Commemorative lead ingot
Production date
1958
Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail
Description
A lead ingot, rectangular in shape with bevelled edges, with a raised oval-shaped section featuring a raised engraved image of the Mount Isa Mine and surrounding landscape.
Classification
CIVIC MEMENTOES Souvenirs Paper weight
Maker
Production date
1958
Production place
Measurements
L 116mm x W 24mm x H 14mm
Media/Materials description
Lead
Signature/Marks
MIM
History and use
This lead ingot was given to Mr John Mathew, a former Mount Isa Mines surveyor, with his first pay in 1958. Commemorative ingots were issued to all employees until the practice became too expensive to continue.
Mount Isa Mines was established on 19 January 1924 with early production focussed principally on zinc-lead-silver. During the 1930s and 1940s the mine produced copper for a brief period in response to Australia's war needs during World War Two. Parallel production of zinc-lead-silver and copper did not begin until 1953.
The expansion of commodities in the 1950s coincided with post-war immigration, providing jobs for migrants and an opportunity to rebuild their lives. Migrants have left a rich cultural legacy in Mount Isa and in many remote mining towns throughout Australia.
Mount Isa Mines was acquired by Glencore in May 2013 and is still a major employer in the area.
Mount Isa Mines was established on 19 January 1924 with early production focussed principally on zinc-lead-silver. During the 1930s and 1940s the mine produced copper for a brief period in response to Australia's war needs during World War Two. Parallel production of zinc-lead-silver and copper did not begin until 1953.
The expansion of commodities in the 1950s coincided with post-war immigration, providing jobs for migrants and an opportunity to rebuild their lives. Migrants have left a rich cultural legacy in Mount Isa and in many remote mining towns throughout Australia.
Mount Isa Mines was acquired by Glencore in May 2013 and is still a major employer in the area.
Associated person
Registration number
H49389
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