The paper’s objective is to analyse the implications of the current mining boom for sustainability in Leonora, Western Australia. Mining has been the main driver behind Leonora’s history but its recent development poses serious challenges. Based on interviews and field observations, we argue that the interactions and links between the local community and mining industry are limited and fragmented. Mining has generated very little synergies with other existing economic opportunities (tourism, farming and services). There are currently modest economic benefits for local, including Aboriginal, people, but there can be further opportunities for building a more sustainable community in Leonora.