I've been checking out the history of mining a bit at the moment. It's interesting to know that in Australia, it started with production of coal from around Newcastle within 10yrs of the first fleet.
The first 'mining lease' as such in Australia was granted to AACO (1828/1829) - ironically an the Australian Agricultural Company. This was meant to be for 31yrs, but seems to have been cancelled in 1850.
http://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/admin/file/content2/c7/COAL_Context.pdf
I don't think the mining and agriculture industries clash as much as the media illustrates. I grew up on a farm, and I know a few operators maintain a farm in their numerous days off. there are a few clashes though, when there happens to be great quality ore that is feasible to mine, underneath a family farm that has been there for years. The crown holds ownership of the ore, hence the royalties they can impose on mining companies.
Interesting that they were so many restrictions to mechanisation of mines, changing from hand worked methods. The electricity to site must have presented a problem, as well as trying to convert previously hand worked mines, not to mention that people tend to prefer what they are used to. It seems to me that these days, people are more likely to consider new, alternative methods that are possibly an improvement on traditional processes, but not yet proven. Hard to say, considering I never lived in that era, all I have to go on is the history that has been written down.
I think it's great to understand what things have evolved from, especially so we don't repeat any mistakes!!
About Me
- andy
- I'm like any other uni student. I like clubbing, parties with friends and surfing if I can get a chance. I grew up in Townsville and miss my great friends there, the strand and maggie, but I still get time to have fun in brissie. I'm studying Civil and Construction Engineering at QUT, and I'm finding it a lot more interesting than most people would think. I'm also doing a mining minor at UQ at the same time so that I can work in the mining industry. I hope to work on mine sites once I graduate, because I love the friendliness in small towns, and it's always more fun to brag about being involved in massive projects. Drop me an email at andrea.dale@connect.qut.edu.au if you want to know more :)
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