Christmas Island

P h o s p h a t e - M i n i n g

Phosphate mining was the very reason why Christmas Island was permanently settled in the first place, and today is still the most important industry of the island. The first extensive exploration of Christmas Island was in 1887, when a small party from HMS Egeria reached the summit of Murray Hill. It was this party that collected rock specimens of almost pure phosphate of lime that were to determine the future of the Island over the next century.

Digger

Phosphate mining began in 1899 around Phosphate Hill, and later at South Point. The operation was labour intensive, using mainly Chinese workers. Mining continued until World War II, when many of the European residents were evacuated in anticipation of a Japanese invasion. The Japanese invaded in 1942 and the Island was occupied until 1945. During this time some phosphate was mined, but this was discontinued after the first two shiploads were torpedoed. Phosphate mining resumed in 1946 and has continued since, except for the two years 1988-89.

Open Mining

Following World War II, more workers were employed from Malaysia, Singapore and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, to assist in re-establishing the mining operation and to build infrastructure. In November 1987, citing diminishing resources, low phosphate prices and industrial unrest, the Australian Government ceased mining and hence the start of the two year hiatus when no mining occured on Christmas Island.

Disused Locomotive

On 26 September 1990, a lease providing for limited phosphate mining was signed between the Government and a private company, Phosphate Resources Limited (PRL). A subsequent lease was signed in 1997 for a further 21 years. This operation was limited to previously mined areas and a condition of the lease is that no more primary rainforest be cleared.

Phosphate Loading

Today, operations are limited to previously mined areas, which equates to extraction of the lower grade stockpiled phosphate at these sites. Stockpiled phosphate is transferred to a drying facility and subsequently carried via a system of conveyor belts to the port for loading onto ships. The phosphate from Christmas Island are now mainly sold to plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia.