A history of beach mining of North Stradbroke Island

Abstract

North Stradbroke Island is a sand island located 15 kilometres off the south east coast of Queensland. Mining for mineral sands, the primary source of titanium and zircon, occurred along the ocean beach of North Stradbroke Island for 29 years from 1949 to 1977. The geology of the ocean beach and frontal dune are described, possible sources for the heavy minerals are proposed, and processes of economic concentration are discussed. The uses and industrial developments of titanium and zircon are described and related to the mining history. The early mining using hand shovels, recovered very high grade mineral concentrates. Small dredges and floating concentrators commenced during the 1950's and 1960's, and in 1969, a larger dredge was floated from South Stradbroke Island. Historical photographs are used to illustrate the various mining techniques and events. The dunes were progressively rehabilitated and re-vegetated as mining moved along the beach employing better practices over time, as knowledge improved and as Government regulations evolved. The mining companies purposely recreated a dune profile designed to minimize erosion and