Mining Towns: Making a Living, Making a Life

by Erik Eklund

A history of iconic Australian towns that have emerged as a result of mining booms—including Broken Hill, Mount Isa, Queenstown, Mount Morgan, Port Pirie, and Kambalda—this book is a unique attempt to introduce urban readers to those communities, past and present. Unlike many mining books, this is not limited to a single material such as coal or gold, but traces the fortunes of a range of towns. With explanations on how these towns were formed and how well they have fared, it will interest academics and history buffs alike.

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Gretel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may not have read this entirely cover to cover yet, but what a fantastic book, just what we need, a history on regional Australia, specifically those mining towns that have been so instrumental to our history. Great to see such a book, particularly one drawing on oral history practices to engage with the town and the memories and reflections of those living there to more fully appreciate and understand our attachment to places and localities.