Mount Isa –
A journey from 1924 to 2009
www.celebrateisa.com.au
1923
“The site of what was to become Australia’s largest mineral rich
city was an inhospitable desert fit only for reptile, horse and
bearded men with grand dreams.”
“Corbould’s faith and dedication contributed in large measure
to making the Mount Isa Mine and MIM what it is today.”
(MIMAG Volume 1, 1989).
With the establishment
of Mount Isa Mines in
January 1924, Mount Isa was
transformed from a network
of miner’s camps into a
community. It was the year
commerce began in earnest,
and the year the community
made important investments
in infrastructure including
accommodation, a general
store, a school and a hospital.
In February 1923 prospector
John Campbell Miles discovered
lead ore while travelling through
the region now known as Mount Isa.
The ore he discovered was assayed
in Cloncurry and found to contain a
high percentage of lead.
Due to a lack of funds, Miles and his
partners Bill Simpson, Con Davidson,
Jim Mullavey and Jim Roberts, sold out
to William H Corbould, an engineer
from Ballarat who became involved in
the project due to his experience with
the development of many new mines in
the region.
In 2009, as we celebrate Mount Isa’s 85th
anniversary of commerce and community
and Queensland's 150th anniversary,
we reflect on the significant contribution
Mount Isa has made to the growth and
economic prosperity of this great State.
This special insert to Mine to Market
was produced to commemorate the
85th anniversary of the incorporation of
Mount Isa Mines Limited in 1924 and the
formation of the city of Mount Isa. It is
dedicated to those people who shared
in the formation of Mount Isa Mines
Limited, to the individuals and companies
who invested in the venture in its early
days and to the many people who
believed in and nurtured Mount Isa Mines
through the difficult years of its infancy.
In celebration, we look at some of the
key events in our rich history and pay
tribute to some of the people that have
helped to put Mount Isa on the world
map and build the thriving, prosperous
city that it is today. Thank you to everyone
who has contributed to this special insert.
This publication was written and compiled
by the Xstrata Mount Isa Mines Community
Relations department: Catherine Bryant (Editor),
Melissa Trim, Danielle Slade, and Dannielle Ross.
Front cover image: Picnic at Lake Moondarra.
2
Staff of Mount Isa Mines, 1924.
Early housing in Mount Isa.
Convinced of the importance of his
discovery, John Campbell Miles quickly
pegged out a lease he named Mount
Isa (after Mount Ida, a West Australian
gold field). As word spread of his
discovery, prospectors moved into the
region, pegging out 118 leases by the
end of 1923.
Despite disillusionment that the ore
was not as rich as first thought,
Corbould fervently claimed that the
mine was plentiful and journeyed
overseas to seek more funds which he
secured from Ruso-Asiatic Consolidated
Limited whose Chairman of the
company was Leslie Urquhart.
On 19 January 1924 Mount Isa Mines
Ltd was established with $100,000 in
cash secured by William H Corbould
and became Australia’s most distant
mine from sea port or coal field.
The owners of the Mount Isa lease
acquired the surrounding mining
leases by the end of 1925.
Urquhart continued his support of
the mines and American Smelting
and Refining Company (now ASARCO
Incorporated) invested a large amount
of money and accepted technical control
of the operation. Urquhart left the USA
to take up the new position as General
Manager of Mount Isa Mines Limited.
1923
1926
“Drinking water was scarce and conditions were primitive: floods
washed away the railway line between Cloncurry and Duchess
and held up the arrival of urgently needed equipment, tools and
stores. The lodes were not so fantastically rich as first supposed
and it was a great distance to the nearest deepwater port.”
(MIMAG).
In March 1924 a Progress Association was established to represent the interest
of residents. A government surveyor visited the region in May 1924 and surveyed
the town of Mount Isa to the east of the Leichhardt River. The first properties in
the new town were sold in September 1924 and structures from the old mining
town of Kuridala – including accommodation, a court house, a school building,
a hospital and a pub – were moved into the town. The State Government and
Cloncurry Council made little initial investment in infrastructure for the new
town and the mining company acted as a surrogate local authority.
John Campbell Miles on the site that
he
named Mount Isa.
Mount Isa Greats
John Campbell Miles
Founder of Mount Isa Mines (1883–1965)
When John Campbell Miles
discovered the Mount Isa leadore deposits in the early months
of 1923 he was on his way to the
infamous cattle trail, the Murranji
Track in the NT to search for gold.
The horse that carried him to the
spot was named Hard Times.
Wagon team crossing the Leichhardt River, 1924.
With the establishment of Mount
Isa Mines Ltd a town and amenities
were needed to attract men to work
at the mine. To meet the immediate
demand, the company built simple
structures around the mining camp
from iron and Hessian brought in
from Camooweal.
At one point because of its
huge area, Mount Isa was
the largest city in the world
(according to the Guinness
Book of Records). Its local
government area is nearly
50,000 square kilometres.
Glendenning’s Cash Store, 1924.
The Glendennings
John Glendenning, son of John Edward Sydney
Glendenning, a ringer in the north West region,
moved to Mount Isa in 1942 aged eight, living in
a house built out of tar drums. John’s uncle, Percy
Glendenning, used to run the town store and was
also the mailman who delivered John Campbell
Miles’ first ore samples form the Mount Isa deposit
to assayers in Cloncurry. John started work with
Mount Isa Mines in 1962, gaining a lot of
knowledge and experience at
the lead smelter.
“I took early retirement in 1991
and after I left, I was asked to
come back and help identify
why production was down at
the lead smelter. By the time
I left again six months later,
production had doubled.”
Miles’ prospected a low range of hills near
the Leichhardt River which yielded dark,
mineralised samples. Following the trail of
galena he arrived at ore that contained the
Black Star lode. During this initial fossick,
Miles discovered the rich central lodes of
what would become the Mount Isa mineral
field: the Black Star, Racecourse and the Rio
Grande (Mining Hall of Fame).
Miles was one of five children born to a
Victorian gold miner. A man of simple
means, Miles’ first love was horses and he
preferred a rough mug of tea and a quiet
puff of his pipe to the loud company of a
hotel bar. Revisiting Mount Isa in 1957 and
1962, Miles spent ‘the best night of his life’
watching dozens of merry-makers dancing
their way through a hot night.
Miles lived to the age of 82. Shortly before
he died in December 1965, members of his
family credit him with saying “If only I
could go back to my country (Mount Isa)
I would be alright.”
Shortly after his death, Miles’ ashes were
brought back to Mount Isa and buried under
the clock tower which now stands in the
centre of Miles Street.
1926
3
A cosmopolitan
community
Mount Isa has a diverse population featuring
significant migrant and Indigenous communities. During the post war era, a time
of rising lead prices and expanding ore production, many immigrants crossed the dry
plains to Mount Isa. By the 1970s, 52 different
nationalities were represented in Mount Isa.
In the 1930s four percent of the Mount Isa
Mines workforce was made up of Finns many
of whom had drifted from the cane fields of
North Queensland. The Finns were known for
their skills in hard rock development.
“With a Finnish language newspaper, active
social club and church services conducted in
their native tongue, the Finnish population
was the oldest, quietest, most clannish
and most respected of the national groups.”
(Geoffrey Blainey, 1960 – Mines in the Spinifex).
1926
The Kalkadoon People
The Mount Isa region is in the heartland
of Kalkadoon country. To this day the
Kalkadoons live in and hold strong links
to the land. The Kalkadoon’s rich cultural
heritage has been retained by the
preservation of their traditional dances,
songs, carvings and paintings.
When the pioneer settlers arrived on
Kalkadoon country there was great
hostility and years of fighting. However,
when prospector, Ernest Henry, arrived in
the region in 1866, and founded the Great
Australia Mine, he developed strong links
with the Kalkadoon and had Kalkadoon
people working for him at the Argyle Mine
and at Mount Oxide Mine.
The hostility between the settlers and
the Kalkadoon came to a head in 1884
at the massacre of Battle Mountain. In
their defeat, the Kalkadoon became the
only Indigenous tribe to challenge an
organised group of white men to open
combat and fight to the very end.
Following the formation of Mount Isa
Mines Limited, an Indigenous Land Use
Agreement which covers an area around
Mount Isa of just over 50,000 km2 was
negotiated with the Kalkadoon.
“When Xstrata took over Mount Isa Mines
Limited in 2003, they continued to foster
a good relationship with the Kalkadoon
through consultation, acknowledgment
and respect leading to meaningful
benefits for both parties,” said Warren King,
Manager Kalkadoon Community Pty Ltd.
Traditional Finnish Wedding, 1930s.
The Mount Isa Irish Club was built in 1956
and was believed to have been the largest
Irish Club in Australia at the time.
Opening of the Duchess to Mount Isa Railway, 6 April 1929.
In the early years Mount Isa Mines
Ltd faced hardship in developing the
mine and transporting ore to port in
Townsville. Before the construction of
a rail line, ore was transported 135km
to Cloncurry on camel back and cart.
The Mount Isa Irish Club, 2009.
Mount Isa Country Women’s
Association, 1950s.
1930s
The first train pulled into Mount Isa on
6 April 1929 and offered the town and
the mine hope by providing an efficient
method of transport for workers and
ore. The locomotive was decorated with
palms and colour streams. ‘Progress and
Prosper’ was inscribed across its front
and the words ‘Much is expected of
Mount Isa’ was written on the side.
With a growing community, Mount Isa
Mines built its own Clubhouse in 1930 which
soon became the social hub of Mount Isa.
Overlooking Central Park on Mineside the
Clubhouse was open to all employees (male
and female) and was heralded ‘the first of
its kind built by any company in Australia’.
The Club offered cool drinks, light suppers,
billiards, cards and chess.
The first performance by the Mount
Isa Concert Band and Strings Orchestra
was held in September 1930 at the band
rotunda at Central Park.
This rail line went on to become the
State’s most profitable and provided
the State government with the
capital to revitalise other rail lines
throughout Queensland.
1926
4
Mount Isa Mines Power Station, 1930.
Mount Isa Concert Band in its early
years
1947
In May 1931 milling and smelting
operations commenced in Mount Isa
and the company enjoyed its first
operating profit in 1937, 13 years after
its establishment. The first lead block
was poured on 8 June 1931.
In a region with a harsh climate and
reputation for industrial unrest, the
welfare of employees was always
an essential investment. The region
weathered the great depression of the
1930s, providing consistent work for
1,000 men while a quarter of the male
population in major cities were faced
with unemployment. By the late 1940s
men working in the mines could earn
three times the average wage of people
in Brisbane or Melbourne.
World War II
A high demand for copper (for use
in munitions) from 1942 saw the
company convert the Mount Isa
operation totally to copper production
in early 1943.
Mount Isa was a depot for the road
transport of military equipment and
supplies to camps in the Northern
Territory. Thousands of US soldiers
were stationed at Mount Isa living
in camps on the outskirts of town
including the suburb known today as
Soldiers Hill. The Racecourse became
another military camp. The Australian
Military Force occupied buildings with
electricity and water including part of
St Joseph’s Convent and the former
Mines Hospital.
Mount Isa Greats
Julius Kruttschnitt
(1885–1974)
Yale University, Connecticut, is a long way
from Mount Isa, yet both are places which
Louisiana-born Julius Kruttschnitt called home.
Long before the days of air conditioning,
Kruttschnitt arrived in Mount Isa in his
trademark suit and tie. The year was 1930
and Kruttschnitt became General Manager
of MIM Limited, starting a 37 year career
with the company.
Kruttschnitt didn’t quite know what he
was getting himself in for, later writing:
‘To my consternation I found on
my arrival, a condition bordering
on bankruptcy ...’
With a lot of hard work and funding from
the United States the first lead bullion was
produced by July 1931, with the business
showing a profit in 1937.
Kruttschnitt showed a great interest in
the welfare of miners and their families.
The unique Mount Isa tent house, a tent to
which a corrugated iron wall was added, was
one of the many developments of his time.
Urquhart Shaft, 1931.
Inside the Clubhouse, 1940s.
Mount Isa Underground Hospital.
Fond memories of Mount Isa
Laura Matthews has many fond
memories of her life in Mount Isa.
Moving to Mount Isa 59 years ago with
her husband Jack, she was surprised at
how friendly and social the town was.
Laura (right) and her daughters; Alison, Colleen,
Evelyn, Katheryn and Dulcie.
“One of my favourite memories is how
openly and lovingly I was welcomed
into the Mount Isa community by
the wives of Jack’s friends who held a
surprise wedding reception for us at the
now demolished Hilton Hall,” she said.
Picnic at Rifle Creek Dam, 1930s.
“I also remember the house that Jack (who worked at
Mount Isa Mines for 35 years) built at 6 Nash Street in
Mineside in 1950.”
Now widowed, Laura lives in Mount Isa with her children,
grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. Laura still
speaks fondly of life in Mount Isa. “There is no hustle and
bustle and the town has everything I need,” says Laura.
The house that Jack built,
1948/50.
“While being so isolated from
larger Queensland communities,
there was great camaraderie and
loyalty in Mount Isa. In sickness
or death or celebration it was a
community, their entertainment
was simple, but the whole town
was always welcome.”
1947
5
A Pub Culture
With the extreme heat and social
atmosphere it is no wonder Mount Isa
also held the record for the consumption
of more beer than any other similar town
in the commonwealth.
“I was born and bred in this
town and I just love it. I love
the people. When you make
friends here, you make friends
for life. Even if you don’t see
someone for years you will
always remain friends.”
Dawn Coghlan.
1947
“Mateship is part of the Australian legend. It is a quality of this
nation which is universally admired and often coveted. It is a
relationship of great sincerity between individuals and draws
no social, economic or ethnic barriers. It is a welding of people
not ideologies. We now live and work in an environment where
‘Mateship’ is a tangible thing.” Sir George Fisher – December 1969 (MIMAG).
The company paid its first dividend in
1947 which was to be the beginning of a
boom period. Profits rose from £873,000
in 1947–1948 and escalated to £1,457,000
in 1949.
The price of lead rose in May 1947
allowing Mount Isa Mines to revert to
lead production by June 1946. Both lead
and copper began production in parallel
in 1953.
A sustained population boom after
World War Two increased demand for
infrastructure and essential services. To
provide water for the growing community,
Mount Isa Mines Ltd completed the
construction of Lake Moondarra in 1958.
With a total capacity of 107,000ML and
constructed 16km downstream from town
on the Leichhardt River, it was the largest
water scheme in Australia to be financed
by private enterprise.
Mount Isa’s first pub/hotel, Boyds (Boy
dies).
Lake Moondarra, 2008.
Red Earth Boutique Hotel (formerly Boyds).
Mount Isa Mines, 1949.
Leisure time – the Mount Isa Way
“I recall the Maypole dancing,
the Queen’s visit, the marching
girls and silver band, going to
dances at the RSL, and the first
plane to land at the Gliderport.”
Laura Matthews, Mount Isa resident of 59 years.
Families enjoy time out at the memorial pool.
Tropicair
TropicairDrive-in
Drive-inTheatre,
Theatre,Soldiers
SoldiersHill
Hill.
Waterskiing on Lake Moondarra 1961.
1947
6
Exploring the outback by 4WD.
1964
Introducing
daylight saving
During the summer of 1930/31,
in the final months of preparation
and construction, Isa Mines
introduced daylight savings on
the lease to maximise working
hours. Railway time, by which
the town works is three quarters
of an hour behind the Mines
time. At a meeting called for
at 9am in the town, the Mines
representatives were there before
the others were actually out of
bed. It was reported that ‘one can
have dinner (midday) in the town
and stroll over to the Mines in
time for afternoon tea’. (Noreen
Kirkman, 1998 – Mount Isa Oasis
of the Outback).
The 50 year club
Few people can say they have achieved more
than 50 years of service with Mount Isa Mines.
A tradition started by Kruttschnitt, long service
anniversary dinners are held each year to
celebrate employees’ 20, 30, 40 and 50 year
achievements with the company. Holding a
wealth of knowledge and experience, Alf Cianetti
and Ian Brown both say they love working for the
Mines and have no intentions of retiring just yet!
Ian Brown (52 years) –
Safety Officer.
Alf Cianetti (53 years) –
Maintenance Technician.
Mount Isa Greats
Sir James Foots
One of the best known former heads of
Mount Isa Mines, Sir James Foots’ 32 year
career with the company began in 1955
with his appointment as a mining engineer.
This was followed by a series of promotions
to General Manager in 1956 and Managing
Director in 1966, before his appointment to
Chairman/CEO of MIM Holdings in 1970.
During this time Foots presided over a vast
expansion program – growing MIM to be the
third largest Australian company in 1993.
Foots has a long history of contributions
to industry, community and charity
organisations. In 1980 Foots was knighted
for his contribution to the mining industry
as well as to the general Australian business
landscape. Sir James retired in 1987 and now
lives in Brisbane.
Six Generations
of Davidson
1940s Tent House.
The decision to take treatment of
the copper from Mount Isa a stage
further resulted in construction of
the Copper Refineries Pty Ltd plant in
Townsville. Here all the copper from
Mount Isa is refined before going out
to world markets in a number of
different shapes.
In 1964 a drive-in theatre with a 300
car capacity was built with volunteer
labour and support of Mount Isa Mines.
‘Tropicair’ was a highlight of the Mount
Isa night life and obtained the first
license for a drive-in theatre approved
for Queensland. ‘Tropicair’ became the
largest drive-in theatre in Australia.
The success of the drive-in theatre
indicated Mount Isa’s growth
particularly in car ownership: the
original 300 car capacity expanded
to 500 in 1964.
Underground Development work in 1950s.
In 1962, 27 young Mount Isans began work
as apprentices with Isa Mine in the newlyconstructed Apprentice Training workshop
near the Copper Smelter. The workshop
was on the forefront of innovation in a
new era of trade training.
With its fast growing community Mount
Isa became its own shire in 1963 and the
town was declared a city in 1968.
By 1955 Mount Isa Mines Ltd
was the largest mining company
in Australia – it had weathered
technical, financial and industrial
difficulties to become Australia’s
largest single creator of
export income.
1964
It was Dawn Coghlan’s’ grandfather, Walter
Davidson, who was working the Lady Fanny
mine near Duchess when John Campbell
Miles discovered Mount Isa. “Walter hurried
to the new field to stake a claim and then
joined Mount Isa Mines when it was formed
by William Corbould,” said Dawn.
“In 1952 the company sunk three shafts and
Corbould informed Walter in a letter that
one shaft would be named after him. It is
fitting the shaft was named after Walter as
the sixth generation of the family is now at
school in Mount Isa while at least one of his
descendants has been employed at the mine
since MIM was formed.
Ironically Dawn’s husband Jim Coghlan was
a shift boss at shafts and hoisting at the
Davidson shaft! Today there are are three sixthgeneration Davidsons to call Mount Isa home.
Dawn Coghlan (centre) with her children
James and Kim.
7
Life in the typing pool
Danielle Slade, a long serving employee
of 23 years, started work in the typing
pool in 1986. “The typing pool was the
training grounds for stenographers
and clerk/typists. It was strict, but just
what we needed. We were taught that
punctuality and personal presentation
were just as important as what we did in
our roles. We were also encouraged to all
go and have a drink at the Irish Club every
Friday after work.”
“I remember
when e-mail
first hit. At that
time there were
no policies on
e-mail usage
(mainly because
I don’t think
people realised its capabilities),
so there were always lots of jokes
e-mailed around.”
1964
“Through our own training scheme we keep a broad range
of skills available in North West Queensland. The scheme
provides job and career opportunities for children of our
employees and of other Mount Isa residents.”
John Middlin (former General Manager of Operations) – MIMAG March 1979.
On the far right is
Electrical apprentice group of Isa Mines Trade Training Centre, 1970.
de Kruijff.
Xstrata Copper North Queensland’s Chief Operating Officer – Steve
Danielle Slade
Trainee typists in the typing pool, 1960s.
“I was employed
as a metallurgist
and worked as an
operator getting
the hands-on feel
from day one.
I was on shift
and the work included loading
and wheeling four-inch diameter
grinding balls in a barrow to the
old Hardinges’s mills and throwing
them in. Sometimes we’d sit
under the fine ore bins on the
afternoon and night shifts and
watch the goats walk through the
concentrator aisle.”
David Buchanan, Former Executive General
Manager and Director, MIM Holdings 1987.
8
Xstrata Skills Centre Apprentices in 2007.
Mount Isa has a lot to offer the Hazles
Only intending to stay in Mount Isa for
a couple of years, Henry Hazle and his
wife have been here for 41 years.
“Because it was a great place to work
and to bring up your family with lots of
sporting opportunities, we decided to
make Mount Isa home,” said Henry
All three of Henry’s sons have worked
at Mount Isa Mines: Michael, William
(who completed his apprenticeship at
the Mines), and Allan.
a lot of people good opportunities, it’s
a safe place to live, and there’s a lot of
community spirit here,” she says.
Allan Hazle is a maintenance supervisor
at the copper smelter.
“A lot of other places only offer you a
chance to work in a few departments,
but here you have a chance to learn all
aspects of mining, from underground
to the final product,” says Allan.
Mick has been with Mount Isa Mines
for 22 years. “Mount Isa Mines has given
me a lot of opportunities. The people
are great, my boss is great and I’ve got
a tremendous crew to work with.”
Mick’s wife Kathy is a born and bred
Mount Isan. “I love Mount Isa, it gives
1964
The Hazles: Allan, Kathy, Henry and Mick.
2000
Mount Isa’s royal visit
Queens visit to Mount Isa Mine, 1970.
In 1970 Mount Isa received a visit from
Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal
Highness Prince Phillip. During their stay
in Mount Isa, they visited the mining
operations and stayed in the now
heritage listed building, Casa Grande.
With well kept grounds and a tennis
court, Casa Grande was home to many
New Years Eve punch bowl parties and
today is home to the social event of the
year: Casa Grande Ball.
Mount Isa Greats
Sir George Fisher
(1903–2007)
The P41 Crusher Station at Mount Isa was commissioned in June 1989. Described as
a ‘mammoth’ the project was heralded as a ‘very important achievement allowing
continuation of copper metal production at 170,000 tonnes per year.’
Sir George Fisher was initially
appointed Deputy Chairman
of MIM Holdings in January
1952 and was promoted to
Chairman soon after in 1953.
It was then that Fisher established
himself as the driving force behind the
company’s major and rapid expansion of
copper and silver-lead-zinc production in
the 1950s and 1960s.
Within four years of his chairmanship,
total underground development had
increased by 250 percent resulting in a
boom to the township. With this came a
period of rapid community expansion.
Classroom Isa Mines school, Mount Isa, 1971.
The Hilton Mine underground zinc-lead mine.
In September 1964 the Australian Worker’s
Union and lobbyist Pat Mackie led an
almost eight-month industrial dispute
against the mine after a disagreement
on how the wealth of the very productive
operations should be shared. As a result
of this dispute the mine temporarily
closed the copper smelter and the
Queensland Government declared a state
of emergency in the region. The dispute
was settled in April 1965.
Lead Smelter:
A giant takes shape
In 1966 the No 2 Concentrator was
officially opened to treat silver-lead-zinc
through milling and flotation.
Following completion of the 1,600 cubicmetre concrete foundation block, pouring
of the main lead stack started on December
16, 1977 and the concrete work had reached
its planned height of 270 metres by March
30, 1978 making it the tallest free-standing
structure in the southern hemisphere.
It was achieved with continuous pours of
10 days with three-day breaks in between.
Fisher was a visionary and had a plan
and a passion to see the local community
prosper from a mining camp to a thriving
community where opportunities should
be equal to those in the regional cities.
George Fisher was made a companion
of the Most Distinguished Order of St
Michael and St George (CMG) in 1961
in recognition of his services to the
Australian mining and metallurgical
industries and for his outstanding
contribution to decentralised industry
in Queensland. George Fisher became
Sir George in 1967 when he was further
honoured receiving a knighthood in the
Queens Birthday honours list.
“The north is widely recognised
as a place of great potential.
It would be a tragedy if it were
allowed to remain only this.”
The Hilton underground zinc-lead mine
was opened in 1991, named after a former
Mount Isa Mines General Manager,
Charlie Hilton. Samplers began examining
the site in 1948 following Chairman Julius
Kruttschnitt’s approval to peg out the
leases ahead of competing companies.
Sir George Fisher – February 1955.
Preparations being made for the foundation.
2000
9
A sporting culture
From cricket, rugby and netball, to hockey,
water skiing and golf, nearly every sport in
the calendar can be played at Mount Isa.
There has always been a strong sporting
culture in Mount Isa and Mount Isa Mines
has always been supportive of sporting
activities. Even from as early as 1928 when
Leslie Urqhuart made a personal donation
to improve the tennis court on the corner
of Isa and Camooweal Streets.
2000
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines
Xstrata plc acquired Mount Isa Mines in June 2003. Since then, Xstrata has invested
more than $570 million in operational development. Xstrata Mount Isa Mines continues
to deliver significant economic, social and infrastructural benefits to the Mount Isa
community by generating employment opportunities, supporting local business,
funding community projects and contributing to government taxes and charges.
Today Xstrata Mount Isa Mines directly employs approximately 3,400 staff and
approximately 700 contractors. This makes up more than 20% of the total population of
the city of Mount Isa. Residents not employed directly by the mine are largely employed
by supporting business providing goods and services for the mine and the region.
Forming one of the largest mining operations in the world, Mount Isa Mines uses
state-of-the-art mining and processing technology to produce copper anode, crude lead
containing silver, and zinc concentrate. The Mount Isa copper operations comprises two
underground copper mines: Enterprise and X41, a concentrator and smelter. The zinc
operations comprises the George Fisher underground mine and Black Star open cut mine,
a concentrator and smelter.
Black Stars – the early years
At around 1,900 metres the underground copper mine in
Mount Isa is the deepest underground mine in Australia.
Celebrating 80 years in 2009 is the first
true club team, Black Stars, who went on
to win many a Mount Isa Rugby League
grand final. Possibly the Black Stars biggest
claim to fame is former Blackstar player
and current Bronco’s CEO, Bruno Cullen.
Brilla Brilla Breakfast Program.
Black Stars, 2009
“You would have a hell of a ding
dong with friends over the local
football, then after the game
we’d all jump in the car and
share a flask of tea. We’d all be
vocal when the game was being
played, but it was all forgotten
as soon as the game was over.”
A sporting culture ...
Cricket Team, 1936.
MountIsa
IsaLadies
LadiesHockey
HockeyTeam
Team.
Mount
Kathy Swift, Mount Isa resident of 70 years.
Concordia A Grade Soccer Team, 2009.
2000
10
Mount Isa Playgroup, 2009.
Fritz Oelling a devoted
soccer player of the
Concordia Club was
made a life member of
the Mount Isa Soccer
Federation in 1977.
2009
Mount Isa today
Mount Isa has grown into a thriving industrial
and commercial centre renowned for its friendly
and welcoming nature, while also offering
modern metropolitan conveniences which add to
the City’s increasingly cosmopolitan ambience.
Today Xstrata Mount
Isa Mines’ underground
mining tunnels extend to
nearly 1,000 kilometres.
Xstrata Mount Isa
Rotary Rodeo
With a vision and a passion to put Mount
Isa on the map, the Rotary Club of Mount Isa
staged the first ever Isa Rodeo back in 1959.
Today the Xstrata Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo
has grown into the largest rodeo event in
the southern hemisphere, earning Mount
Isa the title ‘Rodeo Capital of Australia’.
From its humble beginnings at Kalkadoon
Park, a venue built with the very hands
of the Mount Isa community, the Xstrata
Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo is now Mount Isa’s
flagship event and is held at the multimillion dollar Buchanan Park Complex.
On average, over 25,000 spectators attend
the event each year and around 800 of the
country’s and indeed the world’s top riders
participate in the annual event.
Mount Isa Mines underground mine workers.
In June 2004 work began on the
development of the Black Star Open
Cut zinc-lead mine. This was followed
by the closure of the Lead Mine in
2005 after more than 80 years of
underground mining.
With a continued focus on trade training
the Xstrata Skills Centre was opened
in 2006. Xstrata now operates the
largest apprenticeship program in
North Queensland.
In November 2007 the $38 million Xstrata
Power Station was officially opened.
The Xstrata Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo
celebrated it’s 50th year in 2008.
Xstrata funded Family Fun Park.
In February 2009 Mount Isa was
declared a ‘Safe Community’ by the
World Health Organisation.
Today the Xstrata Community Partnership
Program North Queensland continues
to provide real benefits to the Mount Isa
community including the opening of the
Mount Isa Family Fun Park.
Mount Isa Mines pioneered some of the
first mining and processing practices
used in Australia. Today many of these
technologies including the IsaMill™ and
ISASMELT™ are regarded as world-class
and have been adapted by numerous
mining operations worldwide.
Inspecting a development heading
at
George Fisher Mine.
“Mount Isa is a great place to rear children, and there is every
sporting opportunity for whatever code of sport you play
(except for Ice-skating!)” Ian Brown, Mount Isa Mines employee of 52 years.
2009
Molten copper being poured into anode moulds.
11
Mount Isa – A Changing Skyline
“Wherever you go in the world
you are never alone – you will always
find a Mount Isa person there.”
Dawn Coghlan
“I think it’s fantastic that Mount Isa
Mines has turned 85 years. Not many
mines last this long. It takes special
people to run a mine and I’ve been
privileged to work with a lot of them.”
Ian Brown, Mount Isa Mines employee of 52 years.
“I was recently asked, what was the best
part of my trip to Canada, I said coming
over that rise on the Cloncurry Road
and seeing that and seeing that stack –
and knowing you’re home!”
Kathy Swift, Mount Isa resident of 70 years.
www.celebrateisa.com.au
MIM1343 09/09
Produced with D10
www.d10.com.au