Kambalda, Western Australia
| Kambalda Western Australia | |
|---|---|
Shire of Coolgardie Office | |
| Coordinates | 31°12′30″S 121°38′36″E / 31.208346°S 121.643201°E |
| Population | 2,468 (2021 census) |
| Established | Kambalda East (1967–1973) Kambalda West (1969–1975) |
| Postcode(s) | 6442 |
| Location |
|
| LGA(s) | Shire of Coolgardie |
| State electorate(s) | Kalgoorlie |
| Federal division(s) | O'Connor |
Kambalda is a small mining town about 60 kilometres (37 mi) from the 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 combined 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 location owed 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.