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Australia Mining

Mining helped Australia out of financial disaster during early colonization. Silver was first discovered in South Australia in the 1840s. Copper was found a short while later. The ore was sent overseas. Skilled workers were attracted to Australia to take jobs as smelters and miners.

The first successful mines were open in 1841 in Glen Osmond which is now a suburb of Adelaide. Copper mines opened in Kapunda, Burra, and Copper Triangle in the Yorke Peninsula. This occurred up until 1861.

Meantime gold mining was founded in 1851 in New South Wales. Gold was responsible for the city of Victoria soon becoming the wealthiest colony on the continent. The city of Melbourne grew to contain the biggest population of all of Australia's cities. The population of Australia exploded from about 437,000 in 1851 to over 1.15 million within ten years. Despite losing much of the money to shareholders in the United Kingdom, there was plenty to go around. This paved the way to new roads, services, and industry.

Mining continues to drive Australia's economy today. These days, Australia also mines iron ore, nickel, aluminium, uranium, diamond, opal, zinc, coal, petroleum and natural gas. Australia is the world's largest exporter of coal in the world, and the 28th largest petroleum producer. Much of Australia's raw products are exported to countries like China. China demands mostly energy, minerals, and iron ore. Australia has a well developed industry including stringent safety requirements, and high paid jobs.

Australia's mining industry continues to make a huge contribution to the economy. There are many jobs available in the mining industry in Australia. Construction contractors and skilled tradesmen are in high demand. These positions are usually the highest paying jobs in the mining industry.

Some mines are located in remote areas where the only access in is by plane. Often mines will offer a fly-in work shirt of two weeks or so, and then they will fly the employee home to spend time with their families. This is also a common practice for offshore facilities. Mining companies usually offer room and board at no cost. Usually meals are served in a large hall with all of the other miners. You room could be as small as an 8 square foot portable trailer.

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