Goldmining in Adelong (1850s-1860s)


INCREASE IN POPULATION OF ADELONG

As a result of the discovery of gold in the area, the population of Adelong trebled in a short time.

In 1857 Adelong became a reefing gold field and each prospector was allowed to mine for 10 ft.
(3 metres) along the line of the reef. This regulation was administered at the time by the Mines Department.
 

THE OLD HILL REEF MINE

William worked the Old Hill reef in Adelong with his two sons, Edward and William (Jnr.) for nine years. There was no crushing battery on the fields in the early period, but by 1859 there were at least 14 crushing machines, thundering away day and night.

On the south side of the Old Hill reef, William's mine yielded 8oz. per ton and in 1859 he mined
800 ton.

On the north side of the Old Hill reef, William's mine yielded 5oz. per ton and he mined 200 ton.

At this time, 1859, 8oz. per ton, was worth approx. £25,000 ($50,000).
 

THE VICTORIA MINE

The Victoria mine was the deepest mine in New South Wales and William received two successive Government grants - one of £1,000 ($2000) for findings at 1000ft (305m) and a further grant of £1,000 ($2000) for showing a payable reef at 1500ft. (463m).

The Victoria mine produced as high as 14oz. to the ton.
 

Reefer battery remains

Grinding wheel

Adelong CreeK

(Click on the pictures to see a larger version, then use the back arrow on your Web Browser to return to this page.)


 

 

GOLD CRUSHING MACHINES

When reef mining started, the miners would raise the ore to the surface, which was then crushed by the crushing plants.

Often the crushing plant was fitted with a 5, 10 or 15 head battery of 6 hundredweight (305kgs) each of which were powered by a moveable engines.

Others had engines of fixed boiler types with steam powered pumps supplying water to the battery.
 

THE OLD HILL REEF MINE SOLD

William sold the Old Hill reef mine and began to develop the Victoria reef mine, obtaining £8,000 ($16,000) for a start and £2,000 ($4,000) at the next crushing.

THE VICTORIA REEF MINE SOLD
William finally sold the Victoria reef mine for £46,000 ($92,000) which was divided equally between himself, his two sons, Edward and William (Jnr.) and Mr. James Curtis, of Adelong.

 
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Copyright © 2005, Carol McNeill, , c/- PO, Morayfield, Qld, Australia, 4506. Original content in these pages is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be produced by any process, or other exclusive right exercised without written permission of the copyright holder.