Cockatoo Island
site overview
Cockatoo Island is located approximately 200km north of Broome, off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia.
Originally BHP began mining the Iron ore in 1950s. It consisted of a complete township until 1984 when the ore body had been mined to sea level.
Cockatoo Island was later re-opened by HWE Mining & Portman Mining Ltd. Under the new ownership they constructed a sea wall & continued mining below sea level. In 2012 Pluton Resources purchased the Island & its remaining Iron ore body.
| Site Information | |
|---|---|
| Operating Status | Operating Mine |
| Client Roster | 8 Days On, 6 Days Off |
| Catering Contractor | ESS |
| Airline | Skywest |
| Transport | Skywest fly from Perth to Derby, Small charter planes then fly to the Island via Slingair & Broome Aviation Services. |
| Estimated Mine Life | 5 |
| Primary Commodity | Iron Ore |
| Mining Method | Open Pit |
Site Facilities
| Facility | Availability | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Foxtel | ||
| GYM | ||
| Phone reception | ||
| Public computer with internet access | ||
| Swimming Pool | ||
| TV Supplied | ||
| Washing Facilities | ||
| Wetmess | ||
| WIFI Access |
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Site Reviews
Probably the most beautiful mine site to work at. Sweeping views of the islands all around are great. Different experience living in the old resort homes instead of the usual mine dongas. Usually a couple of rooms to a house. Most have ocean views.
Wild mangos grow on the island which fruit during the season and are great.
The pool that is on the resort side up on the hill is an infinity pool high on the hill overlooking the bay.
Great pub set up overlooking the bay.
Weather is amazing, and the usual cyclone that tends to come through during cyclone season, but the site is well equipped to handle such events with a more than adequate cyclone shelter.
I worked there commissioning the crushing plant after it was moved. The Cockatoo Island mine is right on the water so it provides some very impressive views. Fishing from the ship loader at lunch time was soming I wouldn't have thought could happen on a mine site. Everyone on site was really friendly. The rooms are a little dated and are more like large houses. The wet mess was good and nothing beats the weather here!