Broken Hill, mining city in south-eastern Australia, in the state of New South Wales, the largest town in the west of the state. It lies more than 500 km (300 mi) to the north-east of Adelaide, South Australia, the closest substantial centre of population. The mines in the vicinity of the city have been worked since the 19th century, and have produced enormous quantities of silver, lead, zinc, and tin. Most of the zinc ore goes to the electrolytic zinc plant at Risdon, Tasmania. As Broken Hill's mineral resources became depleted, tourism has become increasingly important to the city's economy. Dams on the Darling River channel water to Broken Hill.
The city has a thriving artistic community and several art galleries. Other places of interest include a museum of the Australian Flying Doctor Service, which maintains one of its bases here, and the nearby Sundown Nature Trail. Tours to the Outback depart from Broken Hill.
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Broken Hill Information info
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