A break after the trip underground at Perilya (above)
A student testing his skill at the Mine Rescue Station (below)

Going underground and being able to see the real life challenges associated with such an old and extensive operation was one of the main highlights of this trip to Perilya. Whilst observing the underground workings, there was heavy emphasis by the company given to safety in the working environment.

After the fantastic lunch provided by Perilya, we visited the various surface infrastructure including the mill, winders and maintenance workshop. We were also given the opportunity to test our skills in Mine Rescue station with the Perilya Mine Rescue who were practicing their drills.

Students enjoying their dinner while talking with graduates and management from Perilya (P. Hagan)

After an enlightening and arduous day, the dinner provided by Perilya not only satisfied everyone's hunger, it also provided an opportunity for us budding mining engineers to converse with graduates and management from Perilya in a relaxing and comfortable setting.

Heavy minerals sand operation at the Ginkgo Mine (hq)

The following day, after a good night sleep at the Tourist Lodge, it was on the bus for a 320 km round trip to the new Ginkgo Mine, operated by BEMAX Resources. This is a heavy minerals sand operation. After a brief introduction to the operation, we were taken to a vantage point where we could view the vast dredging operations, the ongoing process of the removal of overburden and site rehabilatation. Ginkgo provided us with an insight of a completely new style of mineralisation than the hard rock deposits we had been used to seeing. Following a great lunch at the camp, it was back to Broken Hill to see the second stage in minerals processing and train load out.

At the processing plant we were taken on a tour around the plant where the magnetic and hydraulic processes of separation were explained. It was great to gain exposure to the processing plant which required no chemicals for mineral separation and provided a contrast to the froth flotation seen the previous day. The expansion plans of the plant were also explained.

Students viewing the Ginkgo Operations (above)
Albert Vandenberg, Site Project Manager, being thanked for the visit (below) (hq)

Bob Johnson, DPI, discusses on the discovery and early development at Broken Hill along with the current mining legislations

Thursday began with a later start to the say as we arrived at the new Rasp Mine operated by CBH Resources. The CBH mining lease incorporates most of the original leases pegged when Broken Hill was first explored. First we were given a briefing by Bob Johnson, an inspector with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) on the discovery and early development at Broken Hill as well as on the current mining legislation, rehabilitation and the social implications of mining. Following this Luke Pickering, the regional environmental officer for the DPI then gave a presentation on environmental considerations; a talk of great interest given the close proximity of Broken Hill mines to residential areas. The talks highlighted the various aspects that students must take into consideration covering all facets in their later careers in the industry.

This was then followed by a presentation made by Brendon Barker, the newly appointed Mine Manager at the Rasp Mine. Mr Barker spoke of the discovery, and some of the future development and how these had to take account of the mine being centred in the middle of Broken Hill. Following another great lunch, provided by CBH, we were given an opportunity to talk to the guest speakers and staff from CBH. It was then off to view the portal for the exploration decline to access the mineralisation. The portal is located at the base of the old Kintore pit.

Brendon Barker being thanked for the tour of the site at CBH Resources Ltd (P. Hagan) (hq)

After the morning talks, we were well placed to embark on a tour of the township of Broken Hill. After picking up Fred, our very likeable tour guide, we first visited the Miner's Memorial. This is located atop of what remains of the original Broken Hill and provides a great vista overlooking the City of Broken Hill. Here we read of the tragic deaths of miners in the early days on mining but were glad to see that these have greatly reduced in number over the years.

After the tour of the City, we journeyed to Silverton where everyone gazed out over the seemingly endless of the Mundi Mundi Plains and watched the sun set. The next day when we would see the sun we would be somewhere in the outback on our return to Sydney. After a hard day everyone had a few drinks at the historic Silverton Hotel and some took up the "challenge". After a brief stop to give way to a feral camel it was back to Broken Hill to prepare for the long trip back to Sydney.

Miner's memorial

Sunset at the Mundi Mundi plains (hq)

This trip to Broken Hill provided us with exposure to a range of different mining operations and knowledge that would have been impossible to gain from within the classroom. The vibrant and booming City of Broken Hill had much to offer the second year class providing contact with key operational issues associated with the Australian mining industry.

All the students and staff from UNSW would like to thank the staff at

• Perilya Ltd - Broken Hill Operations
• Bemax Resources Ltd - Gingko Mine and
• CBH Resources Ltd.

Finally, we would like to give a very big thanks to the sponsors for the trip

• Sydney Branch of the AusIMM
• Weir Minerals
• Roche Mining
• Xstrata Coal
• Jennmar Australia
• Rio Tinto, and
• DSI.

Without their support this and similar trips to mining operations would be very difficult to organise.

A copy of this report (550 kB) is available for download.

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Students waiting to watch the sunset at the Mundi Mundi plains (J. Hasche) (hq)

Kate McCutcheon & David Sahota
May 2007

Photos by R Mitra except where otherwise acknowledged

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