Tasmania’s Rosebery mine, the state’s longest continuous running operation, yesterday celebrated the 80th anniversary of its commencement in 1936.
Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman congratulated past and present workers on the historic milestone, saying the mine has played an integral part in the development of the Rosebery community over the years.
“Over the past eight decades thousands of locals have worked at the mine and today there are third generations working there who plan for their children, a fourth generation, to follow,” Mr Hodgman said.
The mine, which is located approximately 300 kilometres north-west of Hobart and 125 kilometres south of Burnie, is owned by China’s MMG Limited, a mid-tier global resources company that mines, explores and develops base metal projects around the world.
“It is the dedication and ingenuity of these workers that have given investors, like the current owners MMG, the confidence to invest in Tasmania and create jobs. It is important to recognise that the mine is owned by our Chinese friends, a great practical demonstration of the way we can succeed in partnership and achieve mutual benefit,” the Premier added.
“Of course, the Chinese people have a long history of mining in Tasmania, dating back to the pioneering tin-mining days in the North East. We have every reason to believe there will be a bright future too, with MMG planning to increase annual production at Rosebery.”
Rosebery produces zinc, lead and copper concentrates, which are then transported by rail to the Port of Burnie where they are shipped in bulk carriers to smelters in Hobart and Port Pirie.
The mine also produces gold dore bars that are sold to a refinery in Australia where they are refined into gold bullion.
