Can you see the Kalgoorlie Super Pit from space?
Can you see the Kalgoorlie Super Pit from space?
Kalgoorlie is a rectangular open pit mine. It’s approximately 3.5km long, 1.5km wide and 600m deep. The structure is big enough to be seen from space. The Super Pit was the biggest open gold mine in Australia until 2016, when it was surpassed by the Boddington gold mine, also in western Australia.
How long will the Super Pit last?
The strategic review revealed exploration drilling discovered significant new reserves — now sitting around 9.7 million ounces with an in-ground value of more than $26 billion at today’s gold price — which will extend the mine life for another 15 years.
Why are old underground workings a problem at the Super Pit?
Voids are a continual hazard in the Super Pit. With historical underground workings 1,200 metres below the surface at the site, miners have to be constantly aware of ever-changing conditions. Voids complicate mining in the pit as they have to be identified and assessed before every blast pattern can be laid.
What is the biggest gold mine in Australia?
Boddington Gold Mine
The Boddington Gold Mine is a gold and copper mine located 13 km (8.1 mi) northwest of Boddington, Western Australia. Officially reopened on 3 February 2010, the mine has now become Australia’s largest gold mine, eclipsing the Super Pit.
Who owns the gold mines in Australia?
Western Australia
| Mine | Owner | Production (troy ounces) |
|---|---|---|
| Higginsville Gold Mine | Avoca Resources Limited | 131,227 |
| Jundee Gold Mine | Newmont | 412,300 |
| Kalgoorlie Super Pit Gold Mine | Northern Star Resources (50%) Saracen Mineral (50%) | 690,000 |
| Kanowna Belle Gold Mine | Barrick Gold | 284,000 |
Is Kalgoorlie expensive?
Kalgoorlie has narrowly beaten four Pilbara mining towns to claim the unenviable title as the most expensive West Australian destination to fly to.