Mining in Australia [picture] / Wolfgang Sievers

The influence of the mining industry on Australia in the post-war years has been extensive. As well as its importance to the Australian economy, the mining industry has been a driving force in technology development, and the workplace for thousands of Australians. Generally located at a distance from metropolitan areas, mines have had a particular influence on employment, skills development, and lifestyles in rural and regional Australia. The geographic scope of the collection includes mines in Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia. Companies such as Comalco, Hamersley Iron, Broken Hill Associated Smelters, Metals Exploration and Roche Brothers, are represented. Minerals includes bauxite, gold, silver, lead, zinc, iron ore, uranium, nickel and rutile. The photographs depict machinery, processes, mine interiors and working conditions. This collection covers a variety of aspects - mining, history of technology, history of working conditions, pollution and regeneration, rural and regional conditions.