Koolan Island is located off the Kimberley Coast of Western Australia, about 80 miles (130 km) north of Derby. The 6,375-acre (2,580-hectare) island is rich in high-grade iron ore and has been open-pit mined since 1963. In 1994 — after 68 million tonnes of ore had been extracted — the mine was temporarily closed and intentionally flooded with seawater, allowing a marine ecosystem to develop within the bounds of the pit. Mining recommenced in 2007 and continues today.-16.125278°, 123.738333°