Lake MacDonnell

Lake MacDonnell is Australia's largest natural gypsum resource.

It is a salt lake located in Western Eyre Peninsula near the Nullarbor Plain, covering an area of 87 square kilometres. The ore body consists of calcrete coastal dunes of the Pleistocene Bridgewater Formation. The gypsum deposit is the largest in the southern hemisphere and was formed during the Holocene period. It contains layers of gypsarenite and selenite, with a potential total of 500-700 million tonnes.

Gypsum mining has been taking place at Lake MacDonnell since 1919. The mine is known for its large natural gypsum deposit and is currently owned by Gypsum Resources Australia (GRA), which is a joint venture between USG Boral and CSR Limited. Mining activities involve the use of bulldozers and excavation equipment. The extracted gypsum is stockpiled for several years to allow natural rainfall to remove the salt content. It is then transported by train to the nearest port in Thevenard, where it is further stockpiled before being shipped to Sydney for processing.

Visitors to Lake MacDonnell can witness mining activities but should be aware that the site is privately owned. Despite its industrial use, the lake retains its natural beauty and offers stunning photographic opportunities. If you're a nature enthusiast or looking for a unique day trip, Lake MacDonnell is a mesmerizing destination where you can witness the mining industry in action, taking advantage of what Mother Nature has provided.