Gold Mines Put Australia On The Map
Gold mines in Australia did not come to prominence until after the Gold Rush in the U.S. in the late 1800`s, even though gold had been discovered in the country much earlier.� Since laws were still in effect that required any gold and silver mined to remain the property of the British crown, Australia was hesitant to tap into its newfound resource.�
When gold was discovered in California in 1849, Australians quickly jumped on the bandwagon and began immigrating to the States to try to find their fortune.� The Australian government did not want to see its people leaving in droves, so they began offering monetary rewards for “payable”� gold.� Soon, Australia was having a gold rush of its own.�
Today, Australia is ranked third in the world in terms of gold resources, behind South Africa and the US.� About 60 percent of Australia`s resources are located in the Western portion of the country.� There are several types of gold mines in Australia, but the primary type is open pit.� These are generally safer and easier to work than underground mines, making it that much easier to produce a considerable lode.�
Western Australia is home to the biggest open pit mine in the country, the Super Pit in Kalgoorlie.� This one mine produces up to 850,000 ounces of gold each year, which represents a vast majority of the gold mined across the country.�
When it comes to gold mines in Australia, there are many different types and sizes.� Olympic Dam, located just north of Adelaide in South Australia, is the country`s largest underground mine.� It produces several different types of minerals along with gold, including copper and uranium.� Most of Olympic Dam`s employees live in nearby Roxby Downs township, a close-knit community of 4,000 citizens.
Since the early 1800`s, mining has been a significant source of economic stability in Australia.� Gold in particular helped the economy to rebound as the Australian gold rush brought a wave of new chums, or immigrants from the U.K. and other Commonwealth states.� Although some gold mines had been tapped out by the early 1900`s, many still continue to produce to this day.�
Though the presence of gold mines in Australia has been an economic boon, it has taken its toll environmentally, with erosion and deforestation stripping many areas of their natural resources.� However, Australia also remains on the cutting edge of the industry, employing some of the latest technological advances and providing for both more productive and safer mining operations.�
It is hard to deny the important role gold mining has played in putting Australia on the map.� The valuable ore has meant a great deal to the development of the country and continues to be the centre of one of its biggest industries.� When it comes to mining, Australia definitely has the golden touch!
Gold Mines In Australia