In the middle of the outback lies the mining town of Kalgoorlie. Men have been drawn here for over 100 years; risking their lives blasting, tunnelling and shifting tonnes of rock in
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In the middle of the outback lies the mining town of Kalgoorlie. Men have been drawn here for over 100 years; risking their lives blasting, tunnelling and shifting tonnes of rock in their pursuit of gold.
The Super Pit in Kalgoorlie is the mother of all mines. At 1.5km (1 mile) wide, 360m (1180ft) deep, and 3.5km (2.2 miles) long, this mammoth open-cast pit is quarried 24 hours a day by teams of blasters and truckies. Australian goldminers endure 12 hour shifts, 40 degree heat, and show little respect for outsiders. To have any hope of becoming part of the crew, Ben will have to prove he can pull his weight, learn to handle a loaded 400 tonne haul truck, and then match his workmates drink for drink in the 'skimpy (topless) bars' in town.
