Curlew Emerald Mine

Shaw River District, East Pilbara Shire, Western Australia, Australia

Key Information

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The Curlew Emerald Mine is located in the Shaw River District, East Pilbara Shire, Western Australia, about 90 km west of Marble Bar, known for extreme heat.
It primarily produces emeralds, with additional minerals like monazite and topaz, and research suggests a diverse mineral profile.
The geological structure is igneous, centered on the Shaw Batholith with emerald-bearing pegmatites.
Mining started in the mid-1970s, was active until 1981, and saw renewed production in 2023, using both open-pit and underground methods.
The area has a rich Indigenous history with the Martu people, and the mine’s name likely relates to the curlew bird, adding cultural depth.
The climate is hot and dry, with mining limited to winter months, and the ecology features arid-adapted flora and fauna.

Geographic Location

The Curlew Emerald Mine sits in the remote Shaw River District of the East Pilbara Shire, Western Australia, approximately 90 km west of Marble Bar and 5 km north of the Woodstock-Marble Bar Road, east of the Mt Webber iron ore turn-off. This location is part of the Pilbara region, known for its mining industries and extreme temperatures, offering a rugged backdrop for mineral exploration.

Minerals Produced

This mine is renowned for its emerald production, yielding both facetable and non-facetable varieties. Research suggests it also hosts a range of other minerals, including monazite, topaz, cassiterite, and others, making it a diverse site for collectors and researchers.

Geological Structure

The mine is situated within the Shaw Batholith, a large mass of intrusive igneous rock. Emeralds are found in pegmatites and quartz veins, formed from the last stages of magma crystallization, providing a fascinating geological setting.

Mining History

Mining began in the mid-1970s and was active until 1981, focusing on emerald production. After a period of abandonment from the 1980s to 2011, it saw renewed interest, with successful gem-quality production in 2023 by a small-scale mining group. Methods included both open-pit and underground mining, reflecting the site’s operational challenges.

Local Culture and Characteristics

The area is part of the traditional lands of the Martu people, with a rich Indigenous history. The mine’s name, likely inspired by the curlew bird, adds a naturalistic and cultural layer, while its mining history contributes stories of past prospectors, enhancing local heritage.

Climate and Ecology

The Pilbara region features a hot, dry climate, with summer temperatures often exceeding 40°C, limiting mining to the cooler winter months. The ecology is typical of the Australian outback, with sparse vegetation and unique flora and fauna adapted to arid conditions, adding to the mine’s challenging environment.