Guided tours of the BHP Mt Whaleback mine at Newman take visitors into the world’s biggest iron ore mine.

The mine opened in 1968 and produces more than 30 million tonnes of ore annually. The summit of Mount Whaleback was originally 805 m above sea level, and about 350 m above the surrounding plain. The mine is now 400 m below the level of the plain and is more than 5 km in length. The ore is transported by 2.7 km long trains to Port Hedland about 400 km to the north.

Bookings are required and fully enclosed shoes, long sleeved tops and long pants are required for the 2 hour tour. Tours are available in winter and spring. Fees apply.

Photo: Graeme Churchard (CC BY 2.0)