There are no primary tungsten or molybdenum producers in Australasia.
However, Australia and Indonesia are the only major producers of tin, of which
the world famous Renison Bell Tin mine in Tasmania is a major producer. Over
85% of Australia's economic tin resources are located at the Renison Bell
deposit in Tasmania, one of the world's largest underground tin mines.
Australia produced 10.2 t of tin in 1998, and Indonesia the world’s 2nd
largest producer (after China) at 52 000t of tin in concentrate in 1998. Most
of Indonesia’s deposits are mined by dredging methods.
Murchison United NL acquired the Renison Mine from Renison Gold Company. The
Renison underground tin mine produces 5% of global tin annually.
A diversification from Sons of Gwalia’s gold focus, the operation of
the Greenbushes Tantalum Tin mine continues and has a 15 year life of mine.
PT Tambung Timah is the world’s largest tin producer from its dredging
operations and produced a majority of Indonesia’s tin output. PT Koba Tin
produced 10 000t from its operations as well.
Marlborough Gold mines are anticipating the re opening of Ardlethan mine in
Australia which closed down in the mid eighties.
