Weipa and mine tour

Yesterday (14-8-2014) we went on a tour of the town and mine.  Our guide was very informative and we learnt a lot.  Weipa has a static population of 3200, there is one secondary school, one primary and 2 kinders.   They are all in close proximity so the speed restriction of 40 begins at 7.30am and last all day right up to 4pm.  There are 1030 students at school,  one third of the population! Most of the people work at the mine, either directly or indirectly.   The cost of the average house is $650,000 - $700,000,  all homes come with  swimming pool.    There is one hospital here,  you can live here in Weipa but you cannot be born here - you must fly out to have your baby at another major hospital (Cairns).  There is a public library! 

 Our camp site at Weipa,  the boat is now ours but many people bring up their tinnies, camper trailers, caravans and motor homes!

This is the sunset we see from out tent.  Weather has been so hot - the pool has been magic! 

 Beach during the day, looks so inviting but cannot use.

Accommodation here in Camp ground, you can fly in and stay in these self contained units right on the beach,  air conditioned.

The main shopping centre in Weipa,  one supermarket,  2 dress shops (not good for you Charleen), one bakery, one hairdresser, one shop that has everything for cars, camping you name it.  2 barges arrive from the port each week to deliver here to the supermarket. 







This bridge is 843 metres long,  only one way,  there is also a rail line beside for the mine trains.

 



 

At mine,  all different mine locations with either tree or fish names

 

 Small water carrier called "The bug"

Large water carrier used for keeping dust down.  Water carriers and graders operate 24/7 365 days a year.

 

 

Ore carriers operate 24/7 365, 235 ton per load.

Tyres for these cost $11,000 each, 10 on each truck.  Old tyres are used to make retaining walls.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Ore loaders.  Trucks are pressurised and air conditioned, there is a "no windows down" policy.
there are 36-38 different mines in the area. 
Workforce: 30% indigenous, 30% women and rest men.
 A learner works 7 hour shifts but a normal shift is 12 hours (2 day & 2 night shifts and 4 days off)
1600 employees in total, 700 drivers.
Most work here for 10 years, some have been here 40+ years.
Pay $100,000 -$200,000 per annum (Charleen & Mick you are in the work job!)
Most of the drivers are from varied professions - nurses, carpenters, admin.
Rio supplies it employees with Rent assistance, $400 per week for permanent, $500 per week for contractor.
Regardless of what time they come off shift they can get a hot mea.

Our guide explained that  to work as a drive you "leave your brain at home for the day!" because you drive up and down the same route for 12 hours.