflowers. spinifex, rocks and snappy gum. Jade from the Pilbara was cut to 3mm thickness, polished and used to represent trees and rocks. Also housed inside the gallery is the restored Ford Thames truck, made famous by Stan Hilditch who discovered the potential of Mt Whaleback in 1957. In an area behind the Tourist Centre is a large collection of museum items, mostly relating to the mining industry. Some of the exhibits are very large, like the haulpak truck parked at the front of the building.

History

The BHP Iron Ore Jubilee Museum and Gallery is the result of a joint project between BHP and the community. For BHP's Silver Jubilee in 1995 they wished to give something back to the community. After some consultation the Newman people requested an arts gallery to be built next to the Tourist Bureau. The rammed earth construction was to create a continuity between the Tourist Bureau and the new Art Gallery. The building was opened in Feb 1995. The magnificent stained glass window is a striking feature of the building. The design was a joint effort by the Apel family of Mallina Station, near Port Hedland, and a Sydney artist. Norma Birrell. Local craftspeople worked to put it all together, using the community hall as a workshop. The window took 14 days to assemble. The Art Gallery has had a number of people through its doors since its opening but in 1997 it is going through some changes in direction.

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Newman Primary School

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Statement of Significance

The Newman Primary School has historic and social heritage. It was the first school in Newman, and continues to provide quality education to many of the children in the town.

Physical Description

The Newman Primary School consists of a group of low, rectangular buildings, some single storey, and others two-story. It has been built in stages, beginning with a single 6-classroom block in 1969. The two storey building has a verandah at both levels, supported on the upper level by metal posts. Light is provided bv many windows on the upper level. A variety of trees provide shade for the students.

History

Newman Primary School officially started in June 1968. The first teacher was Mrs Rosemary Wilson who, owing to illness, had to be replaced by Jim Hopkins until her return. Lessons were first conducted to 15 children in a house and were then moved to a disused hall (the Old Homestead Mess), until the Primary School was built. The classes at the Old Homestead Mess required the children to be bussed from town to the mess, then home for lunch, return to school and finally home. The permanent Primary School of six classrooms was opened for the new school year in 1969. It was built to provide an education for the children of the people who had come to work in the mine or provide services for the people of Newman. The school was built as an extendable building with 6 classrooms. The school started with 80 studens of both primary and high school age. In the mid 1970s the population of Newman was 5.000. of which 3.000 were children. The average age of people in the town was 11 years. By 1973 the number of students had risen to 676 students. A Senior High School was opened and in 1976 a second primary school was built when student numbers increased to over 700 pupils. A kindergarten was also built. By 1994 there were 362 students at Newman Primary. Despite the isolation of Newman from other communities, the school counteracts remoteness with a well resourced school, supported ably by an active Parents and Citizens Committee and by BHP Iron Ore.

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Shire of East Pilbara Administration Centre

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Statement of Significance

The Shire of East Pilbara Administration Centre has aesthetic, historic and social significance. It is the main administration centre of'the largest Shire in Australia', where local government functions are carried out by the Shire Council and the Shire Officers. The immense distances in the East Pilbara create some administrative difficulties, so there are Shire Offices in three locations - in Marble Bar, Nullagine and Newman. The East Pilbara Shire has a population of 9,600 (1998 WA Municipal Directory) and employs a full time staff of 78 employees. It has an income of $10,617,913.

Physical Description

The Shire of East Pilbara Administration Centre is located in Kalgan Drive, adjacent to the Library and Hedland College. It is a low, light face brick building, with painted timber fascia boards, and an entrance porch supported by painted timber posts. The building blends in effectively with its surroundings. The original structure, built in 1981, has been extended a few times, the most recent renovations taking place in 1995-96. The Council Chamber has an external door at the front of the building for easy access. The Shire Offices were built after the town was 'normalised' in July 1981, when BHP Iron Ore opened the town, and handed over administration to an elected Shire Council. To legalise the transaction a payment of $1 was made to BHP Iron Ore. Newman was the first Pilbara 'company' town transferred to a local authority.

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Newman War Memorial, Newman Club

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Newman Hospital

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Statement of Significance

The Newman District Hospital has historic and social significance. It has provided essential medical care residents of Newman and the outlying district since 1968. The mural project in 1995 transformed a bare ward into a colourful place to be enjoyed by sick children.

Physical Description

The Newman District Hospital is a low, flat, face brick building with a verandah across the front elevation, supported by metal posts. The flat roof is not visible. When the hospital opened in 1970 it had 6 beds, plus a theatre, labour ward, x-ray and outpatients departments. By mid 1971 a further 6 beds were added and 6 months later further beds were added. Since then two original wards have been converted into the larger childrens ward. In late 1995 this ward was decorated with murals by a local artist, assisted by local volunteers.

History

This is the second hospital in Newman and was built in 1970. The first, temporary hospital was located at 30 Mindarra Street. Next to the house were consulting rooms, x-ray facilities and dispensary for the doctor, Dr Peter Eckharl. There were no kitchen facilities so the mine provided the meals for the hospital. The first baby born in Newman arrived in April 1969 and approximately 24 babies were born there before the new 6-bed hospital was opened in June 1970. The first Matron was Sister Marjorie Eckhart. who became a well know local figure, becoming Shire President in 1985. Dr Eckhart has recently published an account of their years in Newman from 1968-1987 entitled ' Whaleback Tales'. The hospital has since been expanded and extended and continues to provide essential medical services to people in the Newman area. There are no resident doctors, but three local doctors are available when needed.

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Newman Police Station

Condition

Fair

Uses

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Boomerang Grandstand

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Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Boomerang Oval Grandstand has aesthetic, historic and social significance. It is an attractive example of a functional building being transformed into a community work of art.

Physical Description

The Boomerang Oval Grandstand is located on the western side of Boomerang Oval, located in Newman Drive in Newman. The Grandstand has a distinctive design, with each side constructed in the shape of two overlapping boomerangs. The concrete structure has a 4 tiered concrete platform as a base and a large protective canopy, angled in the shape of the boomerangs. The Grandstand became the venue for one of the mural projects undertaken late in 1995, and the back wall and the boomerangs have been decorated and painted with Aboriginal motifs and designs.

History

The Grandstand was originally brought to Newman and served as the dignitaries' stand on the occasion of the opening of the Mt. Whaleback Mine by the then Governor General of Australia, Sir Paul Hasluck, on 26 June 1969. It was later moved to the Boomerang Oval. In August 1995 it was one of the Newman locations selected to be part of a mural project. The artist and designer was Terry Thompson of Wickham. After the structure had been prepared with an undercoat, Thompson created the basic designs using a cherry picker. Members of the local community, Newman school children and Aborigines from the Parnpajina Community assisted with the painting which took two weeks to complete. Local businesses also supported the project. Other murals were carried out at the Recreation Centre, the Childrens Ward at the Hospital and the Pool.

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Mecure Inn

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Statement of Significance

The former Walkabout Hotel (now Mercure Inn) has aesthetic, historic and social significance. It was the first hotel in the new mining town of Newman, and continues to be a popular social gathering place for residents and visitors alike. It also provides quality accommodation for visitors to Newman.

Physical Description

The original Walkabout Hotel, now the Mercure Inn, was constructed in 1968. and when it was opened in December 1968 it consisted of two accommodation blocks (42 rooms), staff quarters, dining room, kitchen and a cocktail bar. A pool and landscaped gardens were to complete the complex. Additions over time have included a public bar, saloon bar. a further 18 units and a Drive-In Bottle Shop. The design and style of the buildings were modelled on the Spanish 'Hacienda'. The bricks were made locally and the walls are now painted a light terracotta colour. The distinctive design of the buildings is similar to that of the other former Walkabout Hotels in Port Hedland. Geraldton. Karratha and Gove NT.

History

The Hotel was opened in Decmember 1968, and many dignitaries stayed at the complex when the Mt Whaleback Mine was opened in July 1969. The official lunch was held at the hotel. In the early years of the mine Royal visitors to the area included the Duke and Duchess of Kent (August 1969), HRH the Duke of Edinburgh and later HRH Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden. The hotel has changed owners and names several times over the years. After the Walkabout it was known as the Overland Motor Inn between 1987-89, and then it became known as the Quality Inn. It was one of a large chain of Quality Inns around WA. It became the Mercure Inn in 1996. The hotel is used mainly by people who are on mine business in the area.

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Mt Whaleback Mine

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Statement of Significance

Mt Whaleback mine has historical, scientific and social significance, in addition to its enormous economic significance, both for the local community and for the wider Australian economy. The Mt Whaleback mine, with remaining resources of over 800 million tonnes, is one of the world's richest sources of Brockman iron ore, assaying up to 69% iron (average 64%). Few iron ore producers can match the range and blend of ores provided by BHP Iron Ore. To support its workforce, BHP Iron Ore has helped provide a large part of the community infrastructure at Newman and Porth Hedland. Newman (4,500) is a serviced town, originally set up by the mine, but now administered by the Shire of East Pilbara.

Physical Description

Mt Whaleback mine, located 1200 km north of Perth, near Newman, was opened in 1969 when the Mt Newman Mining Project was offically launched. It is the largest of the mines operated by BHP Iron Ore and its joint venture partners Mitsui and Itochu. A number of different buildings and facilities together make up the mine site. As the visitor approaches the security gate, one can see large overburden areas which have been scalloped to catch water and provide stability for areas which have been systematically revegetated. The old diesel powerhouse on the left has been replaced by a new gas-fired power station built east of the mine. The new powerhouse is fed by natural gas supplied from the Karratha to Kalgoorlie pipeline. A large workshop with 13 bays is well equipped to undertake repairs to mobile equipment. A fleet of 50 huge trucks, some of them Caterpillar 793 Model 13s with a pay load of 240 tonnes, needs regular maintenance. The high grade Brockman iron ore is taken from the mining pit to the crushing plants where it is crushed to less than 100mm, and conveyed to the train loadout stockpiles. Lower grade, or 'contact' ore goes through a separate crushing system to the Beneficiation plant commonly known as the 'bene' plant), where it is separated. The resulting high grade ore goes to the railway loadout stockpiles and the waste material to a separate stockpile for use as road base around the perimeter of the mine. From the loadout stockpiles, the ore is loaded into the ore cars for railing to Port Hedland. In each of two railway loadout tunnels, 13 chutes gravity feed the ore into 13 cars simultaneously, with the total of 240 cars taking approximately VA-2 hrs to load over 26,000 tonnes. This is the longest train in scheduled regular use in the world. Mining operations are controlled from a computerised base (the "White House") at the top of the mine. From a look out position near the "White House" one can see the full extent of the 5.5km long pit which presently goes down 24 benches (each bench is 15m high and 10m wide). The mine is planned to go down to a depth of 38 benches. In the pit electrical shovels load 70-80 tonnes per bucket into waiting trucks. The gradient of the road leading into the pit is 10%. Computer models are used to plan mining operations. Currently, activities are centred on a major push back of the 'North Wall' to expose more ore resources. A few metres away from the 'White House", from another look out point, the visitor can see over the top of the beneficiation plant and the No 2 crushing plant to Orebody 29 in the distance. This Marra Mamba ore (limonite and geortite) has a more yellow appearance. There are other iron ore bodies in the vicinity. Orebodies 23, 25 and Jimblebar have been developed to supplement production from Mt Whaleback. Other BHP mines in the region are Yandi (located 160 km north of Newman) and Yarrie (208 km east of Port Hedland). The remaining administration buildings house other BHP Iron Ore staff members who contribute to the safe, efficient operation of the mine. The Public Affairs Dept plays an important role in educating and informing visitors to the mine, and in liaising with the wider community. There is also an administrative office located in Newman, known as the 'town office', dealing with housing, training and liaison, Aboriginal and other community issues.

History

The orebody at Mt Whaleback was originally discovered in 1957 by prospector Stan Hilditch when he was searching for manganese (another source quotes uranium as the mineral he was searching for). As there was a national embargo on iron ore, no development took place. After the embargo was lifted in 1960, Hilditch tried to rally support for developing the deposit. Eventually Charles Warman was also convinced, and a developer in the form of American Metal Climax (AMAX) became interested. After much exploration and testing, the Mt Whaleback dream became a concrete reality. The participants in the joint venture were AMAX, CSR, BHP, Mitsui, Itochu, and Selection Trust of England. The Mt Newman Mining Project was officially opened by Sir Paul Hasluck, the Governor General of Australia on June 26 1969. In 1986 BHP became the major shareholder, as they bought out the AMAX share as well as the other major shareholders. Their share went from 30% to 85%. Iron ore is the basic ingredient for steel, and BHP Iron Ore is the world's second largest producer of iron ore, supplying steelmakers in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, the People's Republic of China, Europe and Australia's BHP Steel in New South Wales. BHP Iron Ore directly employs about 2,400 people at Newman, Port Hedland and its head office in Perth. Today (1997) visitors can participate in a mine tour and can visit the site of the Mt Whaleback mining operation. Here the terraced orebody continues to be excavated and put through crushing plants at 4,000 tonnes per hour. The ore is then placed in trains with up to 240 wagons and 4 locomotives that together can measure approx 2.7km. The ore is transported to the Port Hedland iron ore facilities at Nelson Point for further processing, stockpiling and export. A number of expansionary changes were made to the port facilities in the 1960s, 1980s and early 1990s to allow access to huge iron ore carriers which transport the ore to international destinations.

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