The history of Mount Isa, a city in Queensland, Australia, dates back to the discovery of minerals in the area in the late 1800s. It grew rapidly as a mining town and became a major supplier of lead, zinc, and copper. Over the years, the city has faced economic booms and busts, but the mining industry remains a vital part of its economy. Mount Isa has also been influenced by Indigenous culture and has important historical sites, such as the underground hospital used during World War II.
Mount Isa was established in 1923 after the discovery of significant minerals in the surrounding area. Mount Isa Mines, which operates the world's largest single deposit of copper, lead, zinc, and silver, played a vital role in the city's development. The city grew as miners and their families settled in the area, and it became a prominent mining center in Australia. Over the years, Mount Isa has faced challenges such as droughts, floods, and labor strikes, but it has persevered and continued to thrive as an important mining and industrial hub in Queensland.