British mining houses in Australia: Rio Tinto and Consolidated Gold Fields.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the establishment and activities of two major British mining companies, Rio Tinto and Consolidated Gold Fields, in Australia during the 1950s and 1960s. It discusses their investment programs, exploration efforts, and acquisition activities in various mineral deposits. The article also highlights the development of the Mary Kathleen uranium deposit by Rio Tinto and its subsequent search for new sources of income after the contract with the UKAEA was not renewed. It further explores Rio Tinto's diversification efforts and its challenges in negotiating with the Western Australian government for iron ore deposits. The article concludes by mentioning the merger between Rio Tinto and Consolidated Zinc and the discovery of a large hematite deposit, setting the stage for a major mining development. Researchers interested in the history of mining in Australia will find this article valuable for their studies. [Extracted from the article]