Kambalda, Western Australia
Kambalda | |
|---|---|
Shire of Coolgardie Office | |
Kambalda | |
| Coordinates: 31°12′30″S 121°38′36″E / 31.208346°S 121.643201°E | |
| Country | Australia |
| State | Western Australia |
| LGA | |
| Location |
|
| Established | Kambalda East (1967–1973) Kambalda West (1969–1975) |
| Government | |
| • State electorate | |
| • Federal division | |
| Population | |
| • Total | 2,468 (2021 census) |
| Postcode | 6442 |
Kambalda is a small mining town about 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, within the Goldfields. It is split into two townsites 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) apart, Kambalda East and Kambalda West; and is located on the western edge of a giant salt lake, Lake Lefroy. At the last census, Kambalda had a total population of 2,468.
Kambalda was established in 1897 at the base of nearby Red Hill during a mining boom when prospectors from all over Western Australia came into the area. The settlement owes its existence to Percy Larkin, a prospector who discovered gold in the vicinity. For many years Kambalda was mined for its gold but soon after nickel was discovered.