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Date is correct as another boiler and alternator was installed at the Mine Power Station, bottom left, as it has two stacks. Also the height of the tailings dam also indicates the same date. Foreground is Railway yards and the lead smelter.

Established in January 1924, Mount Isa Mines has grown from humble and isolated beginnings to become one of the world’s largest underground mining operations, and a business that has made a significant contribution to the growth and economic prosperity of Queensland. Lead ore was discovered at Mount Isa in 1923 by prospector John Campbell Miles. As word spread of his discovery, prospectors moved into the region, pegging out 118 leases by the end of 1923. It was engineer and entrepreneur William Corbould who consolidated the many mining leases on the field and established Mount Isa Mines in January 1924. Difficulties such as isolation, flooding, and low ore grades plagued the early years, and milling and smelter operations did not commence until May 1931. The mine survived due to William Corbould’s belief in the wealth of the ore body and its ability to attract significant investment from European and American investors. In the early years, Mount Isa Mines faced hardship in developing the mine and transporting ore to the port in Townsville. The first train pulled into Mount Isa in April 1929, and it was this line that went on to become the State’s most profitable, providing the state government with the capital to revitalize other rail lines throughout Queensland. In 1937 the company made its first operating profit, however, the first investor return of 20c per $2 share was not paid until July 1947. Source: leaders.slq.qld.gov.au/inductees/mount-isa-mines/

Congrats on Explore! ⭐ January 15, 2024

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Wonderful memory shared! Congrats on Explore!!

In the lower right corner is "Isa Mine State School", a State School, but only MIM employees children were allowed to attend. The lower left complex was Mount Isa Mines private hospital for employees only. That's another long story.

Mount Isa Mines’ historic Urquhart Shaft and Headframe holds a special place in Mount Isa’s iconic skyline and is acknowledged as a significant piece of Queensland’s European heritage. Originally named No. 1 Ore Shaft, the infrastructure was built between 1929 and 1931 to aid in the commencement of zinc-lead production at Mount Isa Mines, hoisting its first ore in 1931. At the time, the hilltop site for the shaft and headframe was selected as it was just outside the 'known' ore-bearing regions of the zinc-lead mine and was in an ideal location to feed into the mill site and smelting workings. Today, the Urquhart Shaft Headframe, which still sits hillside, is a community landmark and a symbol of Mount Isa Mines and is one of five Queensland European heritage-listed assets originally built by the company. The Urquhart Headframe, which used an American A-frame rather than the usual four power frames of the period, was considered innovative at the time. Like much of Mount Isa Mines' early infrastructure, the Urquhart Shaft was named in honour of one of the key players in the company’s almost 100-year history. Originally from Turkey, John Leslie Urquhart, Chairman of London-based Russo-Asiatic Consolidated Limited, was one of Mount Isa Mines’ early financiers and accepted technical control of the operation while also forming a London board of Mount Isa Mines. He held the position of General Manager and Chairman of Directors from 1927 until his unexpected death in 1933. Urquhart, who also held mining interests across the globe and spoke several languages, is credited with importing the latest technological advancements in mining equipment and employing the finest workers from all over the world. He was responsible for developing the mining community known today as Mineside, which included housing quarters and dormitories, shops, a hospital and recreational facilities for Mount Isa Mines employees. Source: www.glencore.com.au/operations-and-projects/qld-metals/re...