Newcastle Steelworks

The Newcastle Steelworks was built by BHP in Newcastle, New South Wales. Construction commenced in January 1913, with operations commencing in March 1915. It was officially opened on 2 June 1915 by Governor-General Ronald Munro Ferguson. Newcastle was selected due to its proximity to the Hunter Valley coalfields with the iron ore shipped from Whyalla.

Having become one of the largest employers in Australia with a workforce that peaked at 11,000 in 1981, it closed on 30 September 1999. Demolition commenced in 2000.

In 2022 the Department of Planning & Environment called for expressions of interest to redevelop the site.

The 150 ha steelworks had a 45 km rail network. Initially operated by steam locomotives, 32 and 37 class diesel locomotives were later introduced.