Mount Isa Mine Early Infrastructure

Mount Isa Mine Early Infrastructure is a mining complex with four main elements: two shafts for ore extraction, a dam, and a power station. These facilities were built between 1924 and 1963 and supplied the mining operations with water and electricity.

John Campbell Miles discovered lead ores in the area in 1923, which led to the formation of Mount Isa Mining Company. The first shafts and operating facilities were built over the following decades to support the expanding mining operations.

The infrastructure shows how mining shaped life in this region and how closely production and community development were linked together. Visitors can see how old machinery and facilities defined the daily lives of workers and their families.

The facilities are located on the Mount Isa site and some areas are publicly accessible, although certain parts remain in active use. Wear comfortable shoes and follow safety guidelines posted at the location.

The Urquhart Shaft was built using an American A-frame design and was the first major vertical shaft for large-scale ore extraction in Mount Isa. This innovative design allowed for deeper and more efficient ore extraction than previous methods.

Location: Queensland

GPS coordinates: -20.73350,139.47680

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:40