Discover how far mining in Western Australia has come in the last century and a half.
A look at how Western Australian mining has changed over the past 150 years.
Tools
From humble beginnings to world-class tech, WA mining methods have come a long way.
Then
The harsh conditions in the WA Outback meant that the traditional water and pan method was impossible. However, in 1893, the Lorden Patent Cradle Dryblower was invented in Fremantle – and it revolutionised life for gold prospectors.
Now
Western Australia’s dynamic mining industry operates in some of the world’s most remote conditions. Using state-of-the-art technology, today’s modern refineries are now automated and purpose-built for extracting specific minerals.
Living
Residing in remote WA has progressed from temporary towns to thriving cities. A wide range of temporary accommodation options including thriving accommodation villages in regional are available.
Then
In the 1880s, miner’s living conditions were quite rough. However, the dream of striking it rich carried them through. When mining towns were first established, the miners stayed in canvas shacks. As time went on, these communities developed into cities, linked up by railway lines.
Now
Living and working in regional mining areas has become increasingly attractive, thanks to greater investment in services and amenities. Miners can take comfort in returning to their “home away from home” at the end of a long day. Options range from caravans to serviced apartments, and villages to single dwellings – and the most prized accommodations are those with the shortest commute.
Transport
Finding precious resources is one thing. Finding the best way to move them is another.
Then
1880s technology meant that diggers got around on horses, bicycles and man-powered carts. The heavy and bulky materials hauled in and out of mines gave rise to the first generations of railways. The first of these were made of wooden rails.
Now
WA caters to the state’s ever-changing needs by building up the transport industry, making commuting as effortless and efficient as possible. Automated train networks and extensive shipping lines have also been established to carry precious metals across the nation and beyond.
