Newman

Mining town in northern Western Australia, 1,184 km/736 mi north of Perth; population (1996) 4,800. Mining commenced in 1969, with ore being transported to Port Hedland on the new 425 km/264 mi railway: the longest privately owned railway in the world. Newman is also the location of the world's largest open cast mine.

In 1956 iron ore was discovered by Stan Hilditch at Mount Whaleback, near the present day site of Newman. The discovery was kept secret until the Australian government lifted an embargo on iron ore exports in 1961. Development of a mine commenced in 1964, with the Mount Newman Mining Company agreeing to build a port, railway, mine, and the town of Newman. The town was constructed in 1967.