Greenbushes was founded as a mining town in 1888 following a surveyor's discovery of tin in 1886.[2] Greenbushes was named after the bright green Oxylobium lanceolatum that contrasted against the grey eucalyptus trees.[3] The railway from DonnybrooktoBridgetown opened in 1898, with Greenbushes station located approximately six kilometres north of the main townsite.[3] The area surrounding the railway station was renamed North Greenbushes to reduce confusion.[3]
Henry John (Harry) Robinson born 1862 South Australia and Ada Robinson (nee Woodley) born 1871 in Western Australia
A separate town site of South Greenbushes, also known as Bunbury End began in 1896.[4] The town had its own post office, hall and strong community until the 1930s when most moved to the main town site. The town boasted its own cricket team as well as many other groups.[5]
The town experienced a period of economic boom until the international price of tin slumped in 1893, which caused the Greenbushes' industry to collapse.[2] By 1913, approximately one quarter of Greenbushes' inhabitants were working in the timber industry, which was established shortly after the first mine.[2]
Greenbushes' two major industries are mining, producing tantalite concentrates, lithium minerals, tin metal and kaolin; and timber milling.[6] Agriculture, viticulture, tourism and art galleries are also part of Greenbushes' industry.[6]
The Greenbushes mine, located to the south of the town, has produced lithium concentrate since 1985.[7] As of 2022[update], it's the largest lithium mine in the world.[8]
