Historical summary of MLN 718

Abstract

MLN 718, known as Limestone No 1, was applied for by Ernest White for limestone mining in December 1976. It was granted in February 1978 and became known as Limestone Creek Quarry. The lease was on Manbulloo Pastoral Lease, covered 16.18 hectares, and was adjacent to the then Victoria Highway on the Bowman 100K and Fergusson River 250K sheets, near the aptly named Limestone Creek. The limestone resource was discovered by mapping shallow to outcropping Oolloo Limestone. The lease was transferred to a JV in which Mr White retained a share and was then dealt several more times before going 100% to Mobile Crushers Pty Ltd in 1992. MLN 718 and an area covered by the then contiguous RO 1212 (AN 233 and 234) and EMPN 958 to the east and to the southeast respectively were worked together as a package. Small scale quarrying was undertaken to meet the needs of local roadworks, Victoria Highway reconstruction, and some material was trucked into Katherine. 20 mm, 10 mm and 5 mm aggregate was being produced. In 1992, the leaseholders got a contract to supply crushed rock for the Tindal RAAF Base construction and active large-scale quarrying was undertaken. By late 1992, all operations were confined to MLN 718 when crushing and screening were being undertaken from stockpiled material. Material was being graded as 5 mm and 10 mm aggregate. In 1993, court action between Rowland Quarries and Mobile Crushers resulted in an application over a dealing by the former being refused. Betapave was the operator in 1994. By mid 1994, the caretakers residence and most of the crushing and screening plant had been removed. MLN 718 was renewed in 1998, so it could be rehabilitated. As of 1999, there was still some stockpiled material on site and some rehabilitation had been completed. Completion of the planned rehab could have resulted in a further 20,000 t being worked, particularly if the pit walls were benched (folio 67). MLN 718 was forfeited in 2000 for non payment of rent. The department has no record of production.