Of mines and men: Australia's 20th century mining miracle 1945-1985

Of Mines and Men examines the growth of Australia's modern mining industry - the cornerstone of postwar prosperity.

Beginning with uranium in 1949, a series of remarkable discoveries made Australia a world-class mining nation. Huge deposits of bauxite, iron ore, nickel, coal, natural gas, oil and copper have been uncovered and developed.

Extraordinary changes were effected, such as in the coal industry, which, from being torn asunder by strikes in the 1940s became Australia's major export income earner, thanks mainly to big discoveries in the Bowen Basin. Similarly, Australia's great vulnerability in oil dependency was overcome by Bass Strait finds.

Mining has also been the catalyst for disputes that have raged in politics and in wider society, notably foreign ownership of Australia's natural resources, Aboriginal land rights and environmental protection.

Australia's reputation as the 'lucky country' would seem to be justified by these rich mineral discoveries. While it is true that some extremely valuable deposits were  discovered almost by accident, the development of our modern mining industry demanded perseverance, capital, a skilled workforce, good management and the ability to compete in volatile world markets. When all these factors are taken into consideration, 'a little bit of luck' is to be expected.

But Australia cannot assume that its luck will hold. Of Mines and Men is a timely reminder that our present level of economic and social welfare has been achieved to a substantial extent by the development of its mining industry.