Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia

Lake Moondarra, Queensland
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lake_Moondarra.jpg
Author: Shiftchange


Mount Isa is a city in the interior of Queensland, Australia. It is in the Gulf Country region, on the northern part of the state. The city was established largely due to the mining being carried out in the area. Mount Isa today has a population of around 19,000 people (2012 estimate).

The discovery of a rich seam of silver-lead on the western edge of the Cloncurry field by John Campbell Miles in 1923 brought the city of Mount Isa into existence. The fortunes - and population - of Mount Isa are directly related to the mining activities of the area, which in turn are determine by mineral commodity prices. The Mount Isa Mines is one of the most productive single mine in the world, producing vast amounts of lead, silver, copper and zinc.

Mount Isa was granted city status in 1968. At that time, its population stood at 18,000. High price of minerals drove its population to peak at 34,000 people in 1972. Since then, it gradually declined until the past few years, when prices of minerals increased again, helping to fuel another population increase at Mount Isa.

Created in a largely arid land, Mount Isa nonetheless has a lake, albeit an artificial one. Lake Moondarra is both a source of drinking water as well as a watersports venue for the locals.

Visiting Mount Isa

The Inlander passenger train services provides overnight trips to Mount Isa from Townsville via Charters Towers twice weekly.

Places of Interest in Mount Isa

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