WAMining
Newman
A mountain of iron ore produced a town, railway and port system.
1967Mine and town construction begins · iron-ore company settlement
WHAT STARTED IT
Newman was built from 1967 to house the workforce developing the immense Mount Whaleback iron-ore deposit. The project simultaneously created an open-cut mine, a 426-kilometre railway and expanded export facilities at Port Hedland.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The first shipment left in 1969. Landscaping softened the purpose-built desert settlement, and in 1981 it ceased to be a closed company town and shortened its name from Mount Newman.
TURNING POINTS
1957Mount Whaleback deposit identified.
1967Mine and company town construction begins.
1981Newman becomes an open town.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
The largest inland town in the Pilbara and a service base for iron-ore operations, road travellers and remote communities.