Slow smoke pours from towering stacks into the still air even at night – around the clock. Minerals are pulled from the ancient desert ground and form the heart of industry in Mount Isa. I think everyone smokes, drinks, and wears a vest in this place. It must be a tough life out here sometimes. Everything seems caked in sweat and dust. The soil is red and orange, and heat hangs in the air. Abandoned mines are something of a tourist attraction here too. Of course, I’m attracted to those ruined places.

I take the opportunity to walk around the motel late at night. Likely, most people are sleeping or watching TV drowsily. What strikes me are the warm colours and the long walkways. I imagine the owners wouldn’t be too interested in using the photos for marketing purposes!

A friend of mine tells me he likes the orange and yellow lights. I agree – they’re nicer than the new clean white lights. They’re atmospheric. They go well with the heavy air and the smokestacks.