bhp mine tour broken hill

White's Mineral Art and Mining

Due to Covid-19, our individual Day Tours will only be offered as part of our Packaged Departures eg: Broken Hill Wanderer & Broken Hill Experience.

Experience mining life at White's Mineral Arts and Mining Museum where you can experience the underground without actually going under! Explore a realistic walk-in mine, detailed mining models and learn about Broken Hill's mining history with an amazing guided tour.  See mining minerals turned into works of art at the museum's exhibition of crushed mineral collage art works.  ​White's Mineral Arts and Mining Museum is a complete show for the whole family. Located at the highest point of the Line Of Lode overlooking the city atop of the richest ore body in the southern hemisphere. Learn about the origins of BHP and their eventual departure from Broken Hill. Observe the city’s unique architectural range as you pass palatial federation and victorian buildings followed by the curving faces of 1930s art deco and classic tin miner’s cottages.

What our guests say

I am a member of the Chermside Bowls Club in Queensland and organised a trip for 22 of our members through Silver City Tours. We chose to do the Outback Adventure tour. We travelled overnight on the train and were met early next morning by coach which took us to our motel for the start of a fantastic 5 days. The tours around Broken Hill and surrounding areas were enjoyed by all members, who found the whole trip to be very interesting - lots to see. The coach drivers were excellent and knew the areas we passed through very well. Our accommodation was great, with the friendly staff looking after our every need. I would have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone.

I am a member of the Chermside Bowls Club in Queensland and organised a trip for 22 of our members through Silver City Tours.  We chose to do the Outback Adventure tour.  We travelled overnight on the train and were met early next morning by coach which took us to our motel for the start of a fantastic 5 days.  The tours around Broken Hill and surrounding areas were enjoyed by all members, who found the whole trip to be very interesting - lots to see.  The coach drivers were excellent and knew the areas we passed through very well.  Our accommodation was great, with the friendly staff looking after our every need. I would have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone.

“Amazing service. Can’t wait to find out what’s next!”

The "Outback Wanderer" package catered for the mature age of our Probus Group with a good balance of touring and free time. As a longtime, world wide "package deal" traveller I must rate this as one of the best I have ever experienced for value , variety and service.                                

“Not sure what I did before discovering this Product. It’s super!”

On behalf of the 16 of us who visited Broken Hill just a word of thanks for a wonderful, well organised "Outback Break" tour. As some of us were seasoned caravaners, this was our first "organised" tour and we were a little apprehensive as to what to expect. As it turned out we could not have asked for more. A very special thanks to Roger, our tour guide and driver.                     

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Just a few words to thank you for setting up a really good trip for us "The Darling River Run". It all worked out very well, it was a happy group, and Chris looked after us beautifully. I hope you gave him a few days off!

The Harry Nanja guy at Mungo was a great entertainer, and very good value.The girl at the Back o' Bourke centre was excellent. The guide at the Dubbo Zoo was excellent, and it was really very worthwhile to have the guide there - we saw the maximum  amount possible in the time available, whereas we would have seen hardly anything left to our own devices. Liz Murray at Trilby was really excellent, but you don't need me to tell you that!  The chocolate slice lasted until morning tea at White Cliffs! 

Best regards, and thanks again,   

Our members who participated in the recent "Outback Adventure" tour of Broken Hill were absolutely delighted with your company's service. The tours were memorable for the interesting sights, the pleasantness of your coach drivers and the fun. I am sure they will have no trouble in recommending your service to others, particularly other Probus club members.                         

As organiser of our Club's Away Trip to Broken Hill, I would sincerely like to thank you for all the arrangements you made for us. You were always courteous, most helpful, you kept us fully informed, which we appreciated. Please pass on our appreciation to Cheryl and to John, our coach driver, who really looked after us. The accommodation at the Silver Haven Motor Inn was excellent. Everyone in the group assured me they enjoyed the trip. 

My sincere thanks once again. 

I am writing to thank you for your effort in arranging the  itinerary, accommodation and the guide/coach driver for our recent visit to your city. We were kept busy at all times with little being  heard from anybody in our group after 09:30 p.m.

A special mention must be made for Les our coach driver/tour guide. Les was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his city and other parts of the country and at all times was most courteous to our group as well as other road users. He would go out of his way to make our understanding of your city and environs complete and should he not know the answer to questions raised he would come back with an answer the next time we met him.  

Our accommodation was good with again the proprietors Michael and Dana going out of their way to make our stay a most enjoyable one.

All went well and again I thank you for your assistance in making it happen.

We would like to thank you for making our Broken Hill trip that much more interesting. We were with the group from Merewether Ladies Probus and your drivers on all the tours were first rate, their knowledge of the region and how they presented it was great, it was obvious to us all that these people love Broken Hill.

I have just returned from the "Outback Adventure" in Broken Hill and its surrounds. I didn't know what to expect, and had no idea what it would be like, but my expectations were met and exceeded. Broken Hill is a fascinating place with so much to see and learn. The tours were well organised and most interesting. Your drivers(Les, Roger and Eric) were helpful, knowledgeable, courteous and friendly in addition to being excellent drivers of course.

The motel (Silver Haven Motor Inn) provided excellent accommodation, and meals, the manager taking the time each evening at dinner to speak to those of us on the tour and enquire to our day.

My personal thanks to you and your team for everything.

We just had a six day holiday in Broken Hill. We had the most memorable time in Broken Hill and we will recommend it to anyone. Thank you for the best budget holiday ever. All of the arrangements were perfect. Our bus driver Chris was an excellent tour guide, he was very informative. The motel was very good and the food was excellent.  Regards.

380 Argent Street Broken Hill NSW 2880

+61 8 8087 6956 [email protected].

Delprats Underground Tourist Mine

Useful information, description.

The underground tour of an original BHP mine takes place on a level 200 meters deep below the surface. The visitors get helmets, rubber boots and miners lamps.

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New visitor experiences showcase the minerals of Broken Hill

18 September 2015

Genevieve Crutchley, Katy Tomkins and Kate Lehane

A new exhibition and behind-the-scenes tours at Geoscience Australia celebrate the rich mining history of the Broken Hill region, and highlight some of the now rare mineral samples held within Geoscience Australia's mineral collection.

The National Mineral Collection is an impressive selection of some 15 000 mineral and 90 meteorite specimens, of which approximately 600 are on permanent display at Geoscience Australia. The Collection includes a number of distinctive and famous Australian specimens, including some of the unique specimens featured in the 1999 publication 'Minerals of Broken Hill' .

The city of Broken Hill in far western New South Wales is the location of the world's largest lead-zinc-silver deposit. The Broken Hill ore body formed as a result of volcanic activity about 1.7 billion years ago when seawater, heated by the volcanic activity, bubbled up through the sea floor where it encountered the cold ocean water and formed clouds of black sulphide precipitates. These sediments then settled on the sea floor to form layers of sediment rich in zinc, lead and silver sulphide minerals.

Erosion over the past 500 million years has exposed these minerals to weathering. Subsequent exposure to air and groundwater has triggered a series of chemical reactions, generating a suite of new minerals such as smithsonite, azurite and malachite.

A diagram of the coat-hanger shaped Broken Hill ore body

The Broken Hill orebody is about 8 kilometres long and shaped like a coat-hanger. The deepest point descends to over 1.5 kilometres underground and outcrops in the centre. The orebody contains a massive sulphide lode of over 200 million tonnes, 50 million tonnes of lead and zinc and 20 000 tonnes of silver.

History of discovery

The Broken Hill ore deposit was first discovered by boundary rider, Charles Rasp in 1883. Rasp worked on Mount Gipps Station and was attracted to a hill on the station after purchasing a prospector's guide while on holiday in Adelaide. He thought that the dark surface of the hill could be a sign of tin oxide. Accompanied by two others, James Poole and David James, he set out for the hill and examined and pegged out the blackest section. His claim became the first mining lease on Broken Hill.

Photo of Central mine, Broken Hill taken in the early 1900s: Copyright: State Records NSW

The owner of Mount Gipps Station, George McCulloch, declared he would support the exploration, resulting in the beginnings of Broken Hill mining:

"There's nothing on the hill or if there is you, James and Poole haven't got the money to get the stuff out. You'll have the place rushed if you strike anything. What did you say you'd pegged out? Forty acres. Man, we'll all of us go into it and peg out the whole hill."

In April 1885 rich silver ore was discovered by Thomas Nutt. In early June, the shareholders met and registered the Broken Hill Proprietary Co., more commonly referred to as BHP. On 27 June 1885 William Knox accepted an offer of the secretaryship of the newly formed company. Generally regarded as the brains behind the operation, Knox threw great energy and talent into resolving the company's increasing complexities.

Knox's shaft was sunk on the spot identified by Nutt, where assays of 2000 to 3000 ounces of silver per tonne were subsequently found, guaranteeing the future of Broken Hill. The venture quickly became Australia's wealthiest enterprise and the world's most successful silver-mine. Ore was transported to South Australia by camel trains, wagons and pack mules.

By the late 1880s BHP had only kept Blocks 11, 12 and 13, which had been mined first using shafts, and then by open cut. As BHP's mineral reserves ran out, the company began to consider alternate options for its future. In 1911 BHP decided to build a steelworks, and its interests moved steadily away from Broken Hill. BHP ceased mining operations at Broken Hill in 1939, and left the area in 1942. During its operation the company mined over 250 million ounces of silver, 3 million tonnes of lead, and 2 million tonnes of zinc, making over 60 million pounds of profit for Broken Hill.

Broken Hill has since been mined continuously for almost 120 years. There are now only two operators in this area, both utilising highly efficient bulk underground mechanised mining.

Geoscience Australia's work in the region

Geoscience Australia has worked in the Broken Hill region over many decades to better understand its mineral and water resources.

Geological map of New South Wales showing the location of Broken Hill.

In the 1990s Geoscience Australia together with the New South Wales government and partners in South Australia began a study to address the long term economic prosperity of the city of Broken Hill. The region was facing an uncertain future, following predictions that the ore body would be exhausted within 10-12 years.

The Broken Hill Exploration Initiative sought to better understand the regional geology and mineral potential of the Broken Hill region in New South Wales and the Olary region in South Australia. The outputs from this project were a geological map and report, documenting the stratigraphy of the region, and papers and presentations at conferences and seminars intended to stimulate interest in the region as an area with further mineral potential.

To highlight the importance of Broken Hill's geological heritage, Geoscience Australia has compiled a public exhibition and tour of stunning mineral samples.

The recently installed Broken Hill Minerals display is now open to the public between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday at Geoscience Australia's headquarters in Canberra.

Members of the public are also invited to join a unique behind the scenes tour of Geoscience Australia's Gem, Fossil and Mineral Collection during Earth Science Week (11-17 October).

Further information

Birch, WD & Broken Hill (NSW) City Council 1999, Minerals of Broken Hill, 2nd edn. Editor William D Birch.Broken Hill City Council, NSW.

Worner, HK, Mitchell, RW, Segnit, ER & Australian Mining & Smelting Limited 1982, Minerals of Broken Hill, 1st edn. Australian Mining & Smelting Limited, Melbourne.

• +61 1300 763 188 or 0417 244 600

Tours from Broken Hill

Tours from Broken Hill by Spirit Safaris are genuine small groups (2-4 people per luxury 4WD) and include Cameron Corner, the Dingo Fence, Milparinka, Tibooburra, Innaminka and the Burke & Wills Dig Tree , Lake Eyre, Arkaroola, Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges. Also, t ours from Broken Hill or Sydney include NSW Corner Country, Mungo, Mootwingee and Gundabooka National Park with unique Aboriginal Rock Art, Bourke, Darling River, Macquarie Marshes, Broken Hill and amazing icons on the way.

Tours from Broken Hill include Silverton and the movie sets where Mad Max and other Aussie icons were made, is on the list, and guests can dine at Mario’s Palace Hotel, still with its incredible artworks as revealed in the movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame.

Travellers can now have an exciting adventure closer to home in New South Wales, reaching some of these unique places in our very capable and comfortable off-road 4WD vehicles. Tours really take in the best of Outback NSW

Travel in outback Australia is our speciality, and our new Covid ready tours in NSW, VIC and SA from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane mean you don’t have to fly in a plane. When we commence we will ensure strict hygiene protocols are in place, including Covid clear health checks.

People can travel as a couple or bring one or two of their friend s and know that they are avoiding the crowds in buses or larger groups. As a small or private group, stops can be at the customers’ convenience or their places of special interest.

Tours explore the real Australian Outback including NSW Corner Country, Mungo and Gundabooka National Park with unique Aboriginal Rock Art, Bourke, Darling River, Macquarie Marshes, Broken Hill and amazing icons on the way from Sydney, Broken Hill or Adelaide and return over 3-14 days.

Broken Hill, which once had its own stock exchange, is a tour highlight. Guests visit the original BHP mine site, the Line of Lode memorial , Pro Harts Gallery, the Living Outback Sculptures and marvel at the history and size of the birthplace of the “Big Australian”, BHP. Shorter tours are also available that meet the train service to Sydney, and tour to Camerons Corner, Innamincka, Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges and Coongie Lakes .

Our very small group (2-4 people per 4WD) tours from Broken Hill are connecting people to each other and unique nature and the extraordinary beauty and history in our own backyard.

The Silo Art Trail is part of the 12 day tour, and is a new phenomenon of massive and beautiful artworks on outback grain silos in remote country towns. The artworks are a photographers delight, with such uniquely Australian images.

The 12 day tour from Broken Hill and Sydney includes visiting such sites as the Siding Springs Observatory in the Warrumbungle Ranges near Coonabarabran, Mungo National Park, Broken Hill, and the Darling River Run, Burke and Wills camp o n the banks of Menindee Lakes . People can take a cruise on the Jandra paddleboat from Bourke and revisit the ancient Aboriginal fish traps in Brewarrina that are more than 40,000 years old.

Tours from Broken Hill or via Broken Hill

You can reserve your interest in any of these tours with a $100 fully-refundable deposit in case Covid-19 limits travel

• Silo Art Trail Tours – h ttps://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/catalog/397896/silo-art-trail-tours
• Outback NSW, Mungo National Park, Broken Hill and Darling River Run – – see calendar below
• Channel & Corner Country – https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/catalog/319986/corner-channel-country
• Kangaroo Island & Flinders Ranges – https://www.spiritsafaris.com/kangaroo-island-tours-5-days/
• Dig Tree Innamincka & Coongie Lakes + much more – see calendar below

These NSW tours can take you to Broken Hill – and includes Macquarie Marshes – and could link Coongie Lakes with one of these …

• Silo Art Trail Tour NSW Victoria South Australia Sydney Adelaide – https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/388291/silo-art-trail-tour-nsw-victoria-south-australia-sydney-adelaide
• Mungo National Park Tours Sydney to Adelaide 5 days- https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/286361/mungo-national-park-tours-sydney-to-adelaide-5-days
• Silo Art Trail Mungo NSW Outback Tours Sydney to Broken Hill 6 days – https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/391238/silo-art-trail-mungo-nsw-outback-tours-sydney-to-broken-hill-6-days
• NSW Outback Explorer Silo Art Corner Country Mungo Broken Hill Darling River Bourke Sydney Return 12 or 14 days includes Macquarie Marshes – https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/391372/nsw-outback-explorer-silo-art-corner-country-mungo-broken-hill-darling-river-bourke-sydney-return-12-days
• NSW Outback Warrumbungles Silo Art Corner Country Mungo Broken Hill Darling River Bourke Sydney Return 14 days includes Siding Springs, Mudgee overnight & Macquarie Marshes – https://www.spiritsafaris.com/nsw-outback-warrumbungles-silo-art-corner-country-mungo-broken-hill-tour-14-days/

Tours are summarised with the calendar here – https://www.spiritsafaris.com/nsw-outback-tours/

Feel Free to Email or Call for more details of tours from Broken hill on 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188 if you have any questions

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Line of Lode hill

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Since 1851, we've been developing and contributing to industry, communities and economies around the world., share this page.

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Formed from a merger between BHP and Billiton, we value our heritage and the strong foundations on which our company is built. From two small mining companies founded in the mid-1800s, we are now a world leader in the diversified resources industry.

The history of BHP and Billiton

• 1851 1851 A Dutch party discovers tin at Billiton Island
• 1860 1860 NV Billiton Maatschappij is established
• 1883 1883 Charles Rasp discovers silver and lead at Broken Hill
• 1885 1885 Broken Hill Proprietary Company Ltd is floated
• 1902 1902 Invention of the flotation vessel
• 1906 1906 Fire breaks out at BHP underground mine
• 1915 1915 Newcastle Steelworks opened
• 1930 1930 Billiton establishes a peoples fund
• 1934 1934 Australian built military aircraft at Port Melbourne begin
• 1935 1935 Establishment of first bauxite mine on Bintan Island
• 1939 1939 The BHP fighter planes against the Japanese
• 1941 1941 Ship building for the navy at Whyalla
• 1957 1957 BHP opens Central Research Laboratories at Shortland, Newcastle
• 1963 1963 BHP and Esso collaborate in search for oil
• 1968 1968 Rich iron ore is developed at Mt. Newman
• 1970 1970 Royal/Dutch Shell Group purchases Billiton
• 1984 1984 BHP acquires Utah International from General Electric
• 1990 1990 Escondida in Chile begins producing copper
• 1991 1991 BHP discovers diamonds in Canada
• 1994 1994 Billiton is acquired by Gencor
• 2000 2000 BHP formally becomes BHP Limited
• 2001 2001 BHP and Billiton reach agreement to merge
• 2001-2 2001 BHP Billiton's Typhoon Oilfield commences production
• 2001-3 2001 Antamina Copper-Zinc project achieves commercial production
• 2001-4 2001 Significant oil discovery made offshore Trinidad
• 2002 2002 Demerger of BHP Steel
• 2004 2004 BHP Billiton approves Spence Copper Project
• 2004-2 2004 BHP Billiton enters joint venture with China and Japan
• 2005 2005 BHP Billiton acquires Western Mining Corporation
• 2005-2 2005 First oil production from the Greater Angostura Field
• 2009 2009 First oil and natural gas production from Shenzi
• 2010 2010 First oil production commences from Pyrenees project
• 2010-2 2010 Athabasca Potash in Canada acquired
• 2011 2011 First gas commences from the Angostura Gas Project
• 2011-2 2011 EKATI Spirit discovered
• 2012 2012 BHP Billiton consolidates operations
• 2013 2013 BHP Billiton invests in Jansen Potash Project
• 2013-2 2013 Daunia Metallurgical Coal Mine opens in central Queensland
• 2013-3 2013 First gas at Macedon gas project
• 2013-4 2013 BHP Billiton moves into new global headquarters
• 2015 2015 Demerger of South32
• 2016 2016 BHP launches Prospects
• 2017 2017 BHP approves extending life of Spence copper mine
• 2017-2 2017 BHP launches Think Big brand campaign
• 2017-3 2017 BHP and PEMEX sign agreement for oil discovery
• 2017-4 2017 Yandi achieves one billion tonnes
• 2018 2018 BHP approves South Flank project
• 2021 2021 BHP approves investment in Jansen Stage 1 potash project
• 2022a 2022 BHP unifies its corporate structure
• 2022c 2022 BHP merged Petroleum business with Woodside
• 2023 2023 BHP completes acquisition of OZ Minerals
• 2023c 2023 BHP approves investment in Jansen Stage 2 potash project

1851 A Dutch party discovers tin at Billiton Island

A Dutch party discovers tin at Billiton Island (Belitung) in the Dutch East Indies. The party is led by Vincent Gildemeester Baron van Tuyll van Serooskerken and John Francis Loudon. Their discovery is in a tropical region, surpassing Cornwall in England as the world's largest producer of tin.

1860 NV Billiton Maatschappij is established

NV Billiton Maatschappij is established and the company’s articles of association are signed at the Groot Keizerhof Hotel in The Hague, Netherlands. Two months later, the Billiton Company acquires mineral rights to the Billiton and Bangka Islands. It will mine tin on Billiton Island until 1958.

1883 Charles Rasp discovers silver and lead at Broken Hill

Charles Rasp is a boundary rider on a remote Australian sheep station in the Barrier Ranges in New South Wales. While at work he discovers rich silver and lead and pays for one of the biggest mining leases ever taken out on a payable ore body in Australia at that time.

1885 Broken Hill Proprietary Company Ltd is floated

Broken Hill Proprietary Company Ltd is floated, with its head office in Melbourne. The Company’s directors resolve to hire the best mining experts from around the world. This early emphasis on expertise is the basis of a hiring policy that continues to this day.

1902 Invention of the flotation vessel

Inspired partly by brewing techniques, the Potter-Delprat Process is developed by BHP to extract huge tonnages of zinc that were not previously commercially viable. Modern versions of this flotation process are used around the world to extract a wide variety of minerals. Its invention is a high point in the history of metallurgy.

1906 Fire breaks out at BHP underground mine

Fire breaks out in BHP’s underground mine at Broken Hill, resulting in the loss of several lives and emphasising the risks associated with mining. Rescue efforts by courageous miners are hampered by poisonous gas. More awards are conferred for acts of bravery than for any previous event in Australian history.

1915 Newcastle Steelworks opened

Newcastle Steelworks completed. The first large-scale steelworks in the nation, it will run for the next 84 years. In the next half century, the company’s expanding steelworks, at Newcastle and Port Kembla, attract scores of new businesses and help to industrialise the nation.

1930 Billiton establishes a peoples fund

Billiton establishes a peoples fund to provide educational, medical and social services to its workforce. Strong ties and a commitment to communities continue to this day with BHP Billiton.

1934 Australian built military aircraft at Port Melbourne begin

BHP’s Managing Director Essington Lewis returns from Japan, convinced it is preparing for war. He forms an Australian syndicate to build military aircraft. During the war, Lewis is the most powerful civilian in the nation and heads the munitions and aircraft industries. He refuses to be paid for his work.

1935 Establishment of first bauxite mine on Bintan Island

Billiton expands its business activities, establishing the first bauxite mine on Bintan Island in Indonesia. Six years later, Billiton mines bauxite in Suriname, South America. Bauxite is the raw material for aluminium, the lightweight metal for which demand soars during World War II.

1939 The BHP fighter planes against the Japanese

The BHP-led syndicate, Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, flies their first planes - the Wirraway – which make up most of the front line fighters when Japan enters the war in 1941. The Wirraways, effectively training planes, are followed by the faster and stronger Boomerangs, Beauforts and Beaufighters.

1941 Ship building for the navy at Whyalla

Ship building for the navy begins at Whyalla, South Australia – the site of a new BHP blast furnace. The first corvette, HMAS Whyalla, is launched on 12 May. BHP’s willingness to diversify into a range of activities makes it the nation’s greatest manufacturing company as well as the largest private shipowner.

1957 BHP opens Central Research Laboratories at Shortland, Newcastle

To tackle a wide span of challenges, BHP opens Central Research Laboratories at Shortland, Newcastle. The facility is used to research and develop new techniques in ore smelting, refining and steel-making, as well as research new methods and technologies to aid in the discovery and development of natural resources.

1963 BHP and Esso collaborate in search for oil

Spearheaded by BHP’s Chief General Manager Ian McLennan and American geologist Dr. Lewis Weeks, BHP and Esso collaborate in the successful search for oil beneath Bass Strait, Victoria. The discovery of crude oil in 1967 and subsequent production insulates Australia against the global oil crisis of 1973-1974.

1968 Rich iron ore is developed at Mt. Newman

Huge deposits of rich iron ore are developed at Mt. Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. A long railway is built to the Indian Ocean. Eventually, Port Hedland in Western Australia becomes Australia’s largest port and today, is one of the world’s main bulk-cargo ports.

1970 Royal/Dutch Shell Group purchases Billiton

Royal/Dutch Shell Group purchases Billiton on 25 July. In the following two decades, Billiton becomes a mining empire with works extending from Australia to South America. The Company intensifies its exploration, research and development of new mines. It is also at the forefront of sustainable mining practices.

1984 BHP acquires Utah International from General Electric

BHP acquires Utah International from General Electric. The purchase makes BHP a major coal exporter in Queensland and extends the Company’s operations into the United States, Brazil, Canada and Chile. The deal transforms BHP into a worldwide minerals company.

1990 Escondida in Chile begins producing copper

The huge mine at Escondida in Chile – located in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth – begins producing copper. BHP’s controlling interest in Escondida makes it one of the world’s leading copper miners.

1991 BHP discovers diamonds in Canada

The discovery of diamonds in Canada was kept secret for four months, but when news broke it sparks the largest staking rush in North American history. 40 million acres are staked over 18 months from Yellowknife to the Arctic Ocean. EKATI would become Canada's first diamond mine officially opening 14 October 1998.

1994 Billiton is acquired by Gencor

A major portion of Billiton, including its stakes in mining and metals in 15 countries, is acquired by South African mining company, Gencor. Billiton prospers. It is to be divested from Gencor in 1997 and listed on the London Stock Exchange.

2000 BHP formally becomes BHP Limited

BHP formally becomes BHP Limited. It retains the ‘Broken Hill’ in its name even though the ‘Big Mine’ at Broken Hill closed in 1940. Not surprisingly, many Australians continue to believe mistakenly that BHP Billiton still operates at Broken Hill.

2001 BHP and Billiton reach agreement to merge

BHP and Billiton reaches an agreement with shareholders to merge on 18 March 2001. The merger receives Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval in June 2001 under the conditions that BHP Billiton Group continue a strong Australian focus with headquarters remaining in Melbourne. European Commission approval follows on 15 June 2001.

2001 BHP Billiton's Typhoon Oilfield commences production

Oil and gas production begins at the Typhoon oilfield in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Typhoon was an import step in the delivery of BHP Billiton’s deepwater exploration strategy.

2001 Antamina Copper-Zinc project achieves commercial production

BHP Billiton’s Antamina Copper-Zinc mine in northern Peru achieves commercial production more than four months ahead of the original schedule. The mine is among the largest and lowest cost copper-zinc producers in the world.

2001 Significant oil discovery made offshore Trinidad

BHP Billiton announces a significant oil discovery offshore Trinidad. This is the first new oil reservoir discovered in 33 years in the country.

2002 Demerger of BHP Steel

In July 2002, BHP Billiton announces the demerger of BHP Steel. The demerger is an important milestone in the history of BHP Billiton and the future of BHP Steel.

2004 BHP Billiton approves Spence Copper Project

BHP Billiton announces the US$990 million Spence Copper Project in northern Chile. At the time, it is the best undeveloped copper orebody known in the world. Its large reserves, low operating cost structure, high return potential, and close proximity to critical infrastructure, enables it to be one of the world’s top tier mines.

2004 BHP Billiton enters joint venture with China and Japan

BHP Billiton announces its intention to form a joint venture with Japan’s JFE Steel Corporation, a recently merged entity of Kawasaki Steel Corporation and NKK. This partnership would be BHP Billiton’s first iron ore joint venture with a Japanese steelmaker.

2005 BHP Billiton acquires Western Mining Corporation

BHP Billiton acquires Western Mining Corporation (WMC), an Australian mining and fertiliser company. At takeover, BHP Billiton acquires Nickel West in WA - a fully integrated mine-to-market nickel business - and Olympic Dam in SA – one of the world’s largest deposits of copper, gold, uranium, and a significant deposit of silver.

2005 First oil production from the Greater Angostura Field

BHP Billiton announces the first production from the Angostura field in Trinidad and Tobago. Start-up from Angostura represented the first oil production from the northeast coast of Trinidad.

2009 First oil and natural gas production from Shenzi

In March 2009, BHP Billiton announces the first oil and natural gas production from the Shenzi development in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Boasting the second deepest tension leg platform in the world, the development comes in on time and budget, and is an important milestone for Petroleum.

2010 First oil production commences from Pyrenees project

The first oil production commences ahead of schedule from BHP Billiton operated Pyrenees project, offshore Western Australia. The project is very technically challenging, yet is executed extremely well, making significant contributions to Petroleum’s worldwide operations and production volumes for years to come.

2010 Athabasca Potash in Canada acquired

BHP Billiton acquires Athabasca Potash in March 2010. This provides BHP Billiton with 100% control of the Burr project and various additional potash exploration properties in Saskatchewan, Canada. This gives BHP Billiton access to a total of more than 14,000 km2 of exploration ground in the Saskatchewan potash basin.

2011 First gas commences from the Angostura Gas Project

BHP Billiton commences its first gas production from the Angostura Gas Project, offshore Trinidad and Tobago. Delivered on schedule and budget, the project is an important addition to BHP Billiton’s portfolio, potentially tripling production at the Trinidad and Tobago business over the following year.

2011 EKATI Spirit discovered

In 2011, BHP announces the discovery of the most significant gem-quality diamond to be discovered at EKATI Diamond Mine and in Canada. The 78 carat EKATI Spirit, is presented for auction in Antwerp, Belgium, and is a breathtaking example of the stunning gem-quality diamonds produced at EKATI.

2012 BHP Billiton consolidates operations

BHP consolidates its operations, selling EKATI Diamond Mine in Canada, Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa, and the Teerlittie Uranium Deposit in Western Australia. This allows BHP Billiton to focus on their core portfolio, supporting the strategy to operate large, long-life, low cost, expandable, upstream assets diversified by commodity, geography and market.

2013 BHP Billiton invests in Jansen Potash Project

BHP Billiton invests in the Jansen Potash project, the world’s best undeveloped potash resource, to finish the excavation and lining of the production and service shafts and to the installation of essential surface infrastructure and utilities.

2013 Daunia Metallurgical Coal Mine opens in central Queensland

In September 2013, BHP Billiton celebrates the opening of the new Daunia mine, the company’s ninth operating metallurgical coal mine in central Queensland. The project started construction in 2011, and came in under budget, as well as opening four months ahead of schedule.

2013 First gas at Macedon gas project

BHP Billiton celebrates its first gas production at Macedon. Building on their strong oil and gas operations in WA, it's BHP Billiton’s largest operated Australian gas project and is expected to supply domestic gas for the wholesale market in WA until at least 2033, as well at 20% of the state’s domestic gas for consumers and industry.

2013 BHP Billiton moves into new global headquarters

BHP Billiton officially opens its new head office at 171 Collins Street, a new Melbourne landmark building. The sustainable building has environmental targets which will ensure it operates sustainably for the long term. It achieves Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star 6 Star Office Design and targets 5 Star National Australian Built Environment Rating System.

2015 Demerger of South32

On 19 August 2014, BHP announces plans to simplify its portfolio by creating an independent global metals and mining company, South32, based on a selection of its high quality alumina, aluminum, coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc assets. In May 2015, following a successful shareholder vote, South32 is founded.

2016 BHP launches Prospects

BHP launches Prospects, a blog series, to provide insights on global trends relevant to their business and our stakeholders.

2017 BHP approves extending life of Spence copper mine

BHP announces approval of capital expenditure of US$2.46 billion for the Spence Growth Option which will extend the mine life by more than 50 years.

2017 BHP launches Think Big brand campaign

BHP launches the Think Big brand campaign in Australia, their first advertising campaign in over 30 years.

2017 BHP and PEMEX sign agreement for oil discovery

BHP advances its deep-water oil exploration and production interests in the Gulf of Mexico with PEMEX.

2017 Yandi achieves one billion tonnes

Yandi achieves an historic milestone - one billion tonnes Ore For Rail produced in the mine’s lifetime.

2018 BHP approves South Flank project

BHP approves US$2.9 billion in capital expenditure for the South Flank project in the central Pilbara, Western Australia.

2021 BHP approves investment in Jansen Stage 1 potash project

Jansen Stage 1 is expected to produce approximately 4.35 million tonnes of potash per annum and has a basin position with the potential for further expansions (subject to studies and approvals). First ore is targeted in the 2027 calendar year, with construction expected to take approximately six years, followed by a ramp up period of two years.

2022 BHP unifies its corporate structure

On 31 January 2022, BHP unified its corporate structure under BHP Group Limited. Unification will provide a simpler corporate structure that will make BHP simpler and more agile, with the strategic flexibility to shape our portfolio for the future.

2022 BHP merged Petroleum business with Woodside

On 1 June 2022, we merged BHP’s Petroleum business with Woodside to create a global top 10 independent energy company by production.

2023 BHP completes acquisition of OZ Minerals

BHP announced the completion of the OZ Minerals acquisition and implementation of the scheme of arrangement to acquire 100% of the shares in OZ Minerals. This acquisition strengthens BHP’s portfolio in copper and nickel and is in line with our strategy to meet increasing demand for the critical minerals needed for electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels to support the energy transition.

2023 BHP approves investment in Jansen Stage 2 potash project

Our CAD$14 billion (US$10.5 billion) investment in the Jansen project will deliver a potash mine in Saskatchewan designed to maximise sustainability. The Jansen site is located approximately 140 kilometers east of Saskatoon.

Beyond the Surface: The History of BHP

The history of bhp, explore a selection of publications and videos from our archives.

A Souvenir from Broken Hill (1912)

Published in 1912, A Souvenir from Broken Hill is a collection of images from the early days of BHP by E. A. Archbald.

Broken Hill Proprietary Recreation Review (1922)

Read the first edition of BHP's newsletter, "Broken Hill Proprietary Recreation Review" from 1922.

A Souvenir of Broken Hill (1935) 

Published in 1935, A Souvenir of Broken Hill is a collection of etchings from BHP by J.C. Goodhart.

The BHP Review: Jubilee Edition (1935)

In 1935, BHP published the jubilee edition of The BHP Review covering fifty years of industry and enterprise with a forward by Managing Director, Essington Lewis.

100 Years of Growing with Australia (1985)

A special tribute to mark 100 years of achievement of the Big Australian.

Australians in Company (1985)

In 1985, published Australians in Company celebrating one hundred years of achievements with a forward by Chairman James Balderstone.

The Iron Ships (1992)

A maritime history of BHP (1885 - 1992).

In 3 Minutes (1992)

In 1973, an employee had a great idea, figuring out what we could produce in three minutes. In 1992, we repeated the work and saw just how much the company had grown.

Professor Geoffrey Blainey on the history of BHP

Listen to Australian historian and academic, Professor Geoffrey Blainey, speak about the history of BHP and Billiton.

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• Broken Hill Australia

Attractions & history of the Silver City

The history of Broken Hill is a story of trials and triumphs. The discovery of the rich line of lode in Outback New South Wales was an important event in the young history of Australia. Broken Hill owes it's existence to a young German boundary rider who discovered the rich ore body, that became later known as the Line of Lode , in 1883.

The Line of Lode Miner's Memorial on the edge of the mullock heap commemorates the 900 miners who lost their lives while working underground.The memorial is the building on the left in the photo above.

Today, Broken Hill is the main centre in the far west with all modern amenities. Stay a couple of days and explore the city & its surroundings before you head off to see famous places in Outback NSW, for example  Silverton, Corner Country, Menindee Lakes and the Darling River. Broken Hill is divided in a northern and southern part by the railway line and the huge mullock heap (waste material from the mines). The city centre is north of the mullock hills, Argent Street has been the main road since the early days. The beauty of the Outback landscapes, the magic of colours, glowing sunsets and deep blue skies, have attracted artists and photographers, and last but not least travellers, to visit and stay in this major centre in New South Wales' far west.

What to read on this page - Table of Content (TOC)

How to get to Broken Hill

Quick Facts

Attractions in the Silver City

What to do  

History of Broken Hill

Where to stay

Visitor Information

The Town Hall (1890-1891) in Argent Street is a fine example of Victorian Italianate style architecture.Most of the building was demolished in the 1970s, but thankfully, the beautiful facade remained.

How to get to Broken Hill Australia

Distances to major cities : Sydney 1,167 km; Adelaide 508 km; Mildura 296 km

How to get there? : The Barrier Hwy connects Broken Hill to the east and west with other major roads which lead to Adelaide, Sydney and other destinations. Read more about the trip along the Barrier Highway .

From Mildura in the south take the Silver City Hwy to get to "the hill".

The Indian Pacific rail service from Sydney to Perth stops twice a week for the journey in each direction. There is a Countrylink train connection with Sydney, and a coach service to Dubbo to catch more trains.

• Population : approximately 17,700
• City area : 179 km² 
• State : New South Wales
• Elevation : 315 m 
• Post Code : 2880
• Climate : Hot and dry desert climate, Broken Hill and the surrounding areas are well-known for major dust storms. Average rainfall is only 235 mm
• Time zone : While NSW is in the Australian Eastern Standard Time zone, Broken Hill and surroundings (Yancowinna County) follows the Australian Central Standard Time.
• Heritage listing : The longest running mining town entered the National Heritage List in January 2015
• Nick names of Broken Hill : Silver City, The Hill

• Back to table of content

Attractions in Broken Hill

You'll feel like being in a "chemistry laboratory" when you walk around in the city centre, as many streets are named after minerals. Beryl, Sulphide, Chloride, Cobalt are just a few examples. Other streets are named after members of the town government and mining officials. It is said the Silver City is a living museum, and yes, you are reminded of the early days by interpretive signs and the presence of the beautiful historical buildings. Take the two-hour signposted Heritage Trail to discover outstanding buildings. Don't forget your camera!

The cast iron veranda of the Palace Hotel (1899) is classified by the National Trust as the longest in NSW.

The Trades Hall (1898-1905) is a most impressive building. Trade Unions have been always important in the mining town, and the Trade Hall has been home to the union movement since the early days. If you want to celebrate a special event in style, you can hire the Trades Hall.

The red brick Post Office (1890-1892) was designed by James Barnet. The first post office in Broken Hill opened in 1886, but it soon was considered too small for the booming mining town.

Junction Mine , Menindee Rd, was one of the earliest leases, pegged out in 1884. Junction Mine was worked until 1972. It is now open to visitors who are interested to see how a mining site worked. Browne's Shaft, the concentration mill and other structures are features on the site. Go in late afternoon to take amazing photos.

There is so much to do and see in and around Broken Hill. Take your time and stay a couple of days to discover the sights.

• Lookout points to enjoy Broken Hill's panorama include Joe Keenan's Lookout at Kaolin St., Block 10 lookout accessible from Galena St. and the Line of Lode at the end of Federation Way.
• If you really want to experience the hard life of miners in the 19th century, join a walk-in tour of Daydream Mine . The mine is 13km off Silverton Rd, and about 20km from the city. Daydream Mine started its short operation in 1882, a few years before the mining boom began in the Silver City.
• Visit the School of the Air (Lane Street) and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (at the airport). Both institutions have an invaluable impact on people living in the remote Australian Outback.
• See the The Living Desert Flora & Fauna Sanctuary on the outskirts of the city to learn about the flora and fauna of the Barrier Ranges. The Sculpture Symposium is another attraction within the reserve.
• Take a drive to Silverton , the old mining settlement on the edge of the desert. Enjoy the stunning sunset from the Mundi Mundi lookout with a drink and some nibbles.
• Visit Menindee and discover Australia's pastoral history during a visit at the large Kinchega Woolshed in Kinchega National Park

The Wiljakali Aboriginal people had lived in the Broken Hill region for more than 40,000 years when the first Europeans arrived in the far west of New South Wales.

The city is surrounded by the undulating hills of the Barrier Ranges, named by Charles Sturt in 1844. It was Sturt who mentioned a "broken hill" that appeared as having a break in it. It was exactly in these broken hill(s) where Charles Rasp discovered one of the world's richest silver-lead-zinc ore body. It didn't take long until a thriving mining town developed, and mining has been an important part of the Silver City's economy since then.

Timeline of European history

• Surveyor-General Sir Thomas Mitchell was the first white man in the area. Only three years later, in 1844, Charles Sturt named the Barrier Ranges and mentioned a "broken hill". Although Sturt's expedition failed to find the Australian inland sea, their mapping and descriptions of the far north-west helped to open up this unknown region.
• Pastoralists followed the early explorers in the 1850. This was the beginning of major changes for the local Aborigines. Flocks of sheep, fences and mining stopped their traditional nomadic life.
• Charles Rasp , a German boundary rider who worked at Mount Gipps station pegged the first claim on top of the "broken hill". Rasp thought the hill would contain deposits of tin, but first samples examined in Adelaide showed quantities of lead and zinc with traces of silver. On September 5, 1883 he registered his mining lease. Mount Gipps station manager George McCulloch, James Poole, David James, George Lind and George Urquhart joined and together they formed the "syndicate of seven". It took nearly two years until finally rich silver chlorides were found. In 1885 the " Syndicate of Seven " registered the Broken Hill Proprietary Company or BHP. The big Australian mine put Australia onto the world's economic stage.
• Broken Hill became a municipality in 1888. The foundation stone for the impressive town hall was laid by Sir Henry Parks in 1890. The new town hall was designed in Australia-Italianate style and built with stone from the Block 14 mine.

• Argent Street runs parallel with the ore-loaded hill. In the early days it was just a sandy, or muddy street without defined footpaths. The early buildings were constructed of timber and iron. Water and food was short, dust storms were common, nevertheless, Broken Hill had a population of more than 20,000 by 1891. It is hard to imagine how poor living conditions must have been for the early miners and their families.
• More civic buildings, the police station, courthouse and post office were built in the 1890s, along with schools and the technical college.
• 1892 the Stephens Creek reservoir and reticulation system was built and improved living conditions in the town. Yet, conditions for the miners were still poor, hundred of men were killed in the mines.
• At the turn of the century 27,000 people lived and worked in Broken Hill, and the town had 60 licensed hotels.
• Following bitter industrial disputes in the early 20th century, the Broken Hill Barrier Industrial Council was formed in 1923. It was an affiliation of 18 unions. As a result, working conditions in the mines finally improved.
• The Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP) hasn't been the only mining company in Broken Hill. Actually, BHP ventured into steel manufacturing and later into petroleum exploration. "The big Australian", as BHP once was known, merged with the Anglo-Dutch Billiton to form the world's largest mining company in 2001.

Where to stay in Broken Hill

Broken Hill has full town facilities, a large number of supermarkets, shops, hotels & motels. You can use the search tool in the right column of this page to check accommodation, or learn about my favourite places to stay in the city.

During most visits in the Silver City we stayed at the Daydream Motel . The rooms are comfortable and clean, this is a great place if your are looking for a budget accommodation. Check the rates for the Daydream Motel at HotelCombined .

For our stay at New Year's Day this year (2019), we were looking for a touch of luxury. We decided to stay at the Red Earth Motel , and loved it. Check it out !

Visitor Information Centre

The modern centre on the corner of Blende & Bromide Streets offers useful information for visitors, plus a wide range of souvenirs.

The centre is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 8:30am to 3 or 5pm (closing times vary). The friendly staff helps you to get the most out of your visit, they are also happy to book accommodation for you.

Broken Hill has played an important part in the history of Australia. The city has a lot of charm, friendly people and much to explore beyond. Discover the "accessible Outback". Drive on sealed highways and feel the vast distances and the grandeur of the Australian Outback.

Since my first stay in Broken Hill nearly twenty-five years ago, I return at every opportunity to this wonderful city. I hope you enjoy the city as much as I do.

Discover destinations in the far west of NSW

Explore famous places like Silverton, Corner Country, Menindee Lakes and the Darling River

The only city in this part of NSW has a lot to offer. Stay a few days to discover all attractions

Visit the one of the remotest stores in the Australian Outback

A town with lots of character and the stunning Mundi Mundi plain

See ancient mountains, open plains, glistening salt lakes

Discover history & tales along the Matilda Way

The articles below help you to plan your journey

• Travel the Barrier Highway
• Outback New South Wales Overview
• Discover the Silver City

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Day dream mine

A day to remember, underground and surface tours.

Daydream Mine only operates seven days a week during Victorian and New South Wales school holidays (excluding summer).

Outside of these times and during the summer holidays, the mine will be closed on Monday and Friday.

If you are very large group (15 or more adults) or a coach booking please contact us and arrangements may be able to be made.

We will also be open all Easter long weekend.

We apologise for any convenience this causes, however, due to staff shortages and health issues we’ve had to make this choice after 29 years of operating seven days a week.

So please book ahead of time.

We need everyone to book in before to arrival. please call 0427 885 682..

History will come alive as you drive along the road through the Appollyon Valley thinking “how did they find this mine?”

Then coming over the hill to view the magnificent smelter built by the Daydream Mining Association and used by Broken Hill.

Then the old township which once had a population of approx 500.

Real Tunnels

Real experience, after the tour enjoy some scones in our tearoom, scones so good even the pet horses want some, the scones are absolutely incredible. my partner, a true blue bloke, is not a scone eater, they impressed him so much that they have become his benchmark of what a scone should be like, delicious piping hot fresh scones with cream and jam plus a cuppa tea and 4 hot chocolates, made and served by the owner's son, jason. this alone made it worth the trip., come and visit the mine today.

It is possible to still experience what life was like for the early outback miner.

Tours are 10:00am and 11:30am. Please book by calling 0427 885 682.

We are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday   until Easter during quiet months.

Underground Tours

Seniors & Pensioners $31

Students (16 yrs+) $29

Underground Tours (Sunday)

Seniors & Pensioners $38

Students (16 yrs+) $34

Children $16

Underground Tours (Public Holidays)

Seniors & Pensioners $40

Students (16 yrs+) $36

Children $18

Surface Tours

Surface tours are available

$10 Standard

$12 Sunday Rate

$14 Public Holiday

Tour Duration

Wear Enclosed Shoes

Bookings Welcome Anytime

Ph  0427 885 682

Scones $8.50

Sunday Rate $10.00

Public Holidays $12.00

Call Today to book your Visit 0427 885 682

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The Living Desert & Sculptures

The Living Desert is Broken Hill City Council’s contribution to the environment, for the protection of native flora and fauna and for the better management of our ecosystem and sustainability.

Venture underground in this quirky little town built into rocky cliffs and fossick through opal fields to find your very own treasure.

Travel distances between outback townships can be long and the road rugged. Doing some homework on your route options can make all the difference!

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Unearthing broken hill's mining history.

Outback Guides

Broken Hill is Australia’s first heritage-listed city, thanks to its rich mining history that revolutionised both the nation’s economy and its labour rights from the late 1800’s. Mining success began in 1883, when the ‘Syndicate of Seven’ - a group of seven men from nearby Mt Gipps Station - discovered a mineral deposit beneath a ‘broken’ hill, which they believed had mining potential. Consequently, in 1885, the now-famous Broken Hill Proprietary (BHP) was born. This same body of ore turned out to be the largest single source of lead, silver, and zinc ore ever discovered on earth, amounting to over $100 billion of wealth. Today, Broken Hill provides an intriguing and educational opportunity for visitors to explore. 

The best place to get a good grasp on the influence mining has had on Broken Hill is the Line of Lode Miners Memorial . The Line of Lode itself is a 30m-high hill of rock and rubble, a byproduct of the Broken Hill mine that now looms over the city. Atop this hill lies the Miners Memorial, a poignant tribute to the men and women that have worked in the mines, and those that lost their lives. The names of all fallen miners appear on the walls of the monument, a sobering reminder of the dangers of the trade, particularly in the early days. The memorial also offers spectacular views of the city, with mining influence to be found almost everywhere you look.

If you’re looking for an immersive mining experience, Day Dream Mine should be at the top of your list. Experience what life was like for the early outback miners, as you descend through archaic tunnels and voids. Journeying through the mine is a stunning reminder of what life was like for these pioneers. The fascinating historical tour is followed by a hearty meal of Broken Hill’s iconic scones and tea. Day Dream Mine is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for friends, families, couples, and solo travellers alike. 

To learn more about what exactly everyone was chasing out here, visit Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum . Also known as the GeoCentre, the Museum showcases Broken Hill’s vast mining history. It is home to an impressive 42kg silver nugget, and the iconic Silver Tree. Other features include the crystal theatre - a three screen video experience that details Broken Hill’s mining history - and the museum shop - full of tumbled stones and gemstone jewelleries. Explore some 2,000 unique artefacts at the GeoCentre, to gain firsthand insight on Broken Hill’s ancient minerals and specimens.

Whether you find yourself down a mineshaft, pondering around a museum or simply strolling through Broken Hill’s mineral-themed streets, exploring Broken Hill’s mining history is a truly unmissable event.

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• Films of Broken Hill and Silverton
• Getting to Broken Hill
• Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre
• Broken Hill Mining
• Miner’s Way to Moonta SA
• Historic Buildings of Silverton
• History of Silverton
• Broken Hill Galleries
• Broken Hill Walks
• The Living Desert and Sculptures
• Broken Hill Local Drive
• Drives around Broken Hill
• Historic Silverton
• National Parks around Broken Hill
• Broken Hill Town Map
• Broken Hill History
• Visit Corner Country

Brief Broken Hill History

Born in Saxony in 1846, Charles Rasp, the man who discovered Broken Hill’s Line of Lode, was born Hieronymous Salvator Lopez von Pereira.

As a boundery rider, he patrolled the Mt Gipps fences and discovered what he thought were deposits of tin. Rasp’s samples were silver and lead, and the ore body became the largest and richest of its kind in the world. The Broken Hill Proprietary Company was launched by a ‘Syndicate of Seven’ in 1885. The syndicate was Charles Rasp, George McCulloch, George Lind, Philip Charley, David James, James Poole, George Urquart, however some in the syndicate sold out before the shares were released.

Mining Industry

Mining has been a part of Broken Hill since 1883 when the first sign of wealth was discovered by Charles Rasp, who then set up the BHP mine with the Syndicate of Seven. The famous BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary) company left Broken Hill in 1939 and since then a total of 14 different mining companies have made Broken Hill their home and their fortune. At its peak in 1952, the Broken Hill mining industry employed 6500 people along an ore body 7.5km long by 250m wide.

From the old pick and shovel days in the 1800’s to the fully mechanized methods used in present day mining, you will find examples of these techniques in the various mine tours and mining museums available to the tourist.

From any vantage point in the city, the huge dumps and towering headframes are reminders of the industry which provides the city with its means of life. The importance of the mining industry is never forgotten.  Have you seen the replica Headframe on the Adelaide Road?  This a replica of No.7 Headframe of the South Mine…..this was a bequest of Peter W Seward.

Syndicate of Seven

George McCulloch, Charles Rasp, James Poole, David James, Philip Charley, George Urquhart and George Lind. These seven men came from diverse backgrounds, intellect and foresight to form the first mining company in Broken Hill.

Rasp and his fellow station hands, David James and James Poole, pegged out the original lease in September 1883. Rasp is the most famous of the seven today, but it was the equally well educated (and considerably tougher) George McCulloch who masterminded the syndicate and helped form the Broken Hill Proprietary Company in 1885. An active patron of the arts, McCulloch helped establish what is now the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery (on the condition that entry was free for everyone, as it still is today). He also funded Broken Hill’s first hospital.

Another who benefited was Philip Charley, the young jackaroo who first recognised silver chlorides near Rasp Shaft (pegged by McCulloch). His ongoing involvement enabled him to import a 1907 Silver Ghost – the first Rolls Royce in Australia.

Others didn’t do so well. George Urquhart and George Lind, sold their shares at a loss. James Poole sold half his share to the cattle king, Sidney Kidman, for a herd of bullocks worth only 40 pounds. As perspective on their mistakes; BHP mined ore worth more than 42,000 pounds in its first year alone.

You can see busts of the original ‘Syndicate of Seven’ outside the Broken Hill Council Chambers.

Broken Hill is a ‘living museum’. There are underground experiences for the adventurer and above ground mines to visit and explore. Our attractions are varied and cater to all age groups and the budget conscious.

Did you know that Broken Hill was the scene of the only enemy attack on Australian soil in WWI! On 1st January 1915 – only four months before the Anzac’s fought the Turks at Gallipoli, a trainload of Oddfellows were on their way to a New Year’s Day picnic in Silverton from Broken Hill, when on the eastern fringes of the town the train passed an ice-cream cart flying the Turkish flag. Two men in the cart had rifles and some picnickers thought they must be shooting at rabbits. Then the men fired 20 or 30 rounds at the train. A railway truck marks the scene of the shooting (listed on the City’s heritage trail) and there is a replica ice-cream cart at White Rocks, at the northern end of town, the scene of the later shoot-out…and if you really want to find out more visit the Sulphide Street Railway Museum in Broken Hill.

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Wundercliffe

Broken hill, 29 august 2002.

On our second day in Broken Hill, we had breakfast in the cabin and then headed into town.  Our first stop was the visitor information centre.  We then set off to the Delprats mine site where we booked ourselves in for a tour of the original BHP mine.  The site was just opposite the main street of town, on a vast slag-heap that towered over the town itself.  The layout was not unlike Mount Isa.

Tours of the mine were assembled in an old corrugated iron building with a headframe outside.  After we’d paid for the tour, we were shown into a change room where we given hardhats, belts, and an overcoat and, after a little instruction, a battery operated light for our hardhat.  The tour was well attended even though it was a weekday: there were at least 30 other people.  All were Australians except for one Swiss tourist.  Our tour guide was a man in his late 60s called Ron. In many ways, the highlight of the tour was simply meeting him.

We were crammed into the cage that was lowered with the headframe. We descended to Level 3 of the mine, about 150m below the surface.  It was a lead, silver and zinc mine mainly, and the part we were visiting was no longer operational.

It took three descents of the cage to get the entire tour group down into the mine.  Ron then started his guided tour of the tunnel below.  There were only three stops on the tour: the place where the cage landed, a small open area with seating for demonstrations, and a dead end almost 300 m into the tunnel.  The tour lasted about two hours, and was characterised by a rapid, humorous and unrelenting monologue from Ron, who was himself an old miner.

During the tour he demonstrated the use of a miner’s drill and a sort of shovel machine that runs on rails (I think it was called a bogger).  Both were operated pneumatically and were dreadfully loud.  Before I had a chance to ask how his hearing was, Ron described his dreadful tinnitus.  Unlike the tour at Mount Isa, which was a kind of public relations exercise for the mining company, Ron’s tour was openly scathing about the company’s safety record.  Later we learned that he had lost his brother in an appalling workplace accident, so his attitude was understandable.  Ron knew exactly how many times he had taken tourists on his tour.  I think the number was well over 2,000.  The tour was not cheap, but it was well worth it.  It was a great tour, and what made it great was Ron’s hilarious, irreverent, and sometimes outrageous banter.

After the tour we went up into the very top of the slag heap to the miner’s memorial.  It seemed odd to charge a $5.00 per adult entry fee to see a memorial, but it was also worth the price of admission.  It was an interesting steel structure with a long approach to it along a steel walkway.  Signs along the walkway familiarised us with mining terms that we would need to understand in order to make sense of the display beyond.

The memorial consisted of columns of glass rectangles on which were etched names of all the miners killed in accidents – something over 700.  Also inscribed was the date and cause of death.  Many were due to rock falls, others were unthinkably violent encounters with machines: “dragged from the cage”, “fell into the crusher”, “entangled in belts”, or “fell onto circular saw”.  Others were less dramatic: “septicaemia from a cut lip”, “fell off a bicycle”, and so on.  The body count was sobering, and the frequent deaths due to dust on the lungs and lead poisoning were a grim reminder of the company’s intransigence when it came to introducing safety precautions such as wet drilling.

After our visit to the memorial, we did the usual tour of op shops and second-hand shops, and had lunch in a health food shop that was full of mumbo-jumbo and expensive potions, but which served a fine chicken burger. (Ruby opted for a meat pie from next door.)

In the afternoon Susan and Ruby visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Broken Hill to get some more information for a school project that Ruby is doing about the Service.  I stayed with Clare at the cabin and helped her with her schoolwork.  In the evening I cooked red kidney beans with salami, and Susan watched TV till late.

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