Mining in the Pilbara ~ early August

Everything in mining in the Pilbara is massive – the companies (Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton), the trains, the trucks, the machines which work the mines, the piles of iron ore and salt, the ships and the monthly payroll. It is easy enough to find out information about mining here so I have not tried to go into any detail; rather I offer you my simple photos of massive things.

A ship being loaded with iron ore at Port Hedland.

The salt has been washed and is poured out into large stockpiles for drying at Port Hedland.

A machine for putting putting a pile of iron ore onto a conveyor belt at Tom Price mine.

We went on a tour of the Tom Price mine. David got into a disused "bucket".

I am standing next to a small front end loader. See the ladder which come down to enable the driver to get into the driver's seat.

The three locomotives of a train coming from the Marandoo mine near Tom Price, heading for Dampier.

We are now off to explore the ranges and gorges of Karrijini National Park, still in the Pilbara, so take care and I can assure you all, my loyal followers, I think of you often and will always remember my friends and family. Blessings to you all and we will see you again on the west coast.