Phosphate Discovery Site

The Phosphate Discovery Site on Nauru marks the most significant turning point in the nation's history, setting the stage for decades of dramatic economic and environmental change. In 1900, New Zealand geologist Albert Ellis noticed a rock being used as a doorstop in a Sydney office; upon testing, it was revealed to be high-grade phosphate ore from Nauru. This serendipitous discovery led to the commencement of industrial mining in 1906, which eventually transformed the tiny island into one of the wealthiest nations per capita during the 1970s. However, the rapid extraction of these 'white gold' deposits came at a staggering ecological cost. The open-cast mining stripped the island's central plateau, leaving behind a jagged, barren landscape of coral limestone pinnacles that covers nearly 80% of the territory. Visiting this site features a profound look into Nauru's complex past, illustrating the rise and fall of a resource-based economy and the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate a landscape deeply scarred by a century of intensive industrial activity.

Nearby cities

Baitsi

Baitsi is located in the north of Nauru and extends from the coast into the hilly interior.

Buada

Buada is the only landlocked district of Nauru.

Buada Historic Settlement

The fertile inland area around Buada Lagoon, a center for agriculture and settlement on the island for centuries.

Aiwo

Aiwo is considered the main commercial hub of Nauru.

Nibok

Nibok is a district on the western coast of Nauru.

Denigomodu Settlement

Denigomodu is the economic residential hub for phosphate industry workers.

Boe

Boe is a small but densely populated administrative district in southwest Nauru.

Meneng

Meneng is an extensive district in the southeast of Nauru.

Denigomodu

Denigomodu is the most populous district of Nauru.

Yaren

Yaren is the primary administrative district of Nauru and serves as the de facto capital.

Uaboe

Uaboe is a small coastal district in northwestern Nauru.

Anibare

Anibare is best known for the bay of the same name, which offers the island's finest swimming beach.

Ewa

Ewa is the northernmost point of Nauru.

Anetan

Anetan is a district on the northern coast of Nauru.

Ijuw

Ijuw is the easternmost district of Nauru.

History & landmarks

Phosphate Pinnacles

These bizarre limestone columns were left behind after the phosphate layers were mined in Nauru's interior.

Command Ridge

Command Ridge is the highest point in Nauru at 65 meters elevation.

Meneng Terrace

The Meneng Terrace is a flat topographical step located between the high plateau and the southern coastline.

Nauru General Hospital

The Nauru General Hospital in Denigomodu is the primary medical facility on the island.

Eigigu Supermarket

The Eigigu Supermarket is the island's largest commercial center for consumer goods.

Aiwo Civic Centre

The civic centre in Aiwo is a central hub for administrative and social events.

Nauru Post Office

The main post office in Aiwo is a key institution for the island's communication.

Nature

Buada Lagoon

Buada Lagoon is a landlocked, brackish lake located in the center of the island.

More places

Central Plateau Ferns

New fern communities are developing on the central plateau following phosphate mining.

Conservation Nursery

The nursery serves the reforestation of areas damaged by mining.

Buada Pandanus Groves

The Pandanus groves around Buada Lagoon are a sanctuary for native flora.

Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation (NRC)

The NRC is responsible for restoring land areas destroyed by mining.

Buada Basin

The Buada Basin is a natural depression within the central plateau, containing the island's only inland lake.

Buada District Gardens

The gardens in Buada District show a mix of ornamental and food plants.

Japanese Hospital Ruins

Remains of a Japanese army medical facility, built in the island's interior during the Pacific War.

Interior Lowland

This lower-lying area in the island's interior is surrounded by the higher edges of the coral plateau.