Broken Hill
Broken Hill district, Yancowinna Co., New South Wales, Australia
Key Information
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Broken Hill, in far west New South Wales, Australia, is famous for silver, lead, zinc, and over 25 uncommon minerals like Aldridgeite and Bernalite.
It lies near the South Australian border, with coordinates around 31°57' S latitude and 141°27' E longitude, at 315 meters elevation, in a cold semi-arid climate.
The minerals are found in metamorphic rocks from original sedimentary layers, formed through complex geological processes.
Mining started in 1883 by Charles Rasp and continues today, making it Australia's longest-lived mining city.
The culture is rich, with strong Australian rules football, vibrant arts, and a history tied to unionism, set in a desert and scrubland ecology.
Location and Climate
Broken Hill is located in the far west of New South Wales, near the border with South Australia, about 300 km north of Mildura. Its cold semi-arid climate features hot summers and cool winters, with an average annual rainfall of around 265 mm, typical of the Australian outback.
Minerals and Geology
The area is renowned for its silver, lead, and zinc deposits, and hosts over 25 uncommon minerals with type locality status, such as Aldridgeite and Bernalite, making it a hotspot for mineral enthusiasts. These minerals are found in metamorphic rocks derived from sedimentary sandstone and siltstone, formed through sedimentary-exhalative processes followed by metamorphism.
Mining and History
Mining began in 1883 when Charles Rasp discovered the mineral-rich hill, leading to the formation of the Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (BHP) in 1885. It has been continuously active since, earning the title of Australia's longest-lived mining city, with a significant impact on industrial and union history.
Culture and Ecology
Broken Hill, known as "The Silver City," has a vibrant culture with a strong Australian rules football presence and numerous art galleries and sculpture parks. Its ecology features desert and scrubland vegetation, shaped by the semi-arid climate, influencing both local life and mining operations.