Radium Hill, Former uranium mine and radioactive waste repository in South Australia.
Radium Hill is a former uranium mining site with two distinct areas: an inactive extraction facility and a storage location for low-level radioactive materials. The mining operations left visible marks on the landscape that remain subject to ongoing safety monitoring.
Mineral exploration began in 1906 when prospector Arthur Smith discovered radioactive minerals, launching Australia's first uranium extraction under Douglas Mawson's direction. This start marked a turning point in Australian resource development.
The mining community that developed here was a self-contained township with shops, schools, and railway links that served the workers and their families. Daily life in this remote place created a distinctive local society.
The area is regularly monitored by specialists to ensure radiation levels remain within safe limits. Visitors should check beforehand for current access rules and any restrictions on where they can go.
The mineral davidite, discovered at this location, was named after geologist Sir Edgeworth David and contained both uranium and rare earth elements. This discovery was notable because it revealed a new mineral type with an unusual mix of elements.
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