The Hodgkinson Mining News was established in January 1877 by James Reid Smith. On 29 August, Smith sold the paper to his brother, William Douglas Reid, and William Isaac Booth. After three months, Booth sold his share, leaving Reid sole proprietor from 15 December 1877. The Mining News was edited by J. R. Boyett, who bought the paper from Reid on 17 May 1879. When Mr John Hamilton brought a successful libel case against Boyett, the newspaper issued its last edition on 17 July 1880.
