Mount Elliott, Queensland

This now Environment and Heritage Protection listed copper mining complex was first discovered in 1899 by James Elliott. Elliott sold an interest to James Morphett, who sold out to John Moffat, who then floated Mount Elliott Ltd Company in 1906. Gumby is currently working at the Department of Natural Resources and Mines and came across the pictured extract from 1899 in a Mining Claims Register, which details the registration and transfer of the Mount Elliott. 

The lease is now held by Chinova

​Interesting to note on his death bed just after the turn of the century, James Elliott proclaimed to have discovered another rich mineral source - this site it is said was to become one of Australia’s largest mining enterprises, Mount Isa Mines, officially discovered in 1923.

Operations of the mine and subsequent smelter complex, under the leadership of William Corbould (who famously went on to float Mount Isa Mines in 1924) was active from 1909 closing in 1920. The mine has since had several lease holders, but a heritage overlay on the site now prevents any such mining activity. Although much of the smelting equipment was sold off to Mount Isa Mines in 1943, the remaining stack dominates the local skyline and close up is awe inspiring. It is said Corbould was the architect of the Mount Elliott mining complex and what is now left of his design is beyond impressive. We could only marvel at what the structures would have looked like in its prime. Disappointing more maintenance and rehabilitation works are not undertaken on heritage sites up this way, as these structures and the history contained within their fabric are being lost to time.