NSWMining
Broken Hill
A city built around a buried fortune.
1883Mineral claim pegged · mining settlement follows
WHAT STARTED IT
A rich silver, lead and zinc deposit made this isolated ridge worth settling. Charles Rasp pegged a mineral claim in 1883; the mines that followed drew workers and investment to the dry far west.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
BHP was formed here in 1885. Mining shaped the city’s buildings, labour movement and identity. Long strikes and difficult working conditions helped make it a major centre of Australian unionism.
TURNING POINTS
1883Rasp registers the mineral claim.
1885BHP is established.
2015The city enters the National Heritage List.
2015Broken Hill became Australia’s first city to be included on the National Heritage List, recognising its mining and labour history.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
Mining remains part of the city’s economy, alongside regional services, art and heritage tourism. The immense Line of Lode still dominates the skyline.