OCT 1 1 1973
B 514727

TN
.
T
TAL
TRAI
int-
RECORD
OF
THE MINES OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
FOURTH EDITION.
Compiled, under the authority of the Hon. Laurence O'Loughlin, M.P., Minister of Mines,
by Lionel C. E. Gee, J.P., General Assistant and Recorder, Department of Mines.
II
U
H. Y. L. BROWN, F.G.S.,
GOVERNMENT GEOLOGIST.
Adelaide :
BY AUTHORITY: C. E. BRISTOW, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, NORTH TERRACE.

1908.
AU
· UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LID
RECORD
OF
THE MINES OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
FOURTH EDITION.
ATTU
Compiled, under the authority of the Hon. Laurence O'Loughlin, M.P., Minister of Wines,
by Lionel C. E. Gee, J.P., General Assistant and Recorder, Department of Mines.
H. Y. L. BROWN, F.G.S.,
GOVERNMENT GEOLOGIST.
at aniontemoro
Adelaide :
BY AUTHORITY: C. E. BRISTOW, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, NORTH TERRACE.
N
1908.
Salonta Libera
TN
122
1908
Pag. E. c. Care
90 089- 1923
Scuvee Set
3/26154
PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION.
THE Third Edition, which was published in May, 1899, has been
· carefully revised, and, with the new information added, this
Edition is about twice the size of its predecessor. Every care has
been taken by Mr. Gee to make it as up to date and accurate as
possible; but still it is felt that much information is lacking, and that
gaps exist, which, however, are gradually being filled by the official
reports on holdings which are published from time to time.
A map of the State, showing the approximate area occupied by
the metal-bearing rocks, is appended; and also a statement giving
the mineral production from 1840 to 1907 This latter can only be
regarded as approximate, and is most probably well within the mark.
I have no hesitation in saying that South Australia is exceptionally
well endowed with minerals. The full recognition and exploitation
of its wealth in this direction is in any case only a matter of time;
and that the information gathered in this book may help in the
forward movement of our State is my earnest hope.
H. Y. L. BROWN, Government Geologist.
INI
Adelaide, February 24th, 1908.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGES
A Short Account of the Chief Geological Features of the State of
South Australia .. .. .. .. .. ..
1-7
Early History of South Australian Mining ..
8-19
Copper
.
..
..
..
..
..
.. 20–161
20
..
..
..
..
Gold * .. ..
Iron .. ..
Mineral Phosphates ..
..
..
..
..
..
.. 196–330
331-333
.. 334-343
S
.
..
..
..
.
..
Brown Coal, Lignite, &c.
344-351
..
..
..
..
..
..
Manganese ..
Miscellaneous ..
352
353-357
..
..
..
..
..
Gems and Rare Minerals
.. 358–363
Metallic Minerals, Earthy Minerals of Economic Importance, and
Gems (Chief Localities) .. .. .. ..
364-372
Return of Annual Mineral Production since 1840
Index
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
373
-
Map, showing Approximate Area occupied by Metal-bearing Rocks
* NOTE.- Returns from Government Battery and Cyanide Plants quoted are up to June 30th, 1907.
A Short Account of the Chief Geological Features of
the State of South Australia.
WON
In order to elucidate these notes of the principal geological formations of the
State of South Australia, a short description of its physical geography is necessary,
A main range extends from Cape Jervis in the S., the opposite point of the main-
land of Kangaroo Island, to beyond Hergott Springs in the N.-a distance of about
400 miles-branching from about 150 miles N. of Adelaide to the New South Wales
border, in the vicinity of the Barrier Ranges, and from Beltana N.E. to Mount
Babbage. This area includes the Mount Lofty, Barossa, Flinders, Mount Nor-West,
and Willouran ranges, and also smaller ones. The highest points are Mount Lofty,
2,327ft.; Mount Brown, near Port Augusta, 3,200ft.; St. Mary's Peak, Wilpena,
3,900ft. ; and Benbonyathe Hill, near the Illinawortina Pound, 3,476ft.
The Tomkinson, Mann, and Musgrave ranges extend in the N.W. corner from
the Western Australian boundary E. for over three degrees of longitude along and
S. of the 26th parallel of S. latitude, the N. boundary of the State. The Gawler
Ranges run from near Port Augusta W. for about 120 miles. N. of these are the
Warburton Ranges, isolated and of comparatively low elevation. Ranges of
similar character are the Peake and Denison, W. of Lake Eyre ; and there are also
detached areas in the vicinity of Port Lincoln and Franklin Harbor, on Eyre Pen-
insula. The remainder of the State consists of plain and undulating country, with
occasional isolated low peaks.
The lakes, mainly large expanses of mud, are numerous and extensive, and occupy
low-lying portions of the plain country. The principal ones are Lakes Eyre (N.
and S.), Torrens, Gairdner, Frome, and Blanche.
The Murray is the largest river. It enters the E. boundary of the State in latitude
34°, runs E. to Morgan, thence S. to its mouth at Encounter Bay, previously widen-
ing out into Lakes Alexandrina and Albert. This is the only navigable river in
South Australia. The drainage from the E. watershed of the main range as far
N. as the Burra runs into the Murray; from the W. as far N. as Port Augusta into
Gulfs St. Vincent and Spencer ; further N. and E. drainage is on to plains and into
Lake Frome, and the W. into Lake Torrens. N. of latitude 30° drainage from all
sides is into Lake Eyre, the principal rivers being the Cooper and Diamantina
(entering from Queensland), the Finke (from the Macdonnell Ranges, Northern
Territory), the Alberga and the Hamilton (from the Musgrave Ranges), and the
Neales and others from the W. From the Musgrave Ranges S. to the Great Aus.
tralian Bight and the W. coast of Eyre Peninsula there are no lines of drainage of
any importance on the surface.
The coastline presents, roughly, a sweep N.W. from Cape Northumberland, in
latitude 38° S., to Eucla, latitude 31° 30'S., crossing 12° of longitude (129° to 1419,
deeply indentated by two gulfs—St. Vincent and Spencer's. Kangaroo Island,
immediately S. of St. Vincent Gulf, is the largest island of the State, and there are
numerous smaller islands, grouped and separate, in Spencer's Gulf and on the W.
coast as far as Fowler's Bay.
From Eucla to the head of the Great Australian Bight the coastline consists of
continuous cliffs from 200ft. to 300ft. high, forming the edge of the Nullarbor Plain
plateau.
entering from Alberga and the Hrom the Musgra
MINING RECORDS.
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS IN ASCENDING ORDER.
ARCHÆAN (Metalliferous Rocks). Granite Gneiss and Crystalline metamorphic,
hornblendic, micaceous, and argillaceous, rocks are found at several places, but to
a limited extent, to underlie rocks containing Cambrian fossils; and in other places
there are considerable exposures of granitic and gneissic rock containing granitic
dykes of later age which may also be Pre-Cambrian. These constitute the lower
rock systems, and may be classed as Archæan. Chief localities : $. portion of Yorke's
Peninsula, N.E., N. end of Main Range, Musgrave Range, &c.
PRE-CAMBRIAN AND CAMBRIAN (Metalliferous Rocks). —The Main Ranges from
Cape Jervis to Mount Babbage, the Ranges at Port Lincoln and Franklin Harbor,
Kangaroo Island, the N.E. (Olary Ranges), Mount Nor-West Ranges, the Peake
and Denison Ranges (near Lake Eyre), and isolated areas, are composed of highly
contorted, faulted, cleaved, jointed, and metamorphosed beds of micaceous, horn-
blendic, and quartzose schists, sandstones, quartzites, argillites, clayslates, con-
glomerates, crystalline limestones, and dolomites, intruded into and intersected
in places by igneous rocks consisting of granites, diorites, dolerite, gabbro, felspar,
porphyry, felsite, &c. The Gawler Ranges are composed of granite and felspar-
porphyry, the latter predominating; the Musgrave Ranges of granite, metamorphic
and eruptive, and altered sedimentary rocks. Cambrian rocks containing fossils
of undoubted Cambrian age have been found in dolomitic limestone beds at Norman-
ville and Sellick's Hill, S. of Adelaide, near Ardrossan, Yorke's Peninsula, near
Gordon, Belton, Wirrealpa, Ajax Mine, Mundowdna, and Ediacara in the Far North,
and E. of Hawker. These beds occur in connection with those just mentioned, but
owing to the intense plication, varying thickness, faulting, and non-persistence of
individual beds and metamorphism of the whole series their exact stratagraphic
relationship can only be determined by exhaustive geological survey and mapping.
Fossils.
Ethmophyllum hindei
Protopharetra (?) scoulari
Coscinocyathus tatei
Olenellus pritchardi
Microdiscus subsagittatus
Dolichometropis tatei
Ptychoparia australis
P. howchini
Orthisina compta
Ambonychia macroptera
Platyceras etheridgei
Ophileta sublangulata
Stenotheca rugosa
Salterella planoconvexa
Hyolithes communis
H. conularioides
ORDOVICIAN.—Beds of quartzite, sandstone, grit, shale, and conglomerate,
dipping at low angles, and often horizontal, occur on Kangaroo Island, in the neigh-
borhood of Port Augusta, along the W. side of Lake Torrens, and on the Alberga
River. No fossils have been found in them; but from the positions they occupy
and their resemblance to the Ordovician fossiliferous rocks found $. of the Mac-
donnell Ranges, they are probably of that age.
MESOZOIC (Jurassic).- Argillaceous, carbonaceous, and bituminous shale, with
thin bands of sandstone, limestone, ironstone, pyrites, &c., containing seams of
coal.
The best defined outcrop of this formation is at Leigh Creek, where a basin
has been proved by boring to have an extreme depth of about 2,000ft. of strata
containing Jurassic fossils. In one bore, at from 1,496ft. to 1,544ft., over 47ft.
of brown coal was passed through in one continuous bed, and small seams at intervals
for 300ft. or 400ft. deeper. Characteristic fossils of the same age have been dis-
covered at Ooroowillannie Swamp, near Kuntha Hill, on Cooper's Creek, and
bituminous shale and coal, similar to that of Leigh Creek, at Lake Phillipson and
other places in bores put down for artesian water. There is no distinct line of
demarcation between this and the overlying Lower Cretaceous formation. It is
probable that the sandstone, gravel, and conglomerate in which the artesian water
occurs is of Jurassic age.
CHIEF ĢEOLOGICAL FEATURES.
Fossils.
Alethopetris australis
Macrotæniopteris winamattæ
Oleandridium (?) fluctuans
Podoramites lanceolatus
Thinnfeldia odontopteroides
T. media
Unio eyrensis
MESOZOIC (Lower Cretaceous).-Gypseous clays, marls, argillaceous shales, and
sandstones, with thin bands of limestone, ironstone, pyrites, &c., and sometimes
thin seams of brown coal resting on sandstone and gravel conglomerate beds.
This formation, with or without the underlying Jurassic beds, fills the vast artesian
basin of which Lake Eyre is approximately the centre. From the N.E. corner of
the State it is continuous W. along the Queensland border, and to slightly beyond
the 134th meridian, and S. along the boundaries of Queensland and New South
Wales to latitude 30° S. W. of Lake Eyre its boundary has not yet been determined,
but probably does not extend very far in that direction. It is bounded N. and S.
by granite and other primary rocks.
The most W. bore, viz., that at Lake Phillipson, has passed through a shale
formation down to 3,131ft.
The depth to which bores have been sunk in this area, and artesian water obtained,
varies from a few feet, in the vicinity of the outcrops of primary rocks, to 4,850ft.
in that portion of the basin extending N. towards the Queensland border.
The following schedule gives particulars concerning some of the principal bores :-

Temperature
Name of Bore.
Height of
Surface above
Sea Level.
Depth.
of
Supply of
Water
per Diem.
Water (F).
Mungerannie .....
Kopperamanna ...
Mitta Mitta........
Mt. Gason ..
Goyder's Lagoon
Feet
250
50
260
250
125
Feet
3,370
3,000
3,534
4,420
4,850
Deg.
187
176
190
204
208
Gallons
600,000
890,000
470,000
180,000
600,000
CU
Characteristic Fossils.
Lingula subovalis
Pecten socialis
Pseudavicula australis
P. anomala
Maccoyella barklyi
M. corbiensis
Lima randsi
Pinna australis
Mytilus rugocostatus
M. inflatus
M. linguloides
Nucula quadrata
Cytherea clarkei
C. woodwardiana
Leda elongata
Mya maccoyi
Natica variabilis
Cinulia hochstetteri
Belemnites australis
B. canhami
Crioceras australe
and others.
MESOZOIC. (?)-Argillaceous and arenaceous shales, grits, sandstones, quartzose.'
sandstone, gravel, and conglomerate, with limestone and concretionary clay iron-
stone. The deposit, which is horizontal and undulatory, contains scattered pebbles...
and boulders of granite, quartzite, sandstone, &c. Some of these boulders are of
great size, and denudation has led to their being scattered over the surface to a
considerable extent. Bores have been sunk through the deposit to ascertain
whether it contained coal, as from its general appearance and resemblance to car-
bonaceous rocks of the Cape Otway district, Victoria, which contain small seams
of coal, and are of Mesozoic age, it was thought that this might be the case. It
MINING RECORDS.
the pebbles consisting of granite, syenite, mica schist, &c. The deposit is un-
doubtedly a glacial one. The greatest thickness, proved by boring through these
beds, was 964ft., at which depth clayslate of Primary age was bottomed on. The
rocks passed through in sinking consisted of shale, sandstone, and soft argillaceous
sandstone, with occasional bands of hard sandstone, down to 696ft., after which
sandstone with boulders (sandstone conglomerates) continued to the bottom. This
bore was started on a creek flat, or low ground, and does not, therefore, represent
the total thickness, as hilly country composed entirely of this formation rises
particularly in the neighborhood of the watershed between Encounter Bay and
Gulf St. Vincent-to a height of several hundred feet. The area occupied by the
deposit is considerable. The main body stretches across from Victor Harbor to
Yankalilla—a distance of about 20 miles. It is of irregular shape, having a width
in places of 5 miles, and lies in a trough between high ranges; its boundaries have
not yet been completely defined, and it probably underlies a portion of the Miocene
Tertiary lying N. and N.W. of Crozier's Hill and other places in the hundreds of
Encounter Bay, Goolwa, and Waitpinga. Between Yankalilla and Second Valley
and at Cape Jervis there are beds of clay and boulder drift which may be of similar
age ; and these may, however, have been reconstructed from them or deposited
during Miocene times. On Kangaroo Island, in the hundred of Menzies, there is
a similar deposit, which consists of false-bedded horizontal and slightly dipping
beds of sandstone and grit, with pebble conglomerate layers on shale, and sandy
clay, containing concretionary masses of brown iron ore and ferruginous sand-
stone with pebbles and overlaid unconformably by basalt; it appears to be an
outlying area of the Yankalilla and Encounter Bay beds. No fossils have been
found at any of these localities ; but from the similarity of these beds to those of
the Cape Otway district they may be provisionally classed as Mesozoic.
LOWER TERTIARY OR UPPER CRETACEOUS.—Chiefly in the N.E. portion of the
State there are large areas of stony downs and tablehill country where sheets and
isolated cappings as thin beds of sandstone, quartzite, conglomerate, jasper rock,
porcelainised shale, &c., overlie both the Lower Cretaceous and older rock forma-
tion, which are of either Lower Tertiary or Upper Cretaceous age. The beds are
intermittent in character, and are scattered over an area extending from the end of
the Musgrave Ranges E. to the Queensland border, S. to Lakes Frome, Torrens,
and Gairdner; and W. towards the Western Australian border, in which direction
they occur as small and widely separated exposures.
Principal Fossils.
Mantellia babbagensis
Zamites ensiformis
EOCENE.—Polyzoal coral and shell limestone, chalky limestone with flints,
fossiliferous clays, calcareous sandstone and shale.
Localities. On the Murray River, from Bookmark downward to Murray Bridge,
good sections of these rocks overlaid by Miocene strata are exposed. The
Nullarbor Plain, extending from Eucla to Denial Bay, and forming sea cliffs from
200ft. to 300ft. high, between the head of the Great Australian Bight and the
Western Australian border. The coasts of Yorke's Peninsula, Ports Willunga and
Noarlunga, Kangaroo Island, and other places to a less extent.
Localities Inland.-Near Ardrossan, McLaren Vale, Mount Jagged. At these
places the beds are elevated to a height varying approximately from 200ft. to 700ft.
above sea level. On the Adelaide plains a bore at Croydon showed a thickness of
at least 2,296ft.
The deepest bore sunk for water on the Nullarbor Plain penetrated a thickness
of 500ft. of crystalline limestone and white chalky limestone with flints, succeeded
by shale gravel, &c., to 1,387ft., where it bottomed on granite.
CHIEF GEOLOGICAL FEATURES.
Characteristic Fossils.
Magellania insolita
M. pectoralis
Magasella deformis
Salenia tertiaria
Scutellina patella
Cassidulus longianus
Lovenia forbesi
Fibularia gregata
Oxyrhina woodsii
Aturia australis
Voluta pagodoides
Fusus sculptilis
Turritella aldinga
Natica aldingensis
Dentalium mantelli
Dimya dissimilis
Lima bassii
Pecten consobrinus
Pecten aldingensis
P. eyrei
P. flindersi
P. hochstetteri
Glycimeris cainozoica
Limopsis insolita
Chione cainozoica
MIOCENE.-Sand, clay, shale, loam, shell limestone, limestone, sandstone grit,
conglomerate, gravel, and boulders. These deposits fill the basins of ancient
estuaries and old river beds, rising in the ranges and trending towards and into the
sea, forming low cliffs along the coast and in its vicinity, and probably underlying
newer formations at numerous places along the coast.
The oyster beds of the Murray Cliffs, Willunga, &c., are of this age.
Characteristic Fossils.
Terebra crassa
Ancillaria orycta
Latirus approximans
Marginella hordeacea
Murex anceps
Cominella subfilicea
Campanile triseriale
Semicassis subgranosa
Calyptræa crassa
Diastoma provisi
Heligmope dennanti
Natica subvarians
Ostrea sturtiana
Ostrea arenicola
Spondylus arenicola
Placunanomia ione
Pecten antiaustralis
Lima jeffreysiana
P. palmipes
P. consobrinus
Lima semicostata
Amussium lucens
Lithodomus brevis
Mitylus submenkeanus
Cucullæa corioensis
Barbatia simulans
Cardita dennanti
Trigonia acuticostata
Meretrix sphericula
Cardium mediosulcatum
Corbula ephamilla
Dosinia grayii
Lucina nuciformis
Panopæa orbita
Tellina lata
Loripes simulans
. Myadora corrugata
T. basedowi
Plesiastræa st. vincenti ,
Macropneustes decipiens
VOLCANIC ROCKS.-Basalt, dolerite, amygdaloid, lava, ash, &c., which have been
derived from several points of eruption, cover limited areas in the South-Eastern
district in the vicinity of Mount Gambier and Millicent, and smaller areas in the
hundred of Menzies, Kangaroo Island. Mount Gambier itself is composed of
volcanic ash beds, which at one time formed a portion of the walls of a crater.
Mount Schank is a perfect crater, formed of beds of ash, scoria, &c. Other eruptive
centres occur in the neighborhood of Millicent. The basalt overlies beds of coral-
line limestone with flints of Tertiary age. The volcanic eruptions most probably
took place at the same time as those in Victoria, where the basalt flows overlie
Pliocene gold drifts. The Kangaroo Island basalt occurs as cappings in the
hundred of Menzies; it rests on a slate formation similar to that of Yankalilla
MINING RECORDS.
and Encounter Bay, the age of which has not yet been determined. Its -thickness
is about 100ft., and its geological age is most probably the same as that of
Mount Gambier.
Post TERTIARY (Pleistocene).—Sand, loam, concretionary limestone, clay,
gravel, marl, gypsum, salt, shell limestone, sandstone, limestone, conglomerate,
gravel, and boulder drift; these constitute the surface formations over a large ex-
tent of the plain country and the alluvium of the creeks and gullies running through
and from the ranges into these plains, and as cappings to all rocks of greater age.
Alluvial gold occurs in these deposits in many parts of the State, and has been worked
for to a greater or less extent on the various goldfields which have been discovered
in the main range from Cape Jervis N., and on the isolated ranges W. of Lake Eyre.
Fossil remains of large extinct mammals (marsupial), birds, reptiles, amphibians,
and fishes have been found. These include-
Marsupials.
Diprotodon
Nototherium
Phascolomys
Sarcoptilus
Palorchestes
Macropus
Thylacoleo
Aves.
Genyornis (Newtoni)
Phalacrocorax
Reptilia.-Crocodilia : Pallimnarchus Polleus, larger than any living species,
a freshwater species allied to C. Johnstoni, but larger. Chelonia (tortoise):
Megalania Prisca, a gigantic land lizard. Localities : Warburton River, Cooper's
Creek in vicinity of Lake Eyre.
Pisces.—Ceratodus Silurard and other fishes. Localities as above.
The chief localities of the mammals are Adelaide, Yankalilla, Millicent, Baldina,
Bundey, Mundowdna, Booleroo Springs, Lake Callabonna, Warburton River, and
Cooper's Creek.
At Yankalilla and other places the remains of diprotodon, &c., occur in soft spring
deposits. At Lake Callabonna they are partially imbedded in the mud of the
lake, in which they appear not to have been disturbed since their original deposi-
tion, and in other localities they occur in alluvium, either in situ or washed out by
floods.
Ice Action is evidenced by glacial striæ on rocks of presumably Cambrian age,
and on erratic boulders at Hallett's Cove, and in the Inman River, and also by
the occurrence of erratic boulders in the same district and on Yorke's Peninsula,
Kangaroo Island, &c. There is no fossil evidence, but the deposit at Hallett's
Cove underlies Miocene limestone, and may provisionally be regarded as of Mesozoic
age.
Erratic boulders are found strewn on the surface and imbedded in the Lower
Cretaceous shales of the Central Artesian basin.
Pebbles and boulders occur in conglomerates of the Mount Lofty, Flinders, and
other ranges ; some of these are striated and considered to indicate deposition by
means of ice action in the Cambrian period. Doubt has recently been thrown on
these conclusions in the case of some conglomerates of the Mount Lofty Range,
and it is still a matter of controversy amongst geologists whether these phenomena
are of glacial origin or due, wholly or in part, to earth movements and fluviatile
action,
The chief geological formations are here briefly sketched, and, in conclusion,
as derived from the metal-bearing strata, some condensed notes concerning the
mineral resources of the State, which will be of general interest, are appended.
CHIEF GEOLOGICAL FEATURES.
What is believed to have been the first authentic discovery of gold in Australia,
to which public attention was called, and from which actual mining operations
resulted, was made in January, 1846, about 10 miles E. from the city of Adelaide ;
but although the precious metal has been found at many places over large areas,
yet as a gold-producer South Australia ranks last of the States of the Commonwealth.
The principal auriferous districts are in the main range from its S. portion through
Echunga, Talunga, Barossa, and Ulooloo to Wonna, about 140 miles N. from the
city; thence N.E., Mount Grainger, Waukaringa, Mannahill, Wadnaminga, and
Olary districts. The best find of alluvial gold yet made was in the saltbush and
low hills country of Teetulpa, about 200 miles N.E. by N. of Adelaide ; this was
discovered in October, 1886. The area was small, and the ground was soon worked
out, but it is estimated that about £300,000 worth of gold has been obtained from
an area not exceeding one square mile. An immense district of similar country
surrounds this place, and much desultory prospecting has been done, but so far
Teetulpa remains the solitary rich patch unearthed here. Rich gold reefs have
been discovered at Tarcoola, about 300 miles N.W. from Port Augusta. Gold has
also been found in the Peake and Denison ranges, and near Yudnamutana, in the
N. portion of the main range.
To compensate for the lack of gold, South Australia is the chief copper-producer
of the group. The Burra Burra Mine, about 100 miles N. of Adelaide, has yielded
nearly £5,000,000 worth of copper. The Wallaroo and Moonta Mines on Yorke's
Peninsula have extracted up to date copper valued at about £12,500,000. The
Kapunda Mine, which is the oldest copper mine in the State, having been dis-
covered in 1842, situated 50 miles N. of Adelaide, has also produced a large quantity
of very high-class copper. Throughout a large portion of the State more or less
copper is found, and in the N. portion of the main range and the adjacent country
a large number of copper mines and prospects are being worked.
Silver-lead mines exist in the main range S. of Adelaide. The Wheal Gawler Mine,
near Glen Osmond, was originally opened in May, 1841, and is probably the first
mine worked in Australia. Deposits of silver-lead exist also in the N., E. from
Farina and W. from Beltana.
Iarge deposits of iron are numerous, the principal one being the Iron Knob,
situated about 40 miles W.S.W. from Port Augusta. Here a vast quantity, esti-
mated at 21,000,000 tons, of high-grade (66 per cent.) iron ore and manganic iron
is in sight. It is connected by a railway with False Bay, on Spencer's Gulf, and
the ore is used at present as flux in the Broken Hill Proprietary's works at Port
Pirie. The magnitude and importance of this deposit are, so far, not equalled in
Australasia. Large deposits of phosphate rock, containing as high as 81 per cent.
tricalcic phosphate, have been found for a distance of 200 miles along the main
range--from Mount Magnificent in the S. to Carrieton in the N.-and at Clinton,
on Yorke's Peninsula. The principal localities are Belvidere and St. John's, near
Kapunda ; hundred Bright, near Burra ; hundred Bendleby, near Carrieton in the
N.; Clinton and hundred Cunningham, Yorke's. Peninsula ; and Mount Magnificent
and near Noarlunga in the S.
Respecting the rare minerals, a discovery of Uranium (carnotite) and Vanadium
ore has been made in the Olary district, but it has not, so far, proved of economic
value. Vanadium ores are also found in other localities. Monazite in small
quantity has also been recently discovered.
H. Y. L. BROWN, Government Geologist.
EARLY HISTORY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MINES.
The first compilation which can be regarded as an authentic history of mining
operations in South Australia is contained in the Royal South Australian Almanack
for 1848, published by John Stephens, Hindley Street, Adelaide.
The editor in his preface says, “ Altogether the Almanack for 1848 will form a
compendious history of the present condition of South Australia ; and as the in-
formation communicated has been collected from authentic sources, where such
was practicable, it may safely be relied upon as substantially correct.”
The section is headed “ Mines and Mining Companies in South Australia.” It
has evidently been prepared with much care, and is written in a general spirit of
breezy optimism which, although refreshingly cheerful, argues in some respects
a certain lack of expert knowledge on the part of the compiler. It is very interesting,
not only from the actual mining information it gives, but also from the association
of the honored names of the first enterprising mining adventurers of South Australia.
Regarding the various mines noted, the sanguine expectations entertained were,
in some cases, more than realised ; in others they turned out failures, and in others
again the ground still remains undeveloped.
The old record is here republished in full (except the forms of share certificate),
and the later information concerning the various mines will be found in proper
order throughout the book.
MINES AND MINING COMPANIES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
[Extracted from the Royal South Australian Almanack for 1848.]
The first metalliferous mineral which attracted notice in South Australia was
its iron, the ores of which are exceedingly abundant, and exhibit specimens of great
beauty and variety, with occasional masses of almost incredible bulk. Malleable
iron may be produced without smelting from some of the ores with extraordinary
facility; and for the purposes of the founder, other kinds have been proved easily
susceptible of the smelting process, yielding a large proportion of fine-grained and
compact metal, from ore put into the blast furnace without any roasting or prepara-
tion other than being broken into moderate-sized pieces. Nevertheless, nothing
beyond experimental attempt was undertaken in iron until the last year, when
smelting operations were commenced with some of the produce of a large lode,
or rather mountain mass, of excellent iron ore, situate in the midst of the stringybark
forest, about 12 miles from Adelaide, which furnishes suitable fuel in abundance.
The attempt is yet in its infancy; but manifest grounds for encouragement are
said to exist.
The mineral substance which first of all attracted practical attention was the
argentiferous galena on land now comprised in Wheal Gawler Silver-lead Mine,
some of which substance “ cropping” through the surface was crushed by dray
wheels passing over it, and then became obvious from its metallic brilliancy.
MINES AND MINING COMPANIES.
At length the valuable copper treasures of " Montacute," " Kapunda," and the
renowned “ Burra Burra” were successively brought under the notice of scientific
and practical men, the first-mentioned being vertically exposed and otherwise
extensively apparent in the almost perpendicular rocky declivities of a mountainous
position; the second plainly indicated by a plentiful surface sprinkling of blue and
green carbonates and other rich varieties of copper ore ; and the “ Monster Mine"
(as the Burra Burra was first called) attracting the notice of a shepherd by its
massive “out-croppings” and the rich mineral variety on the surface, which,
even to uninitiated persons, vouched at first examination for immense undeveloped
treasures below.
Discoveries more or less fruitful have followed upon each other since the great
value of the colonial mines became so manifest from extremely successful opera-
tions, more especially at Kapunda and the Burra Burra, until a number of under-
takings have been brought into active prosecution. These we shall describe, as
they come under notice, in alphabetical arrangement, limiting our observations
in the way of commendation to such practical data and undoubted assurances as
afford the proper grounds of judgment in regard to prospective properties, and
those which are already largely productive.
THE ADELAIDE MINING COMPANY (COPPER).—The Adelaide Mining Company,
was formed in 1846, chiefly with a view to copper mining, and the shareholders'
very sanguine expectations are likely to be fully realised.
Seven directors, whose minimum of qualification is £100, or twenty scrip receipts
of £5 each, are operating under a deed of settlement, the paid up capital being
£10,000.
The quantity of copper ore raised may be set down at about 200 tons.
The property of this company is distant about 10 miles from Adelaide. The
sales are usually effected at the Port. The prospects of this company have greatly
improved of late upon their sections 5528 and 5226 (near the Montacute Mine).
In the latter is a lode 30ft. wide, containing a variety of copper ores and a vein of
red oxide similar to that of the Burra Burra. The company is governed in confor-
mity with a deed of settlement.
THE AUSTRALIAN MINING COMPANY.—The Australian Mining Company is
an association of London capitalists, the subscribed capital being £400,000 in
20,000 shares of £20 each, upon which £40,000 has been paid up. The following
gentlemen compose the London board of directors :—W. T. Copeland, Esq., Alder-
man and M.P., 37, Lincolns Inn Fields ; Samuel James Capper, Esq., 1, Adelaide
Place, London Bridge; H. De Castro, Esq., 19, South Street, Finsbury Square ;
H. J. Enthoven, Esq., 8, Moorgate Street; Edward Hagen, Esq., Mill Street,
Bermondsey; B. E. Lindo, Esq., 3, Winchester Buildings, Great Winchester
Street; John Masterman, jun., Esq., Nicholas Lane, Lombard Street; J. B. Monte-
fiore, Esq., 2, Winchester Buildings, Great Winchester Street. The trustees are-
John Capper, Esq., 1, Adelaide Place; Benjamin Greene, Esq., 45, Russell Square ;
Frederic Mildred, Esq., 35, Nicholas Lane. Auditors-Henry Buckle, Esq.,
33, Mark Lane; George Burnard, Esq., 12, Cornhill; George Palmer, jun., Esq.,
11, King's Arms Yard, Coleman Street. Bankers-Messrs, Masterman, Peters,
and Co. Solicitor–Thomas Hanson Peile, Esq. Secretary-George Edmund
Hodgkinson, Esq.
This company is conducted under a deed of settlement, and is represented in the
colony by four local directors, namely, George Alexander Anstey, Esq., John
Baker, Esq., Jacob Hagen, Esq., John Hart, Esq., who selected for their London
constituents their special survey of 20,000 acres (paid for in London) at Reedy
Creek, 34 miles from Adelaide, in a north-easterly direction, and are there employing
a considerable number of men in raising copper ore and in preparatory operations,
which not only afford every prospect of success but are already largely productive,
although not yet to the extent anticipated after a careful examination of the com-
pany's property by competent persons.
10
..:: MINING RECORDS.
. Mr. Alfred Phillips, who is the chief captain, is resident at the mines; and from
the liberal views entertained by the London company there is no doubt that their
principal property, “Tungkillo," will soon be occupied by a large and industrious
population, having their physical and moral wants provided for, and capable of
remunerating a generous proprietary.
The company's property is productive of emery as well as several varieties of
copper ore. One hundred tons of emery were carried down for shipment in Decem-
ber last
Nine choice mineral sections in the neighborhood of the Kapunda Mine, and
comprising above 700 acres, have since been secured by purchase at a Government
land sale, and there is every reason to believe these purchases will prove highly
fortunate.
The second annual general meeting of the Australian Mining Company was held
at their offices, London Bridge, on Monday, the 26th July last. In the absence
of S. J. Capper from severe illness, E. Hagen, Esq., occupied the chair. A numerous
body of proprietary attended. After attending to the body of miners sent to the
colony in the Rajah-being portion of 580 adult emigrants sent out under virtue
of the company's land grant-the report expresses the desire of the directors for
the moral and spiritual welfare of these persons and their families in the following
terms :-“ Availing themselves of the chairman's acquaintance with the Bishop
(Dr. Short), the board entered into communication with His Lordship, with the
view of providing moral and spiritual instruction to the operatives in the company's
employment. For the promotion of that object, a glebe of 50 acres of the company's
land, at the special survey, has been granted as a site for a church, clergyman's
residence, and a school or schools; and the directors have great pleasure in stating
their fullest expectation that the Tungkillo Mines will be made the permanent
residence of a clergyman and a head missionary station. This point appears to
the directors to be one of no small importance, not only as consolidating a settle-
ment of the company's operatives, but as founding a township which is likely to
be productive of much benefit in the inducement it affords to strangers to establish
themselves and follow agricultural pursuits on the company's property. The
directors did not feel at liberty, without consulting the shareholders, to grant any
endowment from the company's funds; but they have all promptly forwarded the
object by assisting the subscription in their individual capacity.
On the day of meeting three directors went out of office by rotation. The lot
fell upon Samuel James Capper, Edward Hagen, and John Masterman, jun.,
esquires, and those gentlemen, being immediately eligib e for re-election, offered
themselves, and were accepted accordingly.
The reason assigned at the meeting for the discontinuance of operations upon
the purchased sections was that the local board, finding that the lode was situated
on the borders of the section, had prudently and cautiously determined to suspend
operations until an opportunity offered of purchasing the adjoining land at a reason-
able price rather than to excite the competition of speculators, which would be the
case if the quality and value of the lode was more generally known.
THE BON ACCORD MINING COMPANY.--The Bon Accord Mining Company com-
menced in April, 1846, with the purchase of a block of 347 acres, immediately
adjoining the Burra Burra property on the north. The operations of this company
were not immediately productive, like those of the neighboring proprietary, although
by no means such as to afford serious grounds of discouragement. Nevertheless,
the working has been temporarily suspended, awaiting the determination of the
proprietors, who reside in New South Wales or parts more distant.
The proprietors have been successively represented by Mr. Moorhead and Mr.
Belcher. Latterly Captain Ey (a German), who first superintended the successful
operations at the Burra Burra, has been engaged at the Bon Accord Mine; and
good fortune having again attended his work of exploration, a productive and highly.
promising lode of copper ore is being operated upon.
MINES AND MINING COMPANIES.
Il
THE BURRA BURRA COPPER MINE, or the South AUSTRALIAN MINING ASSOCIA-
TION.—The principal operations of this association commenced in September,
1845. The fact of the discovery of masses of copper ore cropping out of the surface
in a remote district having been divulged to certain colonists, those gentlemen
communicated the circumstances to their friends, and preparations were made for
securing through the only means open to adoption, namely, by special survey of
20,000 acres, the land containing the obvious treasure. Eventually two distinct
parties joined for the express purpose of making the £20,000 purchase, which,
being effected, the two parties, after the surveyed land had been lineally divided
into two portions, met to appropriate them, and the northern moiety of the
20,000 acres conjointly secured fell to the lot of the association, which claims
especial notice. The subscribed capital being fixed at £12,320, it was determined
to issue proportionally to the subscribers transferable scrip representing 2,464
shares of £5 each, which were at first deemed the only necessary proofs of
proprietorship or voting credentials; but the association has now a regular deed
of settlement.
The management is vested in a board of nine directors, whose qualifications
were originally the possession of 40 £5 scrip, but subsequently reduced to 20.
The following gentlemen compose the present direction :-Chairman, Chas.
Beck, Esq., directors, Messrs. J. B. Graham, J. Ellis, J. Brown, John Waterhouse,
Wm. Paxton, William Allen, Samuel Stocks, William Peacock; secretary, Mr.
Henry Ayers; auditors, Messrs. Frederic Wicksteed and George Tinline. The
following are the officers resident at the mines :-General superintendent, Thomas
Burr, Esq. ; chief captain, Mr. H. Roach ; second captain, Mr. M. Bryant; ac-
countant, Mr. E. Barry; clerk, Mr. W. Challoner ; storekeeper, Mr. Humber.
The association had no sooner broken ground at the Burra Burra, distant in a
direct line 86 miles from Adelaide, and about 96 by road, than their operations
became productive ; and so favorable was the intervening country that the con-
veyance of ores to the Port immediately followed, and is being prosecuted unin-
terruptedly through the dry months of the year, and to a considerable extent even
in winter.
The price of shares has long maintained an upward tendency, until the £5 share
has become saleable at £160 and upward for cash payment.
The first cargo to Swansea direct per Amelia was found by assay to yield only
20 per cent. to 22 per cent. This arrival, however, had been preceded by 55 tons
received from London, ex Gunga, of which 25 tons yielded an average of 401 per
cent., and was sold at £30 11s. per ton; and 30 tons, which yielded only 141 per
cent., were sold at £10 16s. per ton.
These returns were sufficiently encouraging, and the shipments have gone on
until they have amounted to the aggregate hereinafter referred to, the last sales
having produced highly remunerative returns, averaging £25 4s. per ton. On the
19th of October last the directors published their fourth half-yearly report, by which
it appears the total quantity of ore raised during the two years of operations was
17,105 tons, of which the quantity shipped or sold in the colony was 8,845 tons
(nearly), and the quantity at the mine ready for removal about 7,092 tons. The
quantity of land purchased by the association is 10,640 acres.
The outlay of the association under the head of “improvements” and otherwise
has comprised a number of substantial dwelling-houses in their contiguous town-
ship of Kooringa, as well as the residences, offices, smelting-house, and other perma-
nent or temporary erections at the mine. The following returns declare the respec-
tive numbers employed or resident in the township, or in and about the Burra
Burra :-Men, 480; women, 140; children, 320_total, 940.
Besides these there are sawyers, charcoal burners, carters, and others, to the
number of 50 or more, employed at various distances from the mines ; so that the
population of the association's district is not less than 1,000 souls.
12
MINING RECORDS.
. It is difficult to use adequate terms in describing the Burra Burra property with-
out incurring (from strangers at least) the charge or suspicion of improper motive;
but the least we can say is that for intrinsic value the Burra Burra will bear com-
parison with the choicest property of a similar kind in the British Empire. An
opinion precisely like that contained in the foregoing paragraph was enunciated
in this periodical before any dividend was declared ; and as during the last six
months of 1847 dividends to the amount of four hundred per cent. upon the capital
were paid to the shareholders, and the year has closed amidst new evidences of
unexampled prospective advantages—in improved sales of the copper ores at
Swansea, and vast developments at the mines—it is not too much to assert that
in the territorial.wealth of the Burra Burra alone South Australia includes a mineral
property worth half a million sterling.
CURRENCY CREEK MINE is yet in its infancy, some works of exploration only
having been as yet attempted ; although a further examination lately instituted
by Mr. James Allen, on behalf of the chief proprietors in London, will, it is supposed,
superinduce the commencement of systematic operations. The copper lode inter-
sects the township land of a special survey which has been appropriated to the
respective proprietors, so that they must reunite in order to a joint prosecution
of the mine.
The present committee in London are Messrs. Hananel De Castro, F. Friend,
R. T. C. Gray, T. R. Thompson, C. Roberts, R. A. Hussey, and Stephen White.
Mr. Finke, more than a year ago, reported most favorably of the mineral capa-
bilities of the Currency Creek property, which he had recently examined ; and the
Adelaide, created much sensation at the time.
MR. DUTTON'S MINE.—Mr. Dutton's Mine—so-called—is an obvious deposit
of copper ores on a block of 631 acres, purchased by that gentleman for himself
and others, and situate adjoining the Princess Royal Mine on the south. No
operations of any consequence have been undertaken upon this property ; but there
is no doubt of its soon being extensively prosecuted, as 'means have been taken to
introduce the requisite capital and labor. The distance of this property from
Adelaide is 82 miles.
THE ENTERPRISE MINING COMPANY (COPPER AND LEAD).—Capital £3,000 in
1,000 shares of £3 each, £l per share deposited.
The chairman of this company is Anthony Forster, Esq., and the following
citizens constitute, with him, the board of directors, viz. :-Messrs. Edgecombe,
Abbott, Phillips, LaVence, Suter, and Gurr. The trustees are Messrs. James
Phillips, Edwin Bennett, Wm. Edgecombe, and William Phillips. Secretary-
Mr. John W. F. Dalton. Auditors-Messrs. John Bradford and Thomas Onslow.
The operations of this company have hitherto been conducted upon lands held
under lease; but the rules permit the purchase of mineral lands as well as the
taking leases of other lands. The following sections comprise the leaseholds hither-
to operated upon by the Enterprise Company :—Section 5535, on the Sixth Creek ;
section 5607, on the Torrens; section 267, adjoining Wheal Gawler Silver-lead
Mine. On the first, various specimens of copper ore have been found, including
the following varieties :-Red oxide, containing specks of virgin copper; grey
copper, black oxide, and occasionally traces of blue and green carbonate.
The company commenced in the spring of 1847; and as the sum originally sub-
scribed has not hitherto produced any profitable return, the second call of £l per
share was called for and made payable during January of the present year; but
the leading shareholders are sanguine of ultimate success; and the vicinity of
valuable mineral properties, as well as the indications of subsoil wealth found on
their own leaseholds, strongly uphold their expectations.
THE GREENOCK CREEK MINE (COPPER).—The Greenock Creek Company com-
menced operations in June, 1846, on 160 acres of land, in which good copper ores
had been found, the distance from Adelaide being 34 miles,
MINES AND MINING COMPANIES.
13
The paid-up capital, £1,000, is in 200 shares of £5 each. The five following
gentlemen compose the directorship, namely, Messrs. Collier, Todd, Smith, Wickes,
and Randall-possession of shares to the amount of £50 being the qualification.
Judging from the subsoil discoveries made and copper ore produced, the opera-
tions of this company are likely to be crowned with success; and this impression
was never stronger than at the period in which we write.
THE GLEN OSMOND UNION MINING COMPANY (SILVER-LEAD).—This company
was formed in London, with a capital of £30,000, in 3,000 shares of £10 each, paid
in full. The directors have power to increase the capital to £50,000 by issue of
2,000 additional shares of £10 each.
Directors.—George Clive, Esq., M.P:, William Cubitt, Esq., James John Cummins,
Esq. (chairman), Peter Davey, Esq., John Gore, Esq., George Marshall, Esq.
Bankers-Messrs. Robarts, Curtis, & Co. Solicitors-Messrs. Wilde, Rees,
Humphrey, & Wilde. Secretary-Frederick H. Gore, Esq. Auditor-Edward
English, Esq. General Superintendent in the Colony-Lewis Gilles, Esq. Local
Committee of Management-Messrs. Wm. Younghusband, Lewis W. Gilles, John
Hector.
This company commenced operations on preliminary section No. 295 of 134
acres, situated three miles east of Adelaide, early in December, 1846, with 10 men
and a mining captain (Pascoe), and have been increasing the number gradually
as the works progressed up to its present force, upwards of 50. Thirteen lodes
have been discovered on the section ; but, after a few weeks spent in proving, the
operations were confined for the time being to three parallel lodes about equi-distant
and occupying the north and south extremities of the section. The north lode,
called “Gore's,” the south “0.G.," and the centre “ Victoria," have all yielded
satisfactorily.
Several adits and other levels have been driven, cross-cuts made, winzes and
four shafts from the surface sunk upon a systematic plan calculated to develop
the mine. The works under the direction of Captain Pascoe have been skilfully
and economically executed. The produce of ore is more than was calculated upon
in so short a space of time, the obtaining it having been made altogether a subordi-
nate consideration to that of constructing the mine upon scientific principles.
One hundred and sixty tons (including lords' dues) have been shipped during
the last eight months, and ore ground equivalent to a produce of 300 tons is in
course of being taken down. A considerable extent of useful buildings for work-
shops, &c., and two blocks of miners' cottages (yielding a fair rental) have also
been completed within the year, whilst the proximity of the mine to Adelaide
secures the advantage of a low rate of cartage (7s. per ton), and the freight has not
exceeded 50s. per ton free in London. So that upon the whole this mine may
claim to be considered a prosperous,concern; but it is not the intention of the
company to confine their operations to Glen Osmond alone, notwithstanding the
success which has attended them.
THE KANMANTOO MINE (COPPER). The Kanmantoo Mines of the South Aus-
tralian Company, at a distance of 30 miles from Adelaide, are being wrought upon
a choice portion of 12,000 acres, part of a special survey taken by the company
in conjunction with the Paringa Mining Company in the district of Mount Barker.
These mines have produced, since the period of commencement, December
1845, several hundred tons of good copper ore, some samples having yielded from
40 per cent. to 50 per cent. of metal. The latest reports from experienced visitors
to these mines are in the highest degree favorable to the interests of the South Aus-
tralian Company, which are represented by the company's colonial manager, William
Giles, Esg. The chief superintendent of the mines is Captain Rodda; the under-
ground captain Mr. Samuel Doney. The operative force is 65 men and boys.
The preparatory operations having been more considerable than at first expected,
it is quite gratifying to observe that the shipments actually effected during the
first year amounted to more than 300 tons.
14:
MINING RECORDS..
Four hundred tons have lately been shipped per Competitor and Antilla ; and
one lode, known at the mines as the “ Kangaroo lode," is yielding 100 tons per
month, nearly the whole being raised upon “tutwork.”
Descriptions of six valuable mineral localities have been sent by the colonial
manager to the directors in London, with a view to their being leased to mining
companies there. One of the properties described has been already let satisfac-
torily; a second was about to be let at the period of the last advices; and the other
four are, without doubt, destined soon to be operated on with British capital.
Messrs. Thomas Brothers, who have had several years' experience as smelters
in Chili, having lately arrived in the colony, have taken a piece of land near this
mine, and are erecting smelting works for the purpose of reducing the ores to a
regulus. They express great confidence as to the success of their smelting opera-
tions, and say that in the course of a year or twe smelting furnaces will
be as numerous in the colony as flourmills. They further affirm that the colonial
wood, in its natural state, will serve all necessary purposes for smelting. Should
these expectations be realised, the advantages to the colony will be immense, as
there are thousands of tons of ores of inferior quality at the various mines which
can only become of any present value by being smelted. To the Burra Burra and
Kapunda Mines such a desideratum would be of the utmost importance, and we
heartily wish our newly arrived and enterprising fellow-colonists every possible
success in their valuable undertaking. Some of the ore sent home from this mine
has averaged only between £13 and £14 per ton in the English market; but this
it is said, is to be attributed to improper conduct on the part of the miners, who, at
THE KAPUNDA MINE (COPPER).—The Kapunda Copper Mine was opened in
January, 1843, at a distance of 44 miles from Adelaide, and is now the conjoint
private property of Captain C. H. Bagot and family and Messrs. Cockrell & Co.,
London. The quantity of land comprised is 440 acres, but the workings have
been chiefly upon a section of 80 acres—the quantity of ore raised having exceeded
2,800 tons, of which 1,800 tons have been shipped, and 1,000 tons were ready for
removal at the mine at the date of the compilation of these notices.
The horse-whim machinery having been found insufficient to keep the water
under, a steam engine has been imported from England.
The ore shipped from this mine in 1846 amounted to 1,386 tons and some odd
hundredweights; and during the present year, notwithstanding the want of steam-
power, the shipments have been considerable ; some of them have averaged above
£20 per ton in Swansea.
THE MOUNT REMARKABLE MINE (COPPER).— The Mount Remarkable Mining
Company's chief property consists of a special survey of 20,000 acres in the district
copper abounds in this property, and specimens of the richer kinds of ore have been
found in it profusely enough ; but, hitherto, no productive lodes or very rich masses
have been discovered.
Although so distant from the capital and the metropolitan part of the province,
the Mount Remarkable district is endowed with great natural facilities. Three
good harbors in its vicinity have been examined, and the one at the head of Spencer's
Gulf is pronounced capacious, deep, and secure. The lands comprised in the com-
pany's 20,000 acres are said to be very valuable, irrespective of these mineral
treasures, which, perhaps, it will require a little time to develop.
The company's affairs are managed in conformity with a deed of settlement,
which is being prepared by seven directors, the qualification being the possession
of 10 shares of £20 each.
The present directors are Messrs. F. H. Dutton, A. L. Elder, J. B. Hughes, Philip
Levi, E. L. Montefiore, J. B. Neales, George Hall, John Grainger, jun., and William
Younghusband, jun.
MINES AND MINING COMPANIES.
15
Since Mr. Finke undertook the work of exploration upon this valuable property,
most important discoveries in copper, lead, and slate have encouraged his toil, and
are likely to reward handsomely the spirit of the proprietors.
Besides the discoveries made by Mr. Finke, Mr. Inspector Tolmer, of the mounted
police, is reported to have made a discovery of emery, which has been used by an
experienced colonist and declared fit for the lapidary or any other uses to which
the mineral is applied ; but another equally skilful gentleman (an optician) pro-
nounced it worthless. The company, however, have shipped 60 tons to England.
Every day's experience, indeed, serves to confirm the impression which first led
to a demand of this special survey.
THE MONTACUTE MINE (COPPER),—The Montacute Company's property is
situate in a part of the Mount Lofty Ranges, at the distance of 10 lineal miles from
Adelaide, with which and the Port it has been brought into connection by a road
formed through the hill country in continuation of the natural road from town.
This company is managed by five directors, namely, Messrs. Arthur Hardy, John
Baker, Jacob Hagen, John Hart, and F. H. Dutton ; and has secured 640 acres of
choice mineral lands, and is operating with a paid up capital of £5,000, represented
by 50 scrip receipts for £100 each.
The number of men employed is about 20; the quantity of ore raised about
1,500 tons; the quantity shipped, 1,000 tons; the highest price realised in Swan-
sea, about £18 per ton. The Customs returns of ores exported in 1846 give 503
tons from the Montacute Company's mines.
Since the unfortunate death of Captain Jury, who entertained a high opinion of
this mine, and did much to justify his good opinion by a considerable amount of
valuable production, the operations have been limited to works of exploration.
The mine is now leased to the Australian Mining Company for three years at
one-tenth, and the lessees have commenced operations upon an extensive scale,
with every prospect of success.
NORTH KAPUNDA MINING COMPANY (COPPER).—This company was formed in
July, 1846, for the purpose of securing, by purchase at the Government land sale,
certain sections surrounding the celebrated Kapunda Mine, and reported to be
rich in minerals.
The paid up capital is £21,800 in 436 shares of £50 each, and the following gentle-
men constitute the board of directors :-Geo. A. Anstey, Matthew Smith, Henry
Collier, John Baker, William Blyth, John Hart, George Morphett, P. J. Todd,
James Bunce, Chas. Beck, and S. Stocks.
The company possesses 12 sections, situate at an average distance of 44 miles
from Adelaide, and has been operating upon the said lands with about 30 miners
under the resident superintendence of Mr. J. B. Hack. The operations have not
yet been successful, and the services of a resident manager since dispensed with ;
but those who recommended the purchase of the lands, and others who have subse-
quently inspected them, declare that ample success must result from a proper
perseverance. The company's property has not yet taken its place among the
largely productive mineral estates of the colony.
THE PARINGA MINING COMPANY (COPPER).—The Paringa Mining Company
commenced its operations in December, 1845, upon a promising portion of 8,000
acres bought at £8,000, being part of a special survey of 20,000 acres taken in con-
junction with the South Australian Company. This valuable property is in the
district of Mount Barker, at a distance of 25 miles from Adelaide.
The following gentlemen are directors of the Paringa Mining Company :-Messrs.
Anstey, John Baker, Collier, Hart, D. Macfarlane, L. Macfarlane, J. Hagen, E. L.
Montefiore, and A. Hardy; and are operating with a paid-up capital of £10,000,
which is subdivided into 8,000 shares of £1 5s. each.
The quantity shipped during the past year was about 500 tons, being a mere
earnest of future achievements.
IN
16
MINING RECORDS.
The principal novelty in the proceedings of the Paringa Mining Company, since
our publication of the foregoing report, has been the discovery of a valuable lode
of black carbonate of lead, in addition to the copper lode they have been operating
upon. The lead lode is rich in silver, and promises to become a most important
feature in the varied productive properties of the estate.
THE POONAWURTA MINE (COPPER).—The Poonawurta Company's Copper Mine
is comprised within a square mile (640 acres) of land situate at a distance of 42
miles from Adelaide.
This company was established in August, 1848. The paid up capital of £5,000
was subscribed in 1,000 shares of £5 each, for which scrip was issued.
The original directors of the Poonawurta Company were Messrs. Collier, Todd,
Smith, Evans, Paxton, Randall, and Wickes. :
This company purchased their land under good advice, but their operations
were not successful; and after a considerable sum had been expended upon the
property without any decisive results, it was determined to bring it to the hammer.
Henry Collier, Esq., was the purchaser at £1,000.
PARA MINE.—This is a new adventure, of which report speaks very favorably.
It is within 20 miles of Adelaide, and from the surface and subsoil specimens sent
in there is reason to believe it will be a productive and valuable mine. Extreme
caution marks the proceedings of the Para Mine proprietors, although their pro-
perty evidently possesses and displays inducements sufficient to justify a consider-
able outlay.
PRINCESS ROYAL MINE (COPPER).—The Princess Royal Mining Company possess
the southern moiety of the special survey of 20,000 acres, taken in conjunction
with the South Australian Mining Association (the northern moiety of which con-
tains, as we already have stated, the celebrated Burra Burra Mine). The portion
of land hitherto operated upon is productive of copper ores in considerable variety,
and gives undoubted promise of vast quantity. It is distant from Adelaide 83
miles, and the natural road has had very little adaption from the hands of man
to render it as practicable as that from the Burra Burra.
The capital is fixed at £20,000 in 400 shares of £50 each ; and, at the date of the
last report (October 9th, 1847) £14,800 had been paid up. The quantity of copper
ore raised is upwards of 300 tons. The company is governed by a board of directors
in conformity with the provisions of a deed of settlement, the qualification being
a proprietorship of scrip to the extent of £150.
The present board of directors consists of the following gentlemen :-Messrs.
G. F. Aston, C. H. Bagot, J. Hart, Joseph Johnson, Geo. Morphett, Thos. Shepherd,
and E. J. S. Trimmer. E. A. Wright, secretary.
A shipment of ores per Mary White realised £16 3s. 2d. per ton, clear of freight
and all charges in England, and there is reason to believe that subsequent shipments
will, in due time, show results equally or more satisfactory. There is every reason
to believe that the Princess Royal Mines are an exceedingly valuable property,
and will soon be amply remunerative.
RAPID BAY MINES (COPPER AND LEAD).—One of the mines is the property of the
South Australian Company, but was suspended in consequence of the more valuable
discoveries made on the company's account in the Mount Barker district.
Another mine is comprised in an 80-acre section, the property of Mr. George
Phillips, and has been productive of copper, lead, and zinc, some of all of which
have been shipped to England, and pronounced excellent of their kinds. A few men
occasionally employed on tribute have raised 50 tons of lead, a few tons of copper,
and a small quantity of zinc ore. This mine is distant 65 miles from Adelaide by
· land, but has the advantage of easy communication with the Port by water.
During the last year a mineral section (1552) near Rapid Bay was bought from
the Government by Mr. G. M. Waterhouse, of Adelaide, on account of the valuable
copper ore found thereon; but as the visible lode is only approachable by water,
MINES AND MINING COMPANIES.
17
the property will probably remain in abeyance till it claims the notice of some
practical miner with sufficient leisure to examine the property throughout, and in-
RIVERSEDGE MINE.—This undertaking, distant 13 miles from Adelaide, on the
banks of the Torrens, is also of recent date, but has already excited much attention.
It was first wrought for copper, but a lode of lead has also been discovered, and
Dr. Davy's assay of this last-mentioned ore has proved it to be rich in silver beyond
any precedent in the old or new world, the proportion being 14 per cent., or about
627 ounces avoirdupois to the ton of ore.
The proprietors of this property being slow to incur the outlay indispensable
to its development, it has, we believe, remained in abeyance for several months.
ROYAL MINING COMPANY.—The Royal Mining Company's subscribed capital
is £100,000, in 10,000 shares of £10 each, the amount paid up since the origination
of the company, in October, 1846, being only £5,000.
Lands to the extent of 720 acres, chiefly in the neighborhood of Kapunda, have
been purchased at a cost of £1,500, but no discoveries of importance have been
made. The directors of this company bought lands at a Government land sale,
in special conjunction with the local directors of the (London) Australian Mining
Company, and the sections being appropriated by lot subsequent to sale, as had
been arranged, the best of the bargain seems to have fallen to the London company ;
for immediately after the secretary of the Royal Mining Company issued an adver-
tisement offering rewards to miners for the discovery of lodes on the company's
sections.
The affairs of the Royal Mining Company are controlled by a managing com-
mittee of 19, composed at present of the following gentlemen :-Captain Bagot,
Messrs. C. Beck, C. F. Campbell, H. Collier, F. H. Dutton, A. L. Elder, A. Hardy,
Jos. Johnson, P. Levi, E. L. Montefiore, J. B. Neales, W. Paxton, W. Peacock,
C. M. Penny, M. Smith, E. Solomon, P. J. Todd, and W. Younghusband.
A discovery of some importance has been made upon the property of this com-
pany; and it is alleged that more important ones would have proved the undoubted
value of the lands purchased if the workings had partaken less of the character of
mere surface operations.
VICTORIA (GOLD) MINE.—The Victoria Gold Mining Company possesses two
sections, comprising 147 acres, at a distance of 10 miles from Adelaide. Soon after
the operations of the company commenced a vein of auriferous gossan was discovered
in the principal shaft, and at length it was found impregnated with native gold of
almost perfect purity. Genuine specimens of the gold soon adorned the cabinets
of the curious, and the working jewellers of Adelaide were employed to mount
South Australian gems in some of the virgin gold thus produced in the province.
The excitement produced was extreme; the £2 shares went rapidly up to £30 each,
and the fortunate purchasers at the advanced price thought their fortunes were
made ; but all at once the prizes wore very much the appearance of blanks. A
ruinous reaction ensued; the price of shares went down to £3 each ; and, although
there cannot be a doubt that the mine will eventually be rich in metallic substances,
if not in gold, the ideal glory is departed, and shares are not likely to revive until a
vein of “ yellow gold,” or å monster lode of copper, again awakens the trumpet of
fame on behalf of the holders.
The company was established in January, 1846, with a paid-up capital of £1,500,
in 570 shares of £2 each. There are seven directors, whose respective qualifications
are the possession of scrip to the amount of £20, at the original price. The gentle-
men at present holding office are Messrs. Neales, Wicksteed, Williams, Fairlie,
Sleman, and Dr. Davies. The quantity of gold realised by the proprietors is stated
at not exceeding 240zs. ; but the facts and circumstances of the discovery created
an intensity of interest here and elsewhere that will not presently subside. At
present the number of men employed does not exceed five or six,
18
MINING RECORDS.
..
THE WAKEFIELD MINE (COPPER).- The Wakefield Company, so called from the
position of their 160 acres of land near the Wakefield River, commenced opera-
tions in November, 1845, with a paid up capital of £1,300 in 650 shares of £2 each.
Five directors are chosen from the general body of shareholders, no amount of
qualification having as yet been fixed. Only a few men have hitherto been em-
ployed. The distance from Adelaide is 69 miles.
A copper lode of considerable regularity is being operated upon, the quality of
which is sufficiently encouraging; and very lately the prospects of the mine are
so much improved that an extended scale of operations will doubtless soon become
advisable. The managing director is in England, and it is thought the suspended
operations at this mine will not be resumed until his return to the colony.
WHEAL GAWLER (SILVER-LEAD) MINE.- Wheal Gawler Silver-lead Mine is on
an 80-acre section, which is partially bounded on the west by the Glen Osmond
property, and wholly on the south by the Wheal Watkins.
Wheal Gawler was the first mine opened in the province of South Australia, the
inducement to open the land and commence operations having been the discovery
of rich specimens of galena on the surface. Soon after the purchase, in May, 1841,
mining operations commenced, and several tons of extremely pure galena were
raised. Several subsequent discoveries of a still more promising kind have been
made near the surface and in depth ; but as the total quantity of ores raised has
not exceeded 10 or 12 tons, it may at present be called a prospective rather than a
productive mine. The prospective value is, however, so well supported by the
richness and purity of the ores raised, and other collateral circumstances, that no
doubt exists in the minds of the proprietors as to the complete success of their
spirited outlay.
The operations having been discontinued by the original proprietors, the land
was subsequently leased at a twelfth dues to the present proprietors, who have
since purchased it of them. The property is held in 128 shares by a few private
individuals, H. C. Stakemann, Esq., being the managing proprietor. The works
are being vigorously prosecuted by from 16 to 20 miners under the superintendence
of Mr. Edward Henkel, an experienced gentleman, who, up to the period of his
emigration to South Australia, held a responsible situation at the Hanoverian
Government Mines in the Hartz Mountains. At the level of the present horizontal
workings, lumps of clean ore of various sizes, some weighing as much as 841bs, each,
have been found in a lode averaging more than 4ft., of which it is confidently pre-
dicted that it alone will make the mine a valuable one. No less than nine other
lodes, all of the most promising appearance, have, however, been already discovered,
and will be operated upon in regular succession. The concurrent reports of several
thoroughly experienced mineral surveyors are quite conclusive as to the great value
of this property.
The mine is only three and a quarter miles from Adelaide.
Two of the deep levels have not only been driven to their expected points of
profitable intersection, but have cut two of their respective lodes, and these have
begun to yield some portions of rich mineral treasure.
WHEAL WATKINS (SILVER-LEAD) MINE.—Wheal Watkins Silver-lead Mine is
on an 80-acre section which adjoins the Glen Osmond property, to which it is second
only in productiveness and prospective value. The agent in the colony is Peter
Peachey, Esq. The ores exported from this mine have amounted to several hun-
dred tons, mostly obtained at a very shallow level ; but the lode, which is a very
regular one, has now been intersected at some depth, and the productiveness of
the workings will be very much increased. The property was purchased from the
Government in December, 1841, and most successfully opened as a mine in 1843,
being distant from Adelaide less than three and a half miles. This mine has
continued steadily productive. At the time of our going to press it has, at the Port
or ready for removal to the wharf, oros to the value of £1,000 or more.
MINES AND MINING COMPANIES.
.
19
YORKE'S PENINSULA COPPER MINE.--This is undoubtedly a valuable property,
and, as the difficulties in the way of profitable employment have been removed by
the purchase of a 14 years' lease of 36 acres sea frontage from the Government, à
spirited prosecution of this property will doubtless add largely to our mineral
exports. The strip of sea frontage obtained is not only rich in copper ore, but,
being capable of easy transverse perforation, will afford a ready underground
access to the mineral lands within.
There are several other undertakings in the mineral field of South Australia,
which are neither designated by any express appellation nor distinguished by
mineral returns of value, and such we forbear to descant upon; although we believe
some of them, if situate in an English mining county, would successfully invite
capital and ensure the labor necessary to demonstrate their value.
Several mineral districts of South Australia are doubtless yet untouched, some
are officially sealed, others are circumstantially in abeyance; but enough is doing
to excite admiration and convince every unprejudiced inquirer that South Aus-
tralia-capable as it is of feeding an immense laboring population without importing
a single article of provision, and proving as it has the reality of its pretensions by
exporting £174,000 worth of metallic ores produced by comparatively a handful
of men in a single year-is destined to become an exporter of minerals or metals
to a vast extent.
RECORD
THE MINES OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
FOURTH EDITION.
annamanny
NOTE.—The letters I.M.R. denote Inspector of Mines Report.
vvvvrouw
COPPER
ADELAIDE COPPER MINING COMPANY.-In 1846 this company was formed to
work section 5526, hundred of Onkaparinga, situated 12 miles N.E. by E. from
Adelaide, near the Victoria Gold Mine. About 70 tons of ore were raised ere the
men abandoned the mine, and joined the rush to the Victoria gold diggings, in 1851-2.
There are eight or nine lodes, nearly vertical, or having a very slight underlie to
the W. In some places the lodes come together and form large bunches of quartz
and copper ore; strike S.W. and N.E., and width varies from about 6in. to 6ft.
The ores consist of carbonates and grey and yellow copper ore, associated, in some
instances, with silver and gold. About 1883 5 tons of ore, from a lode E. of
the old workings, yielded 221 per cent. of fine copper. Noticeable features in the
workings are the great number of shallow drives, the number of parallel lodes that
have been struck, and the fact that they all carried ore more or less near the surface.
Acting Inspector Parks examined and reported (18-12–91) that a syndicate was
then raising fair copper ore, and that there were several segregated veins and bunches
of ferruginous quartz stained with carbonate of copper in the workings. Tunnels
had been driven on the course of these veins which had disclosed lodes. Pumping
machinery and thorough prospecting were necessary. Small quantities of silver
and gold were detected in the ores upon assay.
AJAX COPPER MINE (previously named “Emu Creek,” and also “Elvena”).-
Situated about 10 miles N. of Beltana. Inspector Parks, reporting in 1892, states
that 70 tons of 441 per cent, and 20 tons of 25 per cent. ore had been taken from this
mine; he regards it as worthy of being fully tested by deeper sinking and drives.
Inspector Matthews reports that a shaft has been sunk to a depth of 100ft., the
formation being about 2ft. wide, and composed of brown iron-stained slate material.
The copper is principally green carbonates, occurring in veins and pockets. No
work had been done for six years. It was stated that 5 tons of 43 per cent. ore had
been raised. At the time of the inspector's visit men were engaged in dressing up
the old dumps, and had a small parcel on hand, probably averaging 8 per cent. to
10 per cent.-(I.M.R., 7-12–99). An examination was made in August, 1902.
Harvey's shaft is sunk to the depth of 112ft., and at water-level (94ft.) a drive has
been made E. 25° S. for 30ft., and at 10ft. in from the shaft a winze was in progress.
Above the drive, S.E. from the shaft, the lode has been stoped out for a length of
50ft. and a height of 40ft. At the same level, on the N.W. side of the shaft, a drive
has been made about 12ft. with a crosscut N. for 8ft. The shaft follows the under-
lie of the lode N., nearly vertical. The strike of the lode is S. 65º E., and varies
in thickness from 1ft. to 4ft. 6in. ; it consists of quartz and ferruginous argillaceous
mullock, containing chalcocite and siliceous copper glance. The shoot of ore is short
and apparently dips along the lode from N.W. to S.E. At surface both N.W. and
COPPER.
21
S.E. from Harvey's shaft, costeans and pits disclose other veins of copper ore,
mostly carbonates, which appear to cut across Harvey's lode diagonally; they are
all worth opening up in a systematic manner. About 11 tons of first-class ore
had been recently mined and sent to the smelters. (George, 27–8–02.)
ANGO COPPER MINE.-Seven miles E. from Blinman. Shaft, 60ft. deep; at
40ft. a level was driven 15ft. on course of lode, which is 3ft. wide, dipping at a
slight angle to the S.E., and composed of felspar with small veins of chalcopyrite
and chalco:ite. (I.M.R., 4–2–91.)
formation consisting of ferricalcite, dolomitic limestone, and calcareous and
argillaceous matrix, carrying blue and green carbonate ore strikes N.E. and dips
55° N.W. The country rock is calcareous slate. In the recent workings it has
been traced by pits and excavations for 3 chains, and, in connection with the previous
workings in the S.W. portion of the property, copper has been traced for 25 chains.
The deepest excavation at the present workings is 18ft. ; the sinking has been in
the formation throughout, and its width, therefore, is over 4ft. Samples taken
across the face, and assayed, without picking, 18.5 per cent., 2.9 per cent., and
5.2 per cent. The place is well worthy of vigorous prospecting. The formation
should be followed down to a fair depth, and then driven on along its course both
ways. (D.R. (Gee), 11-7-06.)
APEX Hill MINE.—Situated in rather rough, hilly country, 176 miles N.N.E.
from Port Augusta, Mount Lyndhurst district. A lode running about N.E. and
S.W. is traceable for about 150yds, on the surface, its back consisting of ironstone,
with quartz and copper ore. Stains of copper are found in places away from the
lode; there are very strong green stains on the face of a precipitous rocky hill at
one side of the creek, while the hill on the opposite side is covered with blue stains.
The ore in the lode, not very rich, looks promising, and consists of green and blue
carbonate, with a little grey ore. (Austin, 1863.)
Situated about 1} miles S. E. from Apex Hill. Outcrop about 15ft. across, trace-
able for a short distance along the surface; it consists of calcspar and ferricalcite,
with veins and vughs containing iron gossan and occasional bunches and scattered
knobs of copper sulphide. Strike N. 70° E., dip S.E. 20°. At 30ft. below this
outcrop a tunnel has been driven S. 7° E. for 170ft. ; the first 90ft. through boulder
and pebble conglomerate, and then 80ft, through calcareous slate, with small veins
of calcspar lin. to 2in thick. In the face a lode of calcspar 4ft. thick is exposed
containing vughs of iron gossan and a few isolated small knobs of copper sulphide.
(George, 25–4–04.)
APPEALINNA MINE.—Situated about 40 miles in a N.N.E. direction from Hawker
W. of Mount Carnarvon, and 9 miles E. of Wilpena Head Station. For 35 years
it remained unworked, being abandoned in 1860-1. Working recommenced at the
end of 1896. In August, 1897, the Government Geologist visited and reported-
The lode outcrop consists of a brecciated and conglomeritic limestone containing
green carbonate of copper, copper glance, copper pyrites, and native copper, as-
sociated with gossan, iron oxides, pyrites and specular iron, calcspar, carbonate of
lime, and iron. A good wall on S. side, none apparent on N. side of lode, which
merges into the country rock, containing a considerable percentage of native copper.
Strike of lode formation, 15° E. of N.; dip, about 80° N., with varying width ; 3ft.
wide at 77ft. ; proved for a length of 100ft., and worked out down to 50ft. in 1859.
At 77ft. there is a strong lode formation carrying a good percentage of copper ore,
which should encourage deeper sinking, with a probability of payable copper being
opened up in the lode.
In November, 1899, Inspector Matthews examined the property and reported :-
The lode outcrop is composed chiefly of limestone formation, and can be traced
through the full length of the blocks; it shows green carbonate and grey ore in
places, but so far work has been concentrated on block 157, where three shafts are
sunk to various depths, connected by drives and stoping down at the 50ft. level.
22
MINING RECORDS.
No. 1, the main shaft, has been sunk to a depth of 112ft. on the same underlie as
the lode. At the 50ft. level a drive has been made S. of W. and connected with
No. 2 shaft. The lode formation, which is most favorable for copper-bearing,
has been proved to a width of over 20ft. ; it contains veins and bunches of high-
grade ore, is very erratic in its course, and in places much disturbed. A sample
taken from the ore bunches assayed 454 per cent.; a general sample gave 74 per
cent., the former being black oxide and the latter chiefly green carbonate. At
the 100ft. level a crosscut is started in the lode formation, exposing similar material
as at the 50ft., except that the ore has changed to a sulphide; it is not payable
at this point, but by continuing the crosscut towards the hanging-wall better ore
will probably be met with. No. 2 shaft is sunk to a depth of 84ft., passing through
the lode similar in character to No. 1, at 70ft. A sample taken from one of the
veins containing copper {lance assayed 581 per cent. No. 3 shaft, situate a little
N.W. of No. 2, has been sunk to a depth of 70ft., and from the material raised is
entering the lode matter. There is a considerable quantity of ore exposed between
No. 1 and No. 2 shafts. An average sample from the 30ft. level assayed 6 per cent.
Here the lode is from 6ft. to 10ft. wide; below this there is more intrusive rock
with veins of rich ore. The lode is not so regular and defined as above, but from the
50ft. level to the surface there is stoping ground containing apparently a fair quantity
of high-grade ore that can be hand-sorted out, leaving the low-grade stuff for future
treatment. A small furnace to reduce the ore to a matte would greatly lessen
the cost of transit. The then proprietor had sent away over 20 tons of ore, worth
an average of 34 per cent. The small pumping plant can cope with the water
then met with, but should prospects improve sufficiently to warrant sinking
a main vertical shaft, opposite No. 1, for the purpose of developing the pro-
perty at a deeper level, a larger plant would be required. (I.M.R., 24–11–99.)
An examination was made in August, 1902. Work was then in progress on an
“indicator " vein parallel to and N. of the main lode. It varies from 3in. to
3ft, in thickness, and is composed of micaceous iron, argillaceous and calcareous
mullock and calcspar. The copper ore occurs in pockets and bunches, and consists,
above water-level, of atacamite, grey ore and carbonate, with a little ruby oxide,
below water-level, copper pyrites and a little malachite and atacamite. Cross-
cuts, from near the bottom of No. 2 shaft (78ft.) N. 15° W. struck the “indi-
cator” at 15ft., from the bottom of No. 3 (92ft.) S. 8° E., 38ft., and from 50ft.
down in No. 3 S. 35ft., and the ore-carrying body has been driven on and stoped
from these points. Above the 50ft. level the main lode has been stoped to surface
between Nos. 1 and 2 shafts for almost the full length. During the first six months
of 1902, 981 tons of ore were sent away, the gross value being £968. (27–8–02.)
During the last six months of 1906, 764 tons of 30 per cent. ore were treated, and
during the first six months of 1907, 1014 tons, 30 per cent.
APPEALINNA EXTENDED COPPER MINE.-Situated about 41 miles N.N.E. from
Hawker, and 1 mile from the Appealinna Mine. The lode formation strikes E.
and W., and is 6ft. wide. A shaft has been sunk to a depth of 50ft., disclosing
a few small veins and pockets of red oxide and green carbonate, also a large quantity
of specular iron. At 45ft. from the surface the shaft entered a more dense rock,
with small spots of sulphide, and at the bottom a crosscut was driven through the
formation, which at that point contained large quantities of pyrites, but no copper
of any value. About half a ton of ore, estimated to contain from 20 per cent, to
25 per cent. of copper, had been sent away. (I.M.R., 8-11-99.)
APPEALINNA HOMEWARD BOUND.-Situated 4 miles N.E. of the Appealinna Mine,
and 44 miles N.N.E. of Hawker. A strong calcite lode, 5ft. wide, runs through the
property, and on it a shaft has been sunk to a depth of 20ft., where the lode main-
tains its width, and contains green carbonate, grey ore, and iron gossan, and although
the material is at present of low grade, the prospects are encouraging, and sinking
should be continued. (I.M.R., 9-11-99.)
UN
COPPER.
23
AUSTRAL BLOCKS.-Situated 1 mile N. of the Victory Mine, 18 miles from Leigh
Creek. Several small openings have been made to the depth of 5ft., upon a slate
formation striking E. and W.; one of these disclosed a body of promising material
4ft. wide, carrying an encouraging percentage of green carbonate. It is well worth
further prospecting, first by cross trenches, and then by sinking prospecting shafts
at the most favorable points. A sample taken assayed 12 per cent. (I.M.R.,
12–1-00.)
AUSTRALIAN MINING COMPANY.—Established in London in 1845, with a sub-
scribed capital of £400,000, in 20,000 shares of £20 each, of which (in 1847) £40,000
were paid up. Their principal properties were at Tungkillo, Reedy Creek (34 miles
N.E. from Adelaide), and at Charlton (14 miles S. of Mount Remarkable). (See
CHARLTON, TUNGKILLO, and KITTICOOLA.)
AYLIFFE'S PROSPECT, Hundred of Uroonda.—On the same line of outcrop as
Jago and Harris's claim, about imile distant. Copper ore of low percentage occurs
in a bedded lode formation 2ft. to 3ft. thick, which has been followed down on its
inclination 80ft. No payable deposit found.
BALHANNAH COPPER AND BISMUTH MINE.—The late Mr. J. B. Austin contributed
the following note for a former edition (1887) of the “ Records." :-
The mine was first worked for copper, of which a considerable quantity was obtained near the
surface. Bismuth was found associated with the copper, and the quantity increased, until it
appeared likely to prove more valuable than the copper. Gold was found in the bismuth, and
some beautiful specimens of small nuggets of pure gold in native bismuth were met with, the
precious metal being in the proportion of 5ozs. of gold to lcwt. of bismuth. Cobalt in small
quantities, also antimony and plumbago, are said to have been found in this remarkable mine.
The workings were carried down to a depth of 50 fathoms, where there is a wide but dredgy lode,
yielding about 1 ton of bismuth to the fathom, with some copper and gold. From £25,000 to
£30,000 worth of copper was raised from this mine, and about £7,000 worth of bismuth. Some
exceedingly rich specimens of gold in ironstone gossan were obtained, and several nuggets, the
largest weighing about 2jozs. A considerable quantity of white carbonate of iron is also found.
The Government Geologist (March, 1898) issued a full report, with diagrams,
from which these particulars are taken :- The mine is situated on section 4048,
hundred of Onkaparinga, and was worked by the Balhannah Mining Company,
Limited, from 1867 to 1876. No work has been done since in the way of mining,
but in 1883 the mine was unwatered, with the object of restarting. Nothing further
was done, and shortly afterwards the machinery was removed from the ground.
The shafts and old stopes are nearly full of water (March, 1898), and can only be
inspccted for a few feet from the surface; the position and trend of the lode is only
ascertainable from these and from the various openings and portion of the outcrop
left standing, while only from the veinstones and metallic minerals contained in the
spoil heaps raised from these shafts, and lying on the surface, can the nature of the
lode formation be studied. From these heaps ores of copper and bismuth can
easily be picked out; also native bismuth and sulphide and carbonate of bismuth,
while gold can be obtained by washing. The veinstones consist of gossan, brown
iron ore, pyrites, quartz, spathic iron, calzspar, &c. The metallic minerals are
copper pyrites, native copper, carbonate of copper, &c., native bismuth, sulphide
of bismuth, carbonate of bismuth, gold, silver, galena, zinc-blende, &c.
The Eastern Shaft, near the engine-house, was called the “ New Engine Shaft."
It is the main shaft, and from it the latest mining was carried on. Thence going
W.
No. 1 Shaft. The water in this shaft stood at 10ft. from the surface. A section
of a quartz and mullock reef, 3ft. to 4ft. wide, is exposed, striking N. and dipping
E. It is apparently a cross reef.
No. 2 Shaft.- This was called the “ Escape Shaft.” The water stands at a short
distance from the surface.
No. 3 Shaft. This has fallen in, but a portion of a wide lode formation is exposed
near the surface; the ground below has apparently been stoped cut,
MINING RÈCORDS.
No. 4 Shaft. This was known as the “ Jeweller's Shop," on account of the rich
specimens of gold said to have been raised from the lode here. Portions of a wide
lode formation remain near the surface.
No. 5 Shaft.-A wide lode formation containing traces of copper is exposed here,
evidently portion of the lode outcrop. It extends towards shaft No. 6.
No. 7 Shaft.—This was the old engine shaft.
No. 8 Shaft.-An old fallen-in shaft and filled-up stopes. The lode appears to
have thinned out in this direction.
The tunnel, driven in from the level of the creek flat, has cut a wide quartz and
gossan formation, and a small gossan and quartz vein; the former is a cross reef,
but the latter is about in the strike of the main lode.
At the back of the engine-house a lode formation of quartz, brown iron ore,
gossan, and mullock outcrops ; it is 10ft. wide with a N. strike, and on the same
line, at a distance of 350ft. in a S. direction, a quartz and ironstone reef, containing
copper and iron pyrites, outcrops in the creek on the adjoining section : these out-
crops appear to belong to the same lode, and, if so, must cross the main lode 80ft.
to the E. of the new engine shaft. Other reef outcrops occur on the section, they
are of quartz favorable for metallic minerals, and, if continuous, must also cross
the main lode, the general trend of which is E. 20° S., the dip apparently S., almost
vertical. The country rocks are argillaceous sandstones and slates, striking N.
10° to 15º W., and dipping E. at an angle of 50° or 60°. The lode cuts through
the country rocks almost at a right angle, a fact which indicates its probable per-
manence in depth. Every effort was made to obtain reliable data concerning the
working of the mine by the old Balhannah Company, but a complete set of the
directors' reports and balance-sheets, &c., could not be obtained. Information,
however, was gained from directors' reports of January 31st, 1872; August 19th,
1872; August 27th, 1872; and February, 1875. Balance-sheets January 31st,
1871, and July 31st, 1875. Mine manager's reports August 28th, 1871; February
20th, 1872; August 12th, 1872; February 20th, 1874; August 22nd and 29th,
1874; and February 19th, 1875.
Evidence was taken from the following men who had formerly worked in the mine :
James Powell (the discoverer), T. W. Hall, C. G. Leunig, W. T. Terrell, R. A. Gillen,
H. Fenwick, F. Dah!, and T. Thomas. Statements were also made by Mr. Schuetze,
J. Rodert, and F. Lancks. The information relating to underground workings
tends to show that the engine shaft is 300ft, and the old engine shaft 120ft. deep,
and that these shafts are connected by a drive along the lode from the 20-fathom
level in the new engine shaft to the same level in the old engine shaft; also that
levels have been driven from the 30 and 40 fathom levels in the new engine shaft
to half way in the direction of the old engine shaft; also that a level has been driven
from the 50-fathom level in the engine shaft E. for 150ft. These, with the necessary
crosscuts from the main shaft and the ground which has been stoped, constitute
the principal workings. There is a difference of opinion as to the direction in
which these crosscuts have been driven, but it appears to have been N.; conse-
quently, the main lode, which strikes approximately E. 20° S., lies to the N. of the
main engine shaft at the 50-fathom level, and has a slight underlie to the S. The
influx of water is estimated at about 8,000galls. per hour.
All the declarations and reports agree in testifying that the Balhannah main
lode, and the cross lode cut by driving from the new engine shaft, are of unusual
size, and rich in gold as well as copper and bismuth.. Some of the statements
relating to the gold seen and handled are extraordinary, and appear incredible
in view of the fact that the mine manager and directors did not recognise the presence
of gold in payable quantity. Although the mine manager mentions gold in the
lode in his reports of February 20th, 1874, and February 19th, 1875, he does not
subsequently give any particulars or returns of gold extracted. It is well known
that rich specimens of gold are in possession of many men who formerly worked
in the mine, and the Government Géologist has been shown by local people rich
COPPER.
25
specimens of coarse gold in spathic iron, quartz, sulphide of bismuth, and copper,
which, on account of the unusual character and appearance, have undoubtedly
come from the Balhannah Mine.
The lode is particularly rich in the number of metallic minerals and metals it
contains. The principal varieties are :-Metals—Gold, silver, native copper, native
bismuth; Metallic Minerals—Carbonate of bismuth, sulphide of bismuth, car-
bonate of copper, sulphide of copper, iron pyrites, galena (in trace), zinc-blende (in
trace), &c.
There appears no doubt that the Balhannah Copper and Bismuth Mine is also
a valuable gold mine. The quantity of ore scattered about the surface in the
spoil heaps indicates that the lode, of which this was the rejected portion, must
have been a rich one, and the specimens of gold, bismuth, and copper ore in the
possession of the inhabitants of the district, and also specimens of various ores
showing gold, which were obtained by the Government Geologist from these waste
heaps, point to the same conclusion.
According to the last balance-sheets of the company copper ore to the value of
£14,577 net, and bismuth worth £7,425 net, have been obtained from the lode,
and taking all things into consideration there can be no question but that the
pumping out and reworking of this mine is a first-class mining venture.
Hitherto the mine has been worked in a very unsystematic and unskilful manner,
but, under the more enlightened and scientific management available at the present
day for the carrying out of mining and metallurgical operations, highly payable
returns of gold, bismuth, and copper should be obtained, and a permanent mine
established.
Assays of Samples obtained from Waste Heaps.

Gold per Ton.
Silver per Ton.
Copper.
Bismuth,
101%
Trace
Gossan lode .......
Washed from heap.
Washed ore .....
Pyrites, quartz, and copper stains .....
Iron pyrites ...
16dwts.
14dwts.
16ozs. 8dwts.
4dwts.
4dwts.
..............
Trace
loz. Idwt.
| 6ozs. 4dwts.
2ozs.
Nil
3.3%
13-4%
88.6%
Trace
...................
The Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H. Matthews), in his report dated December
14th, 1899, states :-All mining operations have been suspended for the last 23
years; the workings are all full of water to about 15ft. from the surface, and several
of the surface openings have fallen in. Still in places sufficient portions of the
main lode are exposed to form an opinion of its character, width, and permanency.
Apparently there are two lodes running in different directions, known as the main
and cross lodes, starting from the E. end of the workings. The latter shows
fully 9ft. wide, is traceable for a considerable distance, and is composed of quartz
associated with iron and iron pyrites, and on which, so far as could be ascertained,
little work had been done beyond sinking a few shafts, each producing a little gold.
The strike is about N. and S., the enclosing rocks being slate and sandstone. On
the second, or main, lode formation, which bears E. 20° S., a considerable amount
of work has been accomplished for about 600ft. in length, by the sinking of eight
shafts, drives, and stopes, from which large quantities of ore were extracted;
the returns showing a value of £22,000. The lode near the surface, as shown by
various shafts and openings, is from 2ft. to 5ft, in width, of a siliceous material,
and, from the ore raised at the deeper levels, containing a various number of
metals, the principal being gold, silver, native copper, and native bismuth,
distributed throughout the ore body, which, judging from careful local inquiries,
is apparently making larger and of higher value as depth is attained. It has
also been stated that during the time work was in progress rich gold-carrying
stone in connection with bismuth was frequently obtained, but in the returns
26
MINING RECORDS.
S... 11
the former metal is not mentioned. Evidently at that time the mine was being
worked in the most careless and crude manner; but now, with the advantages of
skilled labor and the latest appliances for the treatment of the numerous classes of
metals found in the ore, there is no doubt that what was then worked at a loss could
now be treated at a profit. From the waste dumps at the surface the inspector
obtained gold, bismuth, and other metals, colors of gold showing in every sample
washed. Regarding the lode's permanency, the inspector has every confidence that
it will continue to a much greater depth than has hitherto been explored, the
indications being of the usual character that accompany a true fissure lode. From
this and the large returns previously obtained with the crude appliances then in
use, the reopening of this mine may be classed as a fair and legitimate mining
venture, that, with the necessary machinery, should give remunerative returns
for capital invested. (I.M.R., 14–12–99.)
BARILLA MINE.-Situated near Mount Lyndhurst Station. Workings represented
by three small batches of holes on two low E. and W. ranges that closely adjoin.
The stuff exposed in each of these workings consists of soft, shaly mullock, traversed
by thin seams of quartz thickly impregnated and coated with chloride and silicate
of copper. Solid small nodular masses of these ores are rare, but in the two ex-
cavations near the top of the range there occurs a calcareous gossan which encloses
occasional specks of grey oxide of copper. The second batch of workings lies in
the same range, about 10 chains further E., and consists of two shafts about 100ft.
apart. . The deepest of these is about 20ft., and the two are connected by a drive.
The ore deposits here are of the same character as those in the first batch. Judging
from some specimens left near the shafts the ore has been of pretty good quality,
The third batch of workings is situated on the N. slope of the opposite low range,
about 10 chains S. of the place just noticed. There are a number of shallow shafts,
and one about 40ft. deep is sunk on what appears to be a regular gossan lode 1ft.
or 2ft. thick. This is combined with a quartz reef which crosses the country at a
strike of W. 10° N., dipping S. at 45° to 50°, and which can be traced from this point
further E. for 9 or 10 chains along the slope of the range. The gossan contains
veins and patches of very good ore, composed of dense grey oxide, intimately
impregnated with chloride of copper. Portions consisting of a hard siliceous brown
iron ore enclose occasionally large and small parcels of red oxide and specks of
native copper. There are three parallel quartz reefs which occupy conjointly a
width of 40ft. to 50ft., and extend for 4 or 5 chains in length at a strike nearly
E. and W., with apparently a steep S. dip. The quartz is full of patches, and is
traversed by veins of brown iron ore, but shows no copper indications. As regards
the country traversed by the cupriferous gossan veins and quartz reefs, it consists
of white and grey, much jointed, feldspathic-looking slates, alternating with slaty,
more or less ferruginous sandstone. Mean strike E. 5° N.; dip N. 50 W., at 33°
to 35º. Considering the character of the copper ore, and that it occurs in gossan
veins connected with well-defined quartz reefs, which are true lodes, the last-
mentioned place represents encouraging prospects. Prospecting for gold in the
alluvial drift of the gully and on the surface of some of the slopes of the adjoining
ranges, would be advisable, as the country does not look unlikely for this metal.
(Ulrich, 1872.)
The Inspector of Mines reported (20–10–90) an examination—A shaft, vertical
and underlie, sunk on an outcrop, and numerous shallow pits; small segregated
veins of ironstone and carbonate of copper shown; strike E. and W. through
calcareous and indurated slates. His opinion was that the main lode had not been
touched, and that it contained “ a first-class show."
An examination made in August, 1902, showed that in the N. workings copper
orc, consisting of copper glance and carbonates, occurs in bunches and seams, as-
sociated with quartz and iron oxide. At the S. workings ferruginous copper and
malachite occur in a large quartz blow, associated with ferruginous, calcite. Tributers
were at work, and had sent 18} tons of ore to the smelters. (George, 27-8-02.)
(
COPPER.
27
BALCANOONA MINE.—Situated on the E. side of the Flinders Range, about
1} miles W. of the old Mooroo Mine, and about 50 miles E. from Beltana. Two
shallow pits, some costeans, and surface workings have been made on the E. side
of a quartzose sandstone spur running diagonally across the strike of the bedding
planes of the sandstone. Irregular patches of blue and green carbonate impregnate
the sandstone. Small thread veins, consisting of quartz with copper carbonate,
and occasionally a little grey oré, can be traced laterally and downward for a few
feet, and then appear to die out; the sandstone on each side of these veins is heavily
stained with copper carbonate, and copper stains in patches and bunches appear
in the sandstone bed for a thickness of about 40ft., but no defined vein or lode exists.
A picked sample of the stained rock assayed 173 per cent. copper; it is not suitable
for concentration by machinery. (George, 17-6-01.)
BARATTA COPPER MINE.-Situated 70 miles N.E. of Carrieton, and 15 miles from
Baratta Station. The workings consist of open cuts and several small shafts,
sunk to various depths, over country extending for about il a mile in leases 1643–4,
from which all the ore up to the present time has been extracted. The lode out-
crop strikes about E. and W., with an underlie to the N., and has been traced for
a considerable distance by a large number of openings; it ranges from 2ft. to 4ft.
wide, and contains copper-bearing material from 6in. to 15in. thick, except at the
W. end, where it has proved much larger, and is composed of iron, iron gossan, and
calcite with veins, bunches, and splashes of green carbonates and grey ore, the
latter predominating, associated strongly with iron-a good smelting ore, but diffi-
cult to dress to a very high value. Towards the W. end of block 1643 an open cut
has been worked for about 60ft. in length, the ore-vein being from 4ft. to 5ft. thick,
and from the quantity raised must have contained good deposits of fair-grade ore.
A little to the N. of E. of the open cut the main underlie shaft has been sunk to the
depth of 115ft., being only 30ft. vertical from the surface. At 40ft. on the underlie
the enclosing rocks have contracted, and the vein narrowed to 3in., of very little
value. Still further E. three other shafts have been sunk to a depth of 15ft. each ;
from these the principal work has been done, the ground being stoped out for 130ft.
in length by 32ft. in width, and a large quantity of ore obtained; the E. face
of the workings still showing lode matter from 2ft. to 3ft. thick, containing through-
out bunches and splashes of fair-grade material. In block 1644 also a large amount
of surface prospecting has been done, and a quantity of ore raised from the various
openings which expose the formation 2ft. wide, the ore vein being from 6in. to 15in.
thick; the matrix is iron gossan, with grey ore occurring as previously described.
At the E. end of the workings a tunnel has been driven on the course of the
lode 80ft. ; the vein ranges from 4in. to Sin. wide, and contains green carbonate,
grey ore, and small nodules of malachite of good grade, but the vein in bulk is of
very low value. Little or no further work has been done beyond tracing the vein
on the surface, where, in most places, it proves to be more or less copper-bearing.
Work so far has been limited to very shallow depths, and to further prospect the
property one or more inclined shafts should be sunk, where the best and largest
ore bodies were obtained ; the vein underlie and slope of the hill being too great
to permit of vertical shafts being sunk for exploration purposes to any reasonable
depth. It was stated that about 160 tons of 20 per cent. ore had been obtained
from the mine. (I.M.R., 3–1–00.)
BAROOTA NOB.—Mining operations were being carried on in the hundred of
Baroota, and the inspector stated that the vein worked upon was highly mineralised
and should be further prospected, as also a parallel vein about 12ft. E. (I.M.R.,
February, 1895.)
The work of the syndicate formerly holding the place consists of one shaft, sunk
to a considerable depth, several small openings, and an open cut, from 3ft. to 15ft.
deep, and about 50ft. in length ; this latter exposes a vein from 12in. to 18in, wide,
consisting of quartz and calcite, and containing a small percentage of copper. It
28
MINING RECORDS.
has an auriferous appearance, and it was stated that some years ago good gold-
carrying samples were obtained, but the samples taken by the inspector on this
occasion did not on assay show any gold, and only returned up to 1 per cent. copper.
(I.M.R., 11–3–04.)
Situated in exceedingly rough country, 16 miles S.W. from Melrose. The present
workings are a short distance down the S. side of a steep spur about 15 chains S.
of the old Baroota Nob shaft. An excavation, about 40ft. long, and attaining a
depth of 16ft. at the S. end, has been made on a vein consisting of ferruginous
quartz, copper pyrites, malachite, and calcite, about 6in. wide at the top, and rear
the bottom it is divided by a “ horse" of country, ift. thick at the widest part, into
two veins lft. 6in. each in thickness, which will probably be found to join again in
depth. An average sample taken across these veins at bottom assayed 8.1 per cent.
copper. The copper-bearing formation strikes about N.E., and underlies 60° S.E.
About 60ft. down the hill a small opening has disclosed the same formation about
3ft. 6in. in width, and a sample from across it has given 3.9 per cent. copper. About
10 chains to the W. a small pit has been sunk on another copper-bearing vein,
apparently similar to the first one, except that it seems to dip in an opposite direc-
tion, viz., N.W. Surface indications of other veins have also been found. The
find may be regarded generally as a very good prospecting show, well worthy of
development, the most economical and satisfactory manner of doing which would
be to continue sinking on the E. vein, and, for the present, operations should be
confined to following this down, thereby testing the ground at depth and also
obtaining a certain amount of copper ore. At the old workings, which were origi-
nally started about 12 years ago in search of gold, a small opening S.W. of the
shaft has been made on a vein of quartz and calcite showing splashes and spots of
blue and green carbonate and red oxide. (D.R. (Gee), 11-6-07.)
BERNINI'S CLAIM.-A new discovery, situated at the head of Wallace's Gully,
and about a mile N. from the Wheal Forest. A lode formation, consisting of
quartzite, with water-worn boulders of quartz and quartzite, containing small
lumps of copper glance and heavily stained with green carbonate, strikes S. 20° E.,
and underlies to the E. It has been opened up by a shallow pit, and is 3ft. thick;
a shaft is in progress. A sample taken assayed a trace of gold, 2ozs. Idwt. silver
and 20.3 per cent. copper. The lode crosses Wallace's Gully, from which a con-
siderable quantity of alluvial gold was taken some time ago. (George, 25–4–04.)
BENALACK MINE.- Situated about 1 mile E. of Nicol's Nob, formerly known as
“ The New Mount Ogilvie Find,' and also as “The Nicol's Nob Mine.” Some
gold was originally found associated with the copper. The Inspector of Mines
reports :- The principal work in the S. block has been done on two lodes or
veins about 40ft. apart, and diverging as they continue N. ; these have been worked
by two shafts and open cuts, the former being 32ft. and 70ft. deep respectively.
The main, or 70ft. shaft, passes through two veins. The first is 3in. thick, and
contains small seams of sulphide; the second, which is termed the main lode, is
10in, thick, consisting of calcite formation, in places carrying very fair ore, capable
of being hand-dressed up to about 25 per cent. On this a drive has been made
N. from the crosscut 54ft., the lode formation being the same, but the face
showing ore of poorer quality, having the appearance as if the drive had passed
over the better class material. Sample taken from the deepest workings gave
29 per cent. About 200ft. S. of the main shaft a prospecting shaft has been sunk
to the depth of 32ft. ; the vein from the surface to the bottom averages 4in. wide,
and is composed chiefly of iron gossan, carrying green carbonates and grey ore of
good grade. A sample of the latter gave 30 per cent. In the bottom the vein has
apparently faulted, but if the shaft is continued, will probably make again. About
150yds. N. of the main shaft there is an open cut, on a vein 15in. wide, with seams
of good ore on the foot and hanging wall sides, consisting mainly of grey ore, with
a little green carbonate. There are also a large number of other surface openings
COPPER.
29
throughout the block, in most cases exposing small seams and veins, containing
sunk to 30ft., and an open cut, total works being about 7 chains in length. The
vein of ore ranges from 3in. to bin. wide, composed of ironstone, green carbonates,
and grey ore of a siliceous nature; at times ore of good grade has been obtained. The
enclosing rock is hard shelving clayslate, having the same strike as the vein N.W.
To thoroughly test the value of this property a main vertical shaft should be sunk
in the S. block, E. of the present workings, to a depth of 200ft., and crosscuts
driven to intersect the various ore veins known to exist on the surface ; this would
prove their value below the water level, 70ft., and would open up a large extent
of unexplored ground. (I.M.R., 22-11-99.) The mine was worked for a short
time by a company, which suspended operations, and wound up for lack of capital.
The ground is now held and worked. (1907.)
BILLEROO MINE.-Locality, 20 miles N.W. from Bimbowrie Head Station. The
property has six lodes—three parallel, two crosscourses, and a “blow.” The main
Tode bears N.E. and S.W., and is about 24ft. wide. Eighty tons of grey ore have
been sent away, of a percentage varying from 28 to 75. Three shafts have been
sunk, the deepest 120ft. ; and a drive has been put in to a length of 20ft. In one
place a face of ore was met with 5ft. wide, and containing 75 per cent. of metal.
The veinstone consists of quartz and gossan, and the country rock of schistose slate.
The mine was opened about 1874. (1899.) Fair results have been obtained
recently. Returns for the six months ended December 31st, 1906, show 12 tons
18cwts. of ore treated for 1 ton 13cwts. 2qrs. copper.
BIMBA Hill. This mine is situated 10 miles N.N.E. from Bimbowrie Station.
The Government Geologist reported (March, 1897) a shaft sunk 50ft. on the under-
lie, with a lode formation of siliceous iron, iron oxide, gossan, &c. ; strike, N.E. and
S.W.; dip, 55° N.; contains a small percentage of copper, and a bunch of good ore
is said to have been found. The formation is favorable and continues strongly for a
distance of į a mile or more, and is worthy of thorough prospecting. The country
rocks consist of micaceous flaggy slates and schist, clayslate, quartzite, and meta-
morphic sandstone, striking N. 10° to 20° E., and dipping vertically and at a high
angle, and penetrated by granite dykes, quartz, and ironstone reefs.
BINGO (Wallaroo Central).-From this mine, adjacent to the Wallaroo Mine,
it is believed that considerabie quantities of ore were obtained before reaching the
10-fathom level. There was reputedly a lode 7ft. to 8ft. wide of grey ore, trying
40 per cent. for fine copper. At greater depth the lode was lost, and never was
recovered (1899). Recently a company was formed, and, with the assistance of
a Government diamond drill, the following bores have been put down :-
No. 1 Bore.-Started 101ft. 6in. back from the line of lode, and is sunk at an angle
of 83° 30'. At 244ft. lode formation consisting of quartz and dolomite was entered,
and at 251ft. the drill passed through 3ft. 10in. of lode, assaying 2 per cent. to 13
per cent. copper, the average being 7 per cent., also carrying 2dwts. gold per ton.
The bore was then continued through lode formation carrying a little sulphide to
370ft., making total drilling in formation 126ft. After passing through the forma-
tion, drilling was continued in footwall country to 393ft. 3in. when sinking was
discontinued and it was decided to start No. 2 bore, 49ft. 6in. further back from
the line of lode, and drill in the same direction as No. 1.
No. 2 Bore.Started 151ft. back from the line of lode and was drilled to a depth
of 573ft. 9in. At 408ft. the drill cut into lode formation similar in character to
No. 1 bore, showing nice splashes of sulphide and continued in same 16ft. 9in. The
continuation of the formation to a depth of 424ft. 9in. was thus proved.
No. 3 Bore.-Started 123ft. 10in. in a S.E. direction from No. 1 bore, and 110ft.
back from the line of lode. It was drilled at an angle of 81° 30', and continued
to a depth of 352ft. At 187ft. 6in. the drill passed through ift. 6in. of lode forma-
tion carrying a little sulphide.
.
MINING RECORDS,
No. 4 Bore. Started 111ft. 7in. N.W. from No. 1 bore, and 102ft, 6in. back
from the line of lode. It was drilled at an angle of 81° 30', and at 357ft, it entered
the lode and continued in the same for 16ft. Samples assayed from .3 per cent.
to 3.8 per cent, copper. Drilling was continued to a depth of 402ft., at which
depth operations ceased. The Inspector of Mines, reporting on this boring, says,
that he considers the results highly satisfactory; it has proved the metal-bearing
formation to continue at a depth of 424ft. Portions of the drill core from Nos. 1
and 4 bores showed very rich yellow sulphide, other portions being of little or no
value, making the bulk sample of each core much less in value than would be ob-
tained in ordinary working, as in the latter, so far as possible, all barren material
would be discarded, as is done in other mines working in the district. To further
develop and work this property it is advised that a main shaft be sunk midway
between Nos. 1 and 4 bores to intersect the lode at about 500ft., and crosscuts
driven to cut the lode at the same levels as intersected by the drill. (I.M.R.,
26–3–07.)
BRONZEWING.-Hun. Oratunga. Six shafts sunk aggregating 168ft., deepest
shaft 33ft., and 120ft. driving trying to find the lode. One hundred and twenty-
nine tons 15cwtj. of 41 per cent. and 5 tons 3cwts. of 22.8 per cent. ore raised and
sold for £323 ; claim then abandoned. (Return 31-12–06.)
J. Burt's MINERAL CLAIM.-Claim No. 1681, adjoining the Hamilton Mine,
Mount Fitton, on the S. A prospecting shaft has been sunk to the depth of 6ft.
Thé lode is exposed to the full width of the shaft, and carries small seams of fair
grade copper; the enclosing rock is of a very hard nature, and is considerably
stained with green carbonates. Further prospecting is recommended. (I.M.R.,
1-8-99.)
BLACK FEATHER COPPER MINE.-Situated 4 miles S. of Beltana. On the sur-
face there are two lode outcrops, 50ft. a part, striking N. and S. The W., or main
lode, is fully 6ft. wide, and the outcrops show copper traces, associated with iron,
for a length of over 5 chains. A shaft has been sunk to a depth of 40ft., thence
a drive made along the course of the lode for 45ft. ; the hanging-wall side carries
2ft. of lode matter, consisting chiefly of green carbonates and grey ore, the latter
being of fair grade. A sample of sorted ore assayed 27 per cent. This drive should
be continued, and other prospecting shafts sunk on the line of lode. On the E. lode,
which is 3ft. wide, a trial pit has been sunk to a depth of 5ft. ; the vein shows green
carbonates, and is sufficiently promising to warrant sinking on. Recently 10 tons,
worth 17 per cent., have been sent to the smelters. (I.M.R., 6–12–99.)
BLACK QUEEN.-E. from and adjoining the Yudnamutana Mine. A lode
formation, about 12ft. wide, containing small veins of green and blue carbonates
of copper, has yielded some rich ore. Although the veins are small, the enclosing
rock is soft, and of a favorable character, and further sinking is recommended.
Several shafts have been sunk, the deepest being 65ft. Returns show that 68 tons
19cwts. have been treated for an average return of 24.87 per cent. of copper, valued
at £1,127 17s. Traces of gold are obtainable in the ore. (I.M.R., 28–7–99.)
Prospecting carried on in two workings. Those on the E. boundary, known as
the E. workings, and those on the W. the block lode workings. At both places
shallow shafts and drives have been made on copper bearing veins, and 69 tons
of 25 per cent. copper ore raised recently (10-10-01).
A further inspection showed that the unsystematic method of mining, by follow-
ing the copper veins by shallow shafts and unprotected drives, was still in progress,
instead of working the mine by means of vertical shafts with proper levels and
crosscuts. Between January 1st and May 30th, 1902, 21 tons of good ore had
been sent to the smelters. (1–8–02.)
On another visit the crude and unminerlike style of working this good property
was again noted and deplored. From June, 1902, to January, 1904, about 50 tons
of ore, averaging about 20 per cent. copper, had been sent to market. (24-4-04.)
COPPER.
31
BLACK POINT COPPER DISCOVERY.-Situated on Yorke Peninsula, W. side of
St. Vincent Gulf, a little S. of Ardrossan. In 1846 a block of land skirting the
shore, and containing 200 acres, was bought with a view to open a copper mine.
A shaft was sunk 2 or 3 fathoms upon a promising-looking lode, and a good deal
of costeaning was done. Other claims were taken out, an outcrop showing below
high-water mark and extending under the sea. The attempt to work these with
a small capital resulted in failure ; and all the workings ceased when the price of
copper receded so much as to make ordinary copper-mining unprofitable.
BLINMAN MINE.-In the Flinders Range, about 2,000ft. above the Parachilna
Plains, and distant 272 miles from Adelaide, and about 112 miles N.N.E. from Port
Augusta. A g eat outcrop on a hill about 90ft. above a creek, 350ft. in length
and neariy 100ſt thick, rich in copper, is said to have attracted the attention of a
shepherd named Blinman in 1862. The workings consist of a main shaft 450ft.
deep, from which drives have been put in N. and S., which are known as the 15, 25,
35, 50, 60, and 70 fathom levels. The longest levels N., which are the 75, 25, 35,
and 50, extend 300ft. from the shaft; S., the longest level is the 15-fathom, which
extends 250ft. The lowest, or 70-fathom level, has been driven 130ft. N. and the
same distance S. The rock formations are crystalline siliccous limestone ; bedrock,
fine argillaceous and calcareous sandstone, quartzite, and, in some places, clay-
slite, having a vertical dip, and striking N. and S. through the mine. The copper
ores, which at the lower levels consist chiefly of sulphides, are disseminated through
the rock in specks, patches or pockets, strings, and veins running in an E. and W.
direction across the rocks, and also, with them, forming altogether a metal-bearing
belt of strata in places 20ft. to 30ft. wide. Some of the cross veins are of considerable
size, and in one or two places they are of sufficient importance to be classed as lodes.
They are also richer in ore than the main ore-bearing strata which they penetrated.
So far as can be seen there is no defined boundary between the ore-bearing strata
and the barren rocks ; in other words, the full width of ore-bearing rock has not
yet been determined. By following up the rich crosscourses or putting in crosscuts
this could be ascertained. The upper portions of the mine, from the surface to the
35-fathom level, have been stoped out in an irregular manner—probably the bunches
of richest ore were followed-leaving large cavities separated by portions of un-
worked ground, which contains an appreciable percentage of copper ore, and which
will probably be worked at some future time. These excavations are of considerable
width, in places from 15ft. to 20ft. or more, and a large quantity of ore must have
been raised from them. The present workings are at the 50-fathom level and
between that and the 70. Here the ore is being stoped out to a width of 25ft. to
30ft., the workings more resembling those of a quarry than of a mine. The main
shaft was at the time of the Government Geologist's visit (1888) 35ft. below the
70-fathom level. The mine possesses one or two special advantages : as the country
rock is solid and without joints, no timbering is required, and the stopes, after the
removal of the ore, are left open; and all the material raised from the mine is ore-
bearing, so that, with the exception of that which comes out of the shaft, no mullock
has to be raised. The ore-bearing belt of strata is more or less vertical for about
300ft, and then underlies to the E. at a high angle. The veinstones associated
with the copper ores are calcspar, sulphate of barium (heavy spar), and occasionally
quartz. The rocks forming the ranges, which have an elevation of 2,000ft. above
sea-level, consist of alternating strata, composed of quartzose sandstones and
shales, siliceous and dolomitic limestone, clay, and calcareous slates and flagstones,
sandstones, quartz, brittle shales, and kaolinised slates and sandstones. In the
neighborhood of Blinman these strata form an anticlinal arch, owing to the intrusion
of igneous rocks (greenstone, eurite, &c.) which appear at the surface in a few places.
In the centre of the arch the strata are vertical, and have a N. and S. strike, while
on each side they are inclined' at various angles to the W. and E. It is in the centre
of these disturbed strata that the copper-bearing strata in which the mine is situated
occur. The supply of water is small but increasing, and is likely to increase as the
32
MINING RECORDS.
shaft is sunk deeper, and eventually a sufficient supply will be secured for con-
centrating purposes. A cross drive at right ang'es to and through the vertical
beds would most probably increase the supply. (1890.) Mr. Masey, colonial
director, supplied the following information for a former edition :-The value of
the copper sold previous to the “ seven years' drought” (about 1874), when the
mine ceased working, was £250,000. In 1881 it was restarted and worked to 1884
when the fall in the price of copper took place, the output at the time being from
80 to 100 tons of 23 per cent. ore per month. In the beginning of 1889 the mine
was again started, and was put into thorough working order, the output being raised
to 150 tons of 23 per cent. ore per month, which was sent to the Wallaroo Smelting
Works. The ordinary ore raised averages 8 per cent., and is dressed up to 23 per
cent., whilst that from the crosscourses and leaders, which can readily be separated
by hand-picking, averages from 30 per cent. to 40 per cent. of copper. The number
of men employed above and below, 80; expenditure in wages and general charges
per month, £1,200. It may be added that whilst it is apparent, from the width
of the stopes between the 50 and 70 fathom levels, that great quantities of ore were
removed in former times, it is clear that there is no falling off in yield as the mine
gets deeper; and I am of opinion that the strata will continue to be ore-bearing
to a great depth, and that the mine is to all intents and purposes a permanent one.
Professor Geo. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S., reporting upon this mine in 1872, speaking of
the outcrop, writes :-
The deposit, as a whole, is bounded on the E. by bluish and mottled shaly slates, with a very
steep E. dip, which changes, however, at a short distance further E., to about 30°. The rock on
the W. side is not well exposed at the surface, but apparently consists of a calcareous,
ferruginous, partly brecciated sandstone, striking N. 25° E., and dipping W. at an angle of about
50° at a short distance, N. and close E. of main stock; a great irregularity is apparent in the
outcrops of the rocks of the country, calcareous shales and sandstones alternating . . . . .
The larger veins of ore traverse the stock mass at oblique, sometimes at nearly right, angles,
but innumerable smaller veins run intermediately and join the lower one from all sides, whilst
the stone between is more or less strongly impregnated with ore. At 40 fathoms in depth,
sulphide ore (copper pyrites) makes its first appearance, and increases in quantity down to
the water-level at 50 fathoms, where, in the bottom of a large pit S. of engine shaft, a fine vein
of rather friable but nearly pure copper pyrites was struck, that runs nearly E. and W., and is
from lft. to 3ft. in thickness. In this portion of the mine the deposit, looks undoubtedly
richer in ore than nearer the surface, the impregnation and veins of copper pyrites through the
matrix reaching, perhaps, 20 to 25 per cent.
Besides the minerals already mentioned, the following occur in the deposit :-Azurite (blue
carbonate of copper) rarely, in small specks near the surface; reddish and black cupriferous
brown iron ore, in veins and patches; a black and muddy sulphide, coating copper pyrites ;
very little iron pyrites ; galena, in small specks; heavy spar (sulphate of baryta), in nests and
irregular veins, often finely crystallised; white calcite, in thin veins and nests; aragonite, in
fine druses of needle-shaped crystals ; quartz, in thin seams and small patches. On the slope
of the hill, in close proximity to the deposit, the rocks also enclose small nests of micaceous iron
ore,
Below the water level a vein of bisulphuret ore was struck, finely disseminated
through magnesian limestone ; depth of shaft, 70 fathoms. The ores obtained from
the mine, from the surface to the 45-fathom level, were azurite and chalcocite, and
from this level to the deepest point, chalcopyrite prevailed-pure iron pyrites being
almost absent. At the 70-fathom level a series of vughs were discovered. (James,
1886.)
Mr. E. F. Cooke says “ There is but one lode running N. and S., with crosscourses,
and nearly perpendicular down to the 50-fathom level; from there to the 70-fathom
about 1 in 5. The width of the lode ranges from 14ft. to 18ft. In the sulphuret,
leaders of solid ore gave about 28 per cent. of metal. The whole of the lode was
full of veins of ore averaging from 2 per cent. to 5 per cent., and was capable of
being dressed up to 25 per cent. The water level was slightly below the 50-fathom
level. Drives to the length of 35 fathoms have been put into the carbonates on
either side of the engine shaft. In sinking a winze below the 60-fathom level to
meet the 70-fathom one, an immense vugh was discovered filled with water. The ore
around this remarkable place is a rich sulphuret, and is coated with black oxide."
COPPER,
33.
UU
During the period when the mine was being worked by the E. & A. Copper Co.,
viz., from 1882 to 1885, ore to the extent of 1,860 tons was smelted.
The Inspector of Mines reported that a strong lode runs through the property,
which, besides maintaining an equal percentage of copper, makes at intervals exten-
sive deposits of ore. Thousands of tons of carbonates must have been extracted
formerly, and poorer places were left unworked because of lack of water for dressing
and heavy cost of transit. But the water difficulty has been in a large measure
overcome, and there should be produced 150 tons of 23 per cent. copper per month
besides 40 tons of 28 per cent. carbonates. The ore brings £8 per ton above Chili
bar quotations, and the cost of transit to Wallaroo and smelting charges is £4 12s.
per ton, making the mine payable even at the present low price of copper.-(1889.)
Recently the mine was let on tribute, and a fair quantity of ore was extracted.
(1899.)
The Inspector of Mines, Mr. W. H. Matthews, reporting in February, 1906,
says :—In the early days it was one of the principal copper-producing mines in
the State, and continued so for many years, when, owing to the low price of copper
and high returning charges, the original company discontinued operations. Since
that time until about three years ago, the mine has from time to time been worked by
tributers and others, and, with the most crude appliances, large quantities of ore
extracted. Recently, or within the last few years, the property has been taken
possession of by the Tasmanian Copper Company, Limited, and mining operations
have been prosecuted vigorously and with the most satisfactory results.
Present workings are chiefly confined to the 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 fathom levels :
lode ranging from 12ft. to 25ft. in width, giving an average of about 17 per cent.,
returning as raised from 41 per cent. to 5 per cent. copper. In the upper levels
the ore consists chiefly of green carbonates and red oxide; below the 50-fathom
level this has given place to yellow and grey ore and a fair percentage of bornite,
the latter shows very freely in the bottom, or 90-fathom, levels, which will probably
be continued the full length of the main ore body, as shown in the levels above to
be about 600ft. in length, of the average width stated, striking N. and S., with an
E. underlie of about 45°. Throughout the workings there are numerous faults,
breaks, and slides ; in most instances where the faults occur the ore deposits are
of a more valuable nature than in other parts of the formation. The character of
the ore-bearing matter is principally siliceous limestone, sandstone, and quartzite
of a very tenaceous nature, so that very little timber is required, but to guard against
any collapse of the workings large pillars of ore-bearing material are allowed to
remain, which will eventually be extracted and yield good returns. For the future
development of the property it would be advisable to continue the bottom drives
the full length of the main ore body, ascertaining by crosscuts its width and value
at various points, also continue the sinking of the main shaft on the underlie to at
least another 100ft. Should these explorations prove as satisfactory as anticipated,
the question of sinking a vertical shaft some considerable distance E. of the present
workings might fairly be considered. By this means new ground would be explored,
and large quantities of valuable ore remaining to support the workings could be
removed and dispatched to the smelter, the profits of which would probably pay
for a large portion of the suggested new work. The principal machinery on the
mine is one double cylinder winding engine, two blowers for furnace, with dupli-
cate engines, one water-jacket furnace capable of reducing 170 tons per day, with
ore-bins, tramlines, condensers, and other appliances necessary for the up-to-date
working of the mine.
The usual output is about 10 tons of matte per day, containing 6 tons of fine
copper. Usually there are from 250 to 300 men and boys employed, with a large
number of horse teams and camels taking ore and supplies to and from the mine.
General prospects are good, and are likely to continue so. (I.M.R., 6–2-06.)
MINING RECORDS.
BLOCK F, HUNDRED OF BATCHELOR.-Near Mount Young, in the hundred of
Batchelor. The workings are situated on a small ridge, about 50ft. above the level of
the plain. On the top of this, and striking in the same direction as the country rock,
there is a considerable width of small seams of ferruginous quartz, containing green
carbonates, azurite, and small portions of malachite. Several openings have been
made on this, and one shaft sunk to the depth of 35ft., but in every instance after
sinking through the broken country extremely hard rock was encountered, and the
seams cut completely out, with no indication of making again. In places picked
samples can be obtained, giving fair returns, but not in sufficient quantity to be of
value, and there seems to be ne indication of any lode at this place. (I.M.R., 30-7-01.)
- BOOLOOROO SPRINGS LOCALITY.-About 30 chains E. of the gold workings copper
ore of fair percentage was being obtained from two shallow shafts. The veinstone
consists of soft claystone, carrying a network of small veins of quartz, copper glance,
copper carbonates, and iron oxide. About 6 tons of ore had been sent away.
(27-8-02.)
Bon ACCORD COPPER MINE.--Adjoins the Burra Mine, a fact which influenced
the adventurers. The indications of copper were slight, but a large sum of money
was spent, and a considerable amount of work done. The engine shaft was sunk
to a depth of 50 fathoms, and other shafts were sunk and drives put in. Some of
the spoil raised was impregnated with particles of ore, amongst which may be
detected red and black oxides. (Austin, 1863.)
BONAVENTURA.—A copper discovery on section 53, Copper Mine Creek, hundred
of Cassini, Kangaroo Island. The show was worked by an Adelaide syndicate,
which collapsed for want of funds, and it was abandoned. It is said that 40 tons
of low-grade copper was raised, the highest return being 10 per cent. On a recent
inspection the Government Geologist reported that no information could be gained
as to the character of the lode, there being no surface indications, and the shaft
being full of water. The country rock is clayslate, striking E. and W., with vertical
dip. A fragment of ore from a refuse heap assayed 51 per cent. for copper ; but
his opinion was that no lode of any value was discovered, but possibly a small vein
or bunch only.
BOOLCUNDA COPPER MINE.–Visited by the Inspector of Mines in 1899; it is
situated about 20 miles N.E. of Quorn. There are several lodes and veins from
15in. to 4ft. wide. The work done at that time on Block 42 consisted of an open
cut on the line of lode, 60ft. in length, and several small openings and one shaft
sunk to a depth of 50ft. The copper-bearing material or lodes are continuous
and well defined, and average from 15in. to 18in. in width, and consists chiefly of
green carbonates and yellow ore. There is every appearance of a change taking
place in the lode material. On Block 41 there are several small holes or shafts,
from 10ft. to 20ft. deep, which have been sunk on parallel lodes having the same
permanent appearance, but much larger, and ranging from 2ft. to 4ft. wide, with
very fair veins and good patches of fair value ore. The lodes strike N. and S.,
with a W. underlie of 2ft. in 6; they are very regular and well defined. The general
appearance is very promising, and the ground should be further prospected by
sinking a shaft W. of the line of the lodes to a depth of at least 100ft., to intersect the
lodes at that depth, where there is every chance of success. The same remark
applies to Block 42, which should be explored below the water-level.
BREMER COPPER MINE.—Situated 36 miles S.E. from Adelaide, and close to
Callington, near the Bremer Creek. It was discovered in 1850, and worked for
several years; it was originally the property of the Worthing Mining Company,
and was sometimes called the “ Callington Mine.” The surrounding country is
flat, composed of clayslate, micaceous schist, and occasionally a little quartz. Mr.
J. B. Austin reported that the prevailing ore is yellow sulphide, with black oxide ;
peacock ore is also found. The copper smelted at the works adjoining, during the
time the mine was being worked, averaged 96 per cent. of pure copper, notwith-
standing that the refining process was omitted. The mine was a part of the property
COPPER.
of the Britannic Mining Company. Towards the end of 1897 sinking to strike a
copper lode at a depth of about 50ft. was commenced. It was said that some
years previously a body of 30 per cent. ore was struck in that lode, but the insecure
shaft collapsed. There are large bodies of mispickel (arsenical pyrites) in the mine,
formerly thrown away on the spoil heaps, but now of commercial value.
In 1900 Inspector Matthews furnished the following report :-The old workings,
which are situated on the S. portion of the property, have been untouched for many
years, and consequently the underground portions could not be examined. Two lode
formations are exposed on the surface; they are known as the Bremer, or main lode,
and Boundy's lode; strike N.W., with a W. underlie of 2 in 6, and are composed
of siliceous material, containing blue and green carbonates, yellow ore, and black
oxide, occurring in veins and bunches. The enclosing rocks are principally clay
slate and micaceous schist, with, for about 6 chains in width, veins of quartz, more
or less copper-stained. The old records show that the main shaft on the Bremer
lode has been sunk to the depth of over 600ft., and a large quantity of ore, giving
high returns, removed; the lode at the bottom was from 8ft. to 12ft. wide.
Boundy's lode is from 5 to 6 chains further E., and has been worked to a depth of
180ft., by two shafts sunk on its line. On the surface a strong quartz formation
shows, but the copper contents are poor, so far as can be seen down the shaft. The
operations in progress at the time of the inspector's visit were confined to the N.
end of the property, on the supposed Bremer line, and a shaft had been sunk to
a depth of 60ft., disclosing a strong ferruginous quartz lode, containing bunches
and splashes of fair-grade ore, but not sufficiently good in bulk to be payable. Several
drives and crosscuts at the 56ft. level had disclosed nothing of importance. For
the future prospecting of this property it is advised that the lode and vein for-
mations more towards the N. end and a little to the N. of the old workings
should be thoroughly cross-trenched, and, at the most favorable spot, a fair-sized
shaft sunk to such a depth as the influx of water will allow, and by crosscutting
from one lode to the other probably many fresh veins will be discovered. The pros-
pect is a fair one, and warrants the necessary expenditure. (I.M.R., 9-3-00.)
Operations were restarted in 1907, and a further report made by Mr. Matthews
(Chief Inspector). This property is located towards the N. boundary of the town-
ship of Callington, and consists of 50 acres of freehold land. The present company
has secured the mining rights for a period of 14 years, with the right of renewal from
time to time, as may be required, with the exception of some small surface workings.
Until recently, the mine has not been worked to any extent for the last 32 years,
at which time it was in active operation, employing a considerable number of men,
and had erected the necessary machinery and appliances, such as pumping and
winding engines, together with smelting furnaces for the treatment of the ore raised.
Lodes.— Traversing the property there are two well-defined parallel lodes, about,
280ft. apart, striking 30° W. of N., known as the Bremer and Boundy lodes. With
the exception of the sinking of Boundy's shaft on the latter, all work done by the
old company was accomplished on the former.
Bremer Lode. This has an average underlie W. of about 2ft. in 6ft., and has been
worked for a considerable length by a number of shafts sunk to various depths, and
one main shaft 10ft. by 12ft. in the clear, timbered and centred in two compart-
ments, and reaching the depth of 600ft., with drives opened out at each 60ft. level.
Owing to the water standing within 50ft. of the surface, none of the workings could
be examined; but from statements furnished to me by one that had worked in the
mine at the time all work was suspended, it appears, from the surface down to the
540ft. level, a large amount of driving, stoping, and ore-extraction has been done
for fully 700ft. in length. At the 600ft. level there is only about 40ft. of driving
leaving a large quantity of ore available for extraction, and it is stated that the lode
at this point is 16ft. wide, returning an average yield of 14 per cent. copper. At
that time copper was about £50 per ton, and the working and smelting expenses
extremely large, hence the discontinuance of all operations,
36
MÌNING RECORDS.
Boundy's Lode:-Since the present company took the property over, all their
operations have been confined to this line of lode. A pumping plant, with the
necessary appliances, has been erected on Boundy's shaft, which the old company
sunk to the depth of 180ft., and by the means of a crosscut connected it with the
Bremer lode. The present pumping appliances are now raising 17,000galls. of
water per hour, and have reduced it to the depth of 70ft. To drain the mine to a
lower depth additional appliances will be required, but this has enabled operations
to be carried on to a depth of 60ft. by sinking the shaft and other prospecting work.
· New Shaft.-At a distance of 280ft. S. of Boundy's shaft a new shaft has been sunk
to the depth of 60ft., and drives driven on the course of the lode 74ft. and 55ft.
respectively. From the N. drive a rise has been made 20ft, in lode matter, and at
present a small shaft is being sunk from the surface, which will eventually be con-
nected with the rise, and give thorough ventilation. These workings throughout
have disclosed siliceous lode matter ranging from 3ft. to 9ft. in width, probably
giving an average width of from 6ft. to 7ft. From the surface down the character
of the material consists for the first 30ft. chiefly of silica, blue and green carbonates
of copper, and grey ore. This has given place to black ore, consisting principally
of iron pyrites and black oxide of copper; apparently in the shaft bottom this has
splashes of yellow ore throughout the matrix, indicating that the shaft is nearing
the sulphide zone, which I regard as highly important and encouraging, fully warrant-
ing the necessary expenditure in sinking the shaft to at least another 60ft.
Ore Raised.—The ore raised from the present workings is 100 tons, which has been
dispatched to the smelters, giving an average value of 74 per cent. of copper; and
about 50 tons of bagged ore on the mine, which the manager estimates will be of
similar value. There is also a fair quantity of seconds on the floors, estimated to
yield 3 per cent., which should eventually become useful as a smelting flux.
· Machinery.—The present machinery on the mine comprises a double cylinder
steam winch, Cornish boiler and vertical boiler, the latter being new, all being
securely housed. The pumping appliances consist of a double-action Marsh steam
pump. A new poppet head has also been erected, suitable for all present require-
ments.
Future Developments (Bremer Lode).—To further explore this portion of the
property it would be necessary to erect a large pumping plant on the main shaft,
and unwater the mine to the 600ft. level; but, as this with the necessary develop-
ment work would be an expensive undertaking, that should not be attempted with
a less capital than £10,000, I consider previous to this work being commenced it
would be advisable to put down four diamond drill holes, with the object of proving
the lode at the 700ft. level, or 100ft. below the present workings. By this means
the size and approximate value of the ore body would be ascertained at a reasonable
cost, and the truth of the statements made verified or otherwise.
Boundy's Lode. For the purpose of further prospecting Boundy's lode, a second
Marsh sinking pump should be placed in Boundy's shaft, and the mine unwatered
to the depth of another 60ft. This would allow the new shaft to be continued to
a similar depth, and prove the value and character of the material below the sulphide
zone. This, including the purchase of pump, could be well accomplished on the
expenditure of £600, which, from the present encouraging indications, would be
money well spent. Six samples taken gave the following results :-No. 1, bottom
air shaft, 24ft. deep, 10.8 per cent. copper; No. 2, new shaft, sample of black ore,
from cavity in lode, 40.5 per cent. copper; No. 3, new shaft, sample of black ore
then being dressed, 14.7 per cent. copper; No. 4, new shaft, sample of .(seconds)
screenings, 4.4 per cent. copper ; No. 5, new shaft, sample of seconds, coarse, 1.6
per cent. copper; No. 6, new shaft, sample of seconds, coarse, 2.3 per cent. copper.
(I.M.R., 1-8-07.)
COPPER.
37
BRINDANA (formerly “Paralana Gold Mine').— The copper shaft has been
deepened to 30ft., and drives made from the bottom N.E. and S.W. for 20ft. each.
About 14 tons of 33 per cent. copper ore was raised from the workings and picked
from the dumps. (27–8–02.) Men on tribute now working on the mine. (4-3-04.)
BRITANNIA MINING COMPANY.-Established in 1849, and held 7,000 acres of
land as a mineral special survey on the Bremer Creek. The operations of the
company were confined to leasing sets of its land for mining purposes. In 1852
they had nine mines in active operation on this property, viz., the Wheal Friend-
ship, the Wheal Maria, the Wheal Prosper, the Bremer, the Tresevean, the Menkoo,
and three others.
BROUGHTON COPPER MINE.—Situated on the Broughton River, hundred of
Andrews. The indications were very promising, and some rich ore was obtained,
but the country was so hard that the venture would not pay for working, and after
a few months the mine was abandoned. (Austin, 1863.)
BURRA BURRA MINE.—This property is situated in the hundred of Kooringa,
about 100 miles from Adelaide, on bald hills standing 130ft. above the surrounding
country; was found in 1845 by a shepherd named Pickett. The ores obtained
from this mine have been chiefly red oxides, very rich blue and green carbonates,
including malachite, and also native copper. (Austin, 1863.) The discovery of
this mine, supporting, as it did at one time, a large population, marked a new era
in the history of the colony. The capital invested in it was £12,320 in £5 shares,
and no subsequent call was ever made upon the shareholders. The total amount
paid in dividends was £800,000. After being worked by the original owners for
some years the mine was sold to a new company, but during the last few years it
has not been worked, owing in some degree to the low price of copper, and also to
the fact that the deposits then being worked apparently became exhausted. For
many years the average yield was from 10,000 to 13,000 tons of ore, averaging
22 per cent. to 23 per cent. of copper. It is stated that, during the 291 years in
which the mine was worked, the company spent £2,241,167 in general expenses.
the output of ore during the same period amounting to 234,648 tons, equal to
51,622 tons of copper. This, at the average price of copper, amounted in money
value to £4,749,224. The mine stopped working in 1877. In 1859 the number of
men employed was 1,170. In the deeper levels regular lodes are met with, running
N. and S., containing very rich ore of malachite, red oxide, and grey sulphuret of
copper ; but above the 30-fathom level there is no appearance of lodes, the ore
(malachite and carbonate) being deposited with the greatest irregularity. The
blue carbonate often occurred in round nodules, with regularly formed crystals
projecting from the surface. The malachite was found in the form of stalactite,
in slabs incrusting fissures, and irregularly shaped masses, which had been deposited
in cavities of the rock. The country rocks are much broken and twisted, and con-
sist of a cherty siliceous formation, crystalline white and grey limestone, blue slaty
shales, and argillaceous sandstone. Just prior to the stoppage of the Burra Burra
Mine, and whilst Captain Sanders was in charge, it is understood that good per-
centage ore was being obtained from a lode which had been opened at a compara-
tively shallow depth beneath the basin from which had been quarried the enormous
vield of carbonate ores. For a number of years the mine has lain unworked, but
recently an attempt has been made to recommence operations under the stimulus
afforded by a much improved price of copper.
It having been decided to use the diamond drill for lode exploration, the Govern-
ment Geologist made an examination with reference to the choice of a site for the
bore, and access was given to the plans of the mine, and the reports of managers
who were in charge before the mine was closed. These were incomplete, but evi.
denced that there are three main lines of lode, namely, Kingston's, Sanders', and
Tinline's, which trended in a N.W. direction and inclined to the N.E., on the average
1ft. in 6. The richest part of the mine was found to be at a place where there is
now a deep open cut. Here the lodes and small veins of ore intersected the country
MİNİNG RECORDS.
rock in all directions, and they were very rich in copper ore, chiefly carbonates.
The depth to which this ground was worked was 60 fathoms. The ground con-
taining these deposits was soft, and, becoming hard, the conclusion arrived at was
that the copper ore had cut out. The deepest shaft, Morphett's, is down 100
fathoms, and in it Sanders' and Kingston's lodes have been cut, the latter being
now in the shaft at or near the bottom. These lodes consist of a brecciated cal-
careous formation, containing calcspar, asbestos, steatite, quartz, &c., with peacock
copper ore, as can be seen from an inspection of the spoil heap at the shaft.
The diamond drill bore (under Government supervision) was put down with the
object of striking Sanders' or Kingston's lode at a depth on the inclination. The
data used in determining the site of the bore was taken from the old mine reports.
The bore reached a depth of 1,004ft., and entered a brecciated lode formation at
780ft. At 813ft. copper pyrites and quartz were observed in the core, and con-
tinued to occur for many feet below that depth. The drill continued in a similar
lode formation, as above, for the remainder of the distance sunk. In the latter
portion of the boring the core became fragmentary and not continuous, indicating
the existence of vughs and cavities. This bore has proved that the copper-bearing
lode mentioned in the last reports of the mine management as existing at a depth
of 600ft. in Morphett's shaft, as well as in Waterhouse's and Peacock's shaft, is
continuous in strike, and that it exists at a depth of 200ft. (200ft. deeper than it
was proved in Morphett's shaft). The Government Geologist considered the result
of this boring most satisfactory, because it proves the continuance downwards of
the copper-bearing ground, and also that the recorded opinions and information
of the mine managers are correct. He was also of opinion that enough data had
been obtained by means of the bore to warrant the placing of Morphett's shaft in
working order, and restarting mining operations from that point. A second site
for boring has been selected near the S. end of the open cut, on or near the line
of Tinline's lode, in the argillaceous rock, which is interstratified with limestone,
the prevailing rock formation. (1899.) Mining operations have been resumed
on a comparatively small scale, and Inspector Matthews reports :-An ore body
has been discovered a short distance to the S.W. of the original explorations, by a
small crosscut from the old workings, and Gall's shaft was started further W., in
more solid country. This has been sunk to 75ft. At 60ft. a crosscut E. struck
the ore body at 8ft. from the shaft; it was found to be about 10ft. wide, and con-
sists chiefly of blue and green carbonates and lesser quantities of bornite. About
4ft. of the lode is high grade, and the balance fair milling ore; it has a more massive
appearance towards the bottom of the crosscut than at the top, and is apparently
the apex or cap of the formation, and depth should disclose ore of greater value and
increased width. To further test the discovery, the sinking of Gall's shaft should
be continued, a crosscut made W. from Graves' shaft, and a prospecting shaft sunk
midway between the two. The prospects fully justify this. Four samples taken
gave very satisfactory returns. Tinline's workings :—From the eastern side of
the open cut, above water-level, a crosscut has been made E. 110ft., and drives
extended, N. 40ft. and S. 120ft., on what is known as Tinline's lode, which does
not appear to be a well-defined lode, but a formation of considerable width, consistin
chiefly of argillaceous gritty sandstone, containing bunches of blue and green car-
bonates. Large quantities of ore were extracted from this portion of the mine in
the early days, and there is no reason why similar results should not now be obtained
from the unworked ground. (I.M.R., 30–3–04.)
BURRA CONSOLS.-Situated about 12 miles S.E. of the Burra. Towards the E.
side of the property there are several small shafts, from 6ft. to 12ft. in depth, sunk
on ferruginous outcrops from 2ft. to 4ft. in width, which in places contain bunches
of green carbonate and grey ore. The veins underlie E. at a very flat angle, and
the mining has been of the most crude description, merely following the bunches
and shoots of ore wherever they might lead, and by this means about 20 tons, of
the average value of 18 per cent., has been obtained. To prove the value of the
COPPER.
39
formations, three prospecting shafts should be sunk further E., to ascertain if the
veins become more persistent, and the copper contents increase in depth. About
half a mile further W., on the opposite side of the range, there is a large siliceous
outcrop, containing copper stains for a considerable width. In one place a shaft
has been sunk to the depth of 28ft., and 2 tons of 22 per cent. ore raised; but the
bunch of ore gave place to extremely hard rock, and sinking was discontinued. To
test this portion of the property, a prospecting shaft should be sunk at the most
favorable point, to a depth of about 60ft., and then crosscut through the formation.
(I.M.R., 19–10–99.)
BURRAWING MINE.—Situated in the hundred of Yaranyacka, near Tumby Bay.
It was opened about 1871, and wound up in 1874. A good deal of work was done
upon it, and ore to the value of £6,338 was sold ; expended on the property, over
£30,000. Assays of ore varied from 17 per cent. up to 37 per cent. of fine copper,
and bismuth was present in the proportion of about 11 per cent. No work of any
consequence has been done in the mine since 1874, and further information is not
obtainable. Country rocks, micaceous and quartzose schist and slate. Prospecting
operations being restarted, the Inspector of Mines, reporting September 4th, 1899,
states that up to then the property had been unworked for 20 years. At the time of
active operations the lode had been worked by a number of shafts, over a length of
12 chains; the deepest, or main, shaft being 275ft, from surface, and as it contained
165ft. of water, it could not be examined. From surface appearances the lode is
fully 4ft. wide, containing green carbonates and grey ore, the enclosing rocks being
micaceous and quartzose schist and slate. About 20 chains N. of the main shaft
a prospecting shaft was being sunk on the lode continuation, which here shows a
kaolin formation of a very promising nature. During the time the mine was worked
originally, copper ore was raised to the value of over £6,000.
BUNKER'S HILL COPPER MINE.—Situated S. of and adjoining Benalack's Mine,
E. of Fariņa. Prospected by one shaft and several trial pits; the shaft is sunk
to a depth of 20ft., and the lode formation, 18in, thick, consists chiefly of siliceous
iron gossan, carrying rich nodules of grey ore. One of the trial pits is 5ft. deep,
and exposes a vein 4in. thick, of rich grey ore. The inspector considered that this
- should be further prospected, as the prospects are encouraging, and the ground is
inexpensive to work. (I.M.R., 22-11-99.)
CAMPBELL'S LEASE.—Situated 21 miles S.E. from Leigh Creek. The line of lode
strikes N.W., and has been exposed for a length of 4 chains, by openings from 3ft.
to 15ft. deep. The lode material shows for about 8ft. in width, and carries green
carbonates. Three chains E. of the openings carbonates show on the surface, but
the extent here is not yet known. Ten tons of 8 per cent. ore have been sent away ;
this could have been easily dressed up to a higher grade. The inspector considered
the prospects of this property encouraging, and recommended sinking on the line
of lode, with the object of testing it at depth. (I.M.R., 16-11-99.):
CALLANA COPPER MINE.—Locality, half a mile N.W. from the Dome Trig, on
the Callana Station, near Hergott Springs. The Government Geologist reported an
examination :-Several shallow pits excavated to prospect various outcrops of brown
iron ore, gossan, limestone, carbonate of iron, and quartz, containing small bunches
of copper ore. The outcrops broken and irregular, the country rocks having been
twisted and contorted. No lode worth working yet (15–4–98) developed, the
sinking being too shallow to be regarded as a test of the value of these small copper-
bearing outcrops at depth. It is, however, doubtful whether a regular well-defined
lode exists, owing to the disturbed character of the country rocks, though bunches
of good ore may probably be found.
CARN BREA.-Situated in the neighborhood of Bobertstown. A strong lode,
composed principally of quartz, runs through the claim N.E, and S.W., underlying
S.E. at an angle of 45°. The lode in the bottom of a 50ft. shaft is fully 7ft. thick,
with excellent walls, but the proportion of copper is too small to pay. It is stated
that gold has been seen in the quartz, but samples taken and tested did not show a
trace. (I.M.R.)
MINING RÉCORDS.
CASTAMBOOL.-Located on section No. 330, hundred of Onkaparinga, about 12
miles from Adelaide. The present developments or prospecting work is of a limited
nature, being principally confined to small openings, and one inclined tunnel driven
W. about 50ft., and drives driven a short distance N. and S., disclosing a strong body
of siliceous material 4ft. wide, starting from the side of the range slightly underlying
W. and rapidly dipping S., composed chiefly of quartz, containing in places small
bunches and splashes of copper-bearing matter in various forms, such as malachite,
blue and green carbonates, peacock and yellow ore of good value, but very limited
in quantity. Possibly by continuing this work a larger quantity of ore-bearing
material may be encountered, but at present the character of the ore bunches are
scattered, and not consolidated or united at any particular point. About 200yds.
S. of the present workings an old shaft has been sunk at the S. end of Pinkerton's
Gully, on the same line of ore-bearing matter. This was abandoned on the dis-
covery of the Victorian goldfields in 1851. These workings could not be examined,
but it has been stated by old residents in that locality that the shaft had been sunk
to a depth of 60ft., and a quantity of high-grade copper-bearing material extracted,
bagged underground, and forwarded direct for treatment. Taking these state-
ments as reliable, and to further prospect the property, it would doubtless be
the most economical to sink a small shaft, say, 6ft. by 4ft., near the old one to the
same depth, and at the level of the old workings, which have collapsed. By this
means the ore body would be tested a considerable distance from the present work-
ings, and the truth of the statements proved or otherwise. Four samples gave the
following results :—From ore bunches face of inclined tunnel, 18dwts. silver, 5.5
per cent. copper; from ore bunches face of incline tunnel, 2ozs. 6dwts. silver, 8.9
per cent. copper; sample from small parcel dressed ore, 2ozs. 8dwts. silver, 18.6
per cent. copper; sample from small parcel dressed ore, 2ozs. 10dwts. silver, 16.6
per cent. copper; (I.M.R., 4–7–07.)
CENTRALIA (formerly “Smith's Olary” and “Olary Copper Mine").- A lode of
copper was found in the Olary district in 1887. It strikes N.W. and S.E., and can
be traced along the surface of the ground for some distance. An excavation has
been made on a rubbly broken cap of the lode to a depth of about 10ft., and several
tons of ore have been raised. Sufficient work has not been done to prove the value
of the lode, but its appearance is very encouraging. The rocks with which it is
associated are quartzite and quartzose sandstone and granite. (1887.) Locality,
7 miles N.E. from Olary Railway Station. The Inspector of Mines reported,
October 29th, 1890, that a vertical shaft had been sunk to a depth of 140ft. on a
large quartzite lode. At the brace there was good sulphide of copper obtained
from the lode at bottom of the shaft, and the lode at surface carries small quantities
of copper. On the S.E. portion of the claim a shaft had been sunk in the lode to a .
depth of 60ft. Both shafts had so much water in them that an examination at
depth was not possible. To the N. of this the lode is copper-stained, and a large
lode of barytes outcrops N.W. In his opinion the property was worthy a further
test by sinking and driving, with better surface appliances.
Inspector Matthews has furnished the following report :—Situated on a low
granitic range 61 miles from Olary. The lode formation strikes N.W., and shows
on the surface from 5ft. to 20ft. in width ; it consists principally of siliceous matter
showing copper stains in places, extending over about 500ft. in length. Several
surface openings have been made, and two shafts sunk, one 60ft. and the other
200ft. deep; in the former drives have been made on the course of the lode, ex-
posing seams and veins of good ore, from 3in. to Sin. thick. The latter, which is
sunk on the S. portion of the most prominent outcrop, is in lode matter from
the surface to the present depth, 200ft., the footwall of the lode just appearing.
The stuff raised from the bottom of the shaft contains yellow ore and black oxide;
it is promising, but of low grade in bulk. At the 142ft. level a drive has been made
N.W., disclosing veins of ore, from 2in. to 12in. in width occasionally making bunches
considerably larger, containing sulphides and blue carbonate; above this level the
COPPÉR.
ore is chiefly blue and green carbonate, with a little ruby oxide. In the shaft, at
a depth of 170ft., a vein of yellow and peacock ore was passed through, which gave
excellent results; this is apparently near the hanging-wall side, and to intersect
it a crosscut should be driven through the lode from the shaft bottom, and then,
at the most favorable point, drive N. and S. Three samples from the ore veins
at 140ft. returned 33 per cent., 52 per cent., and 42 per cent., and one from the
vein at 170ft. gave 34 per cent. The prospects are good, and the mine should be
explored more vigorously. (I.M.R., 9–8–02.)
CHALLA.—A prospecting venture, started with a view of working on the W.
extension of what was known as the Paramatta lode, near Moonta, and situate
near to the Wheal James and Wheal Hughes mines. There was a good deal of
costeaning done, and two shafts were sunk on the lodes to a depth of about 18
fathoms, when drives were put in 14 or 15 fathoms on a lode containing quartz,
impregnated with mundic and streaks of yellow ore; but the lodes were not suffi-
ciently productive to induce expenditure of capital, and, about 1870, the three
sections were forfeited.
CHAMBERS' MINE (now named “Ben Lomond ').—Situated 10 miles S. of Ade-
laide. In 1858 a magnificent block of malachite, weighing upwards of a ton, was
reported to have been brought to Adelaide from this mine.
In March, 1907, the Inspector of Mines reports :—This property was formerly
known as Chambers' Mine, located on the E. range of Coromandel Valley, 10 miles
S. of Adelaide. The principal workings consist of two tunnels driven in the side
of the range, which rises about 250ft. above the plain level. Lode formation ranges
from 2ft. to 4ft. wide, consisting chiefly of strongly iron-stained quartz, striking E.
and W., slightly underlying N. No. 1 tunnel has been started about 100ft. above
the foot of the range, and has been extended about 150ft. on the course of the lode,
which in the face is very much broken and disturbed, probably by a fault which
has apparently taken place about 30ft. from the end, forcing the main ore body in
a N. direction. At various points the lode contains copper stains to a more
or less extent. From the bottom of the tunnel a winze has been sunk 55ft. Lode
at the bottom has pinched very small, and is of little or no value. About 10ft.
from the winze bottom a drive had been driven E. 20ft., disclosing vein matter 18in.
wide ; but samples gave very poor results. No. 2 tunnel is about 70ft. above No.
1, and has also been driven about 150ft., disclosing lode matter very much broken,
and mixed with iron-stained gossan. At various points carbonate of lead and galena
can be seen in nodular form, but taken in bulk is not remunerative. For the purpose
of further development, a third tunnel has been started at the foot of the range on
apparently the same formation, consisting of clay, sandstone, and iron-stained gossan
broken and disjointed. Probably, if this tunnel is continued in the more settled
country, the formation will become more defined, and at a further distance of about
300ft. would thoroughly prospect the ground below the No. 1 and No. 2 tunnels;
but, judging from the present developments in the upper workings, I am doubtful
if the expense would be warranted. A much cheaper method would be to sink
winzes from the bottom of each tunnel ; then, should the lode prove remunerative.
the bottom tunnel could be driven and connected with the winzes to facilitate the
workings. Six samples taken gave the following results :-

Gold.
Silver.
Lead.
Per cent.
Nil
Ozs, dwts.
0 10
08
0.7
Nil
3.2
2
6
No. 1. Winze, No. 1 tunnel-Vein matter, 18in. wide
No. 2. From No. 1 tunnel-Vein matter, Sin, wide .........
No. 3. From No. 1 tunnel - Vein matter, 10in. wide ......
No. 4. From No. 2 tunnel-Selected sample, vein, 18in. wide
No. 5. From No. 2 tunnel-Selected sample, vein, 12in. wide
No. 6. From small winze, vein, 18in. wide ..
Nil
Nil
AN
Per cent.
Trace
Nil
Nil
27.0
10.9
Nil
2.7
0.5
0.5
7 2
1 4
Nil
Nil
0.0
(1.M.R., 22–3–07.)
MINING RECORDS.
CHARLTON COPPER MINE.—This property belonged to the Australian Mining
Company. It is situated on the Rocky River, and is 14 miles S.E. from Mount
Remarkable. Twenty thousand pounds is said to have been spent on it without
any return. There are two lodes, which yielded blue carbonates. The influx of
water stopped the working in December, 1858. The mine was not being worked when
Mr. A. R. C. Selwyn, Victorian Government Geologist, visited the district in 1859.
He described the ore seen in the spoil heaps as consisting almost entirely of small
nodular lumps of impure blue carbonate, embedded in a rough white rock, chiefly
composed of decomposed felspar, with grains of quartz and a little mica. Several
shafts were sunk. .
CLARA ST. DORA COPPER MINE (Two FRANKS).-Situated about 6 miles S.E. of
Davenport Siding, on the railway line, and about 32 miles W. of Hergott Springs.
The Government Geologist reported (7-10–95) and 22–2–97) The workings consist
of open cuts and shallow shafts. No. 1, 30ft. deep, with drives at bottom and
excavations round it near the surface. The copper ore occurs in hard limestone
in bunches, small veins, and yughs, and also in soft calcareous rock, associated with
the limestone as copper glance, green carbonates, &c. There is every indication
of its continuance downwards in that'rock. No. 2 is a shaft 20ft. deep, in jointed
grey limestone containing veins of rich copper ore. No. 3 is an open excavation
to 26ft. in the deepest part, and 10ft. to 20ft. wide and about 40ft, long, in copper-
bearing limestone, the ore occurring in irregular veins, streaks, and pockets. The
excavation has proved ore-bearing rock 34ft. from E, to W. and 10ft. to 20ft. from N.
to S. There is apparently a lode formation in the E. end and S. side of soft cal-
careous and argillaceous rock, containing veins of iron oxide and copper ore as
carbonate, &c. Besides the ordinary copper ores obtained here, copper glance
(rich sulphide of copper) frequently occurs, as well as red oxide and native copper.
Similar deposits exist in several other parts of these blocks, and on the E. portion
of blocks 313 and 314 small outcrops of copper ore show themselves, not yet pros-
pected. From the fact of the limestone dipping vertically it will probably be found
to contain copper to a considerable depth. The soft formation in No. 3 along the
S. boundary of the limestone will probably be found to carry a defined copper
lode. The ore raised has been of an unusually high percentage, and there is a large
quantity of low-grade ore at the surface ready to treat when water is available.
The earlier report mentions that 30 tons 4cwts. Iqr. of ore sent away averaged
39.25 per cent. In April, 1898, the Government Geologist again reported on this
property. A main shaft had been sunk 90ft., and two crosscuts driven from it in
a N. and W. direction. The W. crosscut, driven through limestone 41ft., had met
with a lode formation containing bunches of copper ore, probably a continuation
downwards of that in the open cut. The N. crosscut, driven 65ft., had not
met with any ore. A new shaft had been sunk 30ft., 192ft. distant N.E. from the
main shaft, through limestone containing bunches and veins of rich copper ore. A
large quantity of dressing ore was lying on the surface. The work done had not
yet proved or disproved the opinion previously expressed as to the character of
the mine.
Operations in a small way have been carried on up to date, and the returns
have been fair.
CLIVE COPPER MINE.--This mine is 4 miles from Nichol's Nob, and 40 miles from
Lyndhurst Siding, on the Great Northern railway. In a fair proportion of the
costeaning pits carbonate of copper was seen by the Inspector of Mines, and he
came to the conclusion, from the general indications, that the claims comprise a
strong cupriferous belt, from which large quantities of copper can be extraeted at
small cost. A shaft had been sunk about 40ft., and there is a strong lode showing
fully 9ft. thick in places. The lode is composed of calcspar, carrying irregular
branches or deposits of high-grade copper ore. At the time of the Inspector's
visit there were about 30 tons of high-grade ore at grass. (1889.)
COCOANUT.At a small station near Clinton, a copper discovery was made in
1865, ore lying upon the surface. Leases were taken out, but little work was done.
COPPER.
COGLIN, HUNDRED OF, SECTION 163.-The Government Geologist examined this
copper find in 1896, and states that there is a lode outcrop consisting of quartz
veins, gossan, siliceous and calcareous rock, and iron oxides, stained with carbonate
of copper, and containing other copper ores. Where opened up the formation is
15ft. wide, and strikes N.E, and dips N.W., and is traceable along the surface for
2 or 3 chains. Deepest sinking, 30ft. Samples taken and assayed showed, res-
pectively, 284 per cent., 6 per cent., and 283 per cent. for metallic copper. The
country rocks are claystone and calcareous clayslate, with limestone bars. Well
worth testing to a greater depth.
COLLINY SPRING.-Vide OLADDIE, SEC. 45, page 106.
COMMONWEALTH MINE.—Situated in the Flinders Ranges, between Yudnamutana
and Paralana, about 8 miles from the latter. Thirteen tons five hundredweight ore
first raised realised gross value—copper, £170 5s., and silver, £56 13s. 11d. (27–8–02.)
The mine is on a hill rising about 300ft. above the level of the creeks, and completely
surrounded by high rugged hills. There are two large lode outcrops about 70yds.
apart, one being about 5 chains long and 50ft. thick in widest part, and the other
about 2 chàins long. On the surface the lode matter consists of highly fractured
quartzite, stained with copper carbonates, but a few feet below the surface it alters
mica, chlorite, micaceous iron, and ferruginous and argillaceous matter, stained
with copper carbonates, and carrying seams and bunches of grey ore and heavy
carbonate ore. Strike of lode N. 60° W.; true underlie not yet determined..
Alongside the outcrop, and running parallel with it, is a dyke-like mass of granite
(mainly pink felspar, with a little quartz). Several costeans and pits have been ·
made on the large outcrop, and a shaft is in progress on the small one. (6–1–04.)
From the bottom of the shaft, 63ft., a crosscut has been made 61ft. N. 23° E.
through the granitic rock, which proves to be ore-bearing, but not payable at this
point. Four samples, giving average along the crosscut, returned 1.1 per cent.
to 1:7 per cent. of copper and 6dwts. to 2ozs. 4dwts, of silver per ton, and one sample
from a vein of copper glance and malachite, lin. to 4in. thick, which occurs at 45ft.
along the crosscut, returned 46.8 per cent. copper and 2lozs. ldwt. silver per ton.
The last 11ft. of the crosscut is in micaceous schist; the granitic ore-bearing rock
shows a thickness of 50ft., less 9ft. total thickness of various hard bars of quartzite
and heavy spar running through it. It is suggested that the continuance of the
lode matter exposed in the old workings lies to the S. of the present shaft.
(George, 16–5–04.)
CONDELL AND PROVIS' CLAIM.-Adjoining the Flinders Mine, Tumby Bay.
Worked by two shafts, 32ft. and 82ft. deep. The lode varies from 18in. to 2ft.
wide; the ore, chiefly green carbonates, occurs in shoots and bunches. There are
show the lode formation, with bunches of ore. Six tons, worth about 12 per cent.,
sent to the smelters. Sample taken assayed 164 per cent. Mine being worked on
tribute. (I.M.R., 14-9-99.)
W. CONDELL'S CLAIM.—Situated 4 miles from Tumby Bay, on the Flinders line
of lode. A cross trench, 5ft. deep, exposes a felspar formation containing small
quantities of blue and green carbonates. Considered sufficiently encouraging for
prospecting work to be continued. (I.M.R., 7-9-99.)
CONSTITUTION HILL COPPER MINE (also known at different times as the “ Black
Horse" and the “White Virgin”). This is situated about 4 miles S. from Mount
Serle. It contains two outcrops of ore, which show on the N. slope of a low rise
within about 1 a mile N.W. of the terminating point of a high spur connected with
Constitution Hill. The first and most important outcrop represents a lode-like mass
of a dense, brittle quartzite, which is thickly traversed in all directions by larger
and smaller quartz veins, most of them, however, running in the strike of the mass.
Both quartzite and vein quartz are full of small green patches, seams, and coatings of
atacamite, and there are scattered larger vein-like masses and patches, which show
MINING RECORDS.
within an earthy atacamite envelope, nuclei of dark-grey oxide of copper, generally
associated with calcite. This dark-grey oxide is very seldom pure oxide, but con-
tains a variable percentage of sulphide of copper, and it is from the decomposition
of this ore that it has most probably arisen. The outcrop extends for about 6 chains
in length, showing a strike of N. 35º E., and apparently dipping steeply to the S.E.
Its thickness is about 15ft. The second outcrop of copper ore lies about 1} chains
E. of the first, to which it shows great resemblance in mineral character. It is only
from 1ft. to 2ft. thick, and is traceable on the surface for about 1 chain in length.
The country between the two ore outcrops, and for some distance both E. and W.,
consists of argillaceous friable mudslates, which show between the outcrops a strike
of N. 23° E., and dip E. at a very flat angle ; further E. this strike is E. 35° N., with
a S.E. dip of 40°. W. of the large quartz reef, more especially on top of the hill, the
slates are traversed by quartz and ironstone or gossan reefs in great abundance,
and large blocks of brecciated brown iron ore appear scattered over the surface.
(Ulrich, 1872.)
The workings consist of an open cut, 66ft, long, 15ft. wide, and 12ft. deep, in
which a shaft has been sunk 52ft. deep from surface. At the bottom of this a
crosscut has been made 48ft., but discloses nothing of importance. About 2
chains N.N.E. from the shaft another shaft is down 21ft. on a formation consist-
ing of quartz and argillaceous matter, carrying iron oxides and copper ore in
the form of copper glance, ferruginous copper ore, and copper carbonates ; it
strikes N. 50° E. and underlies vertical. In the open cut the formation worked
upon consists of much fractured quartzite, traversed by irregular small strings
and veins of quartz and gossan, which carry copper glance and carbonate.
The whole mass is more or less stained with copper. It strikes N. 25° E., and
underlies nearly vertical to the S.E. The shaft was sunk near the footwall side
and for 20ft. the sinking was through copper-stained material, but below that
depth, and in the crosscut, no signs of copper are visible. Several other costeans
and small pits have been made, but they disclose nothing of importance. About
ja mile W., on the adjoining claim, à shaft has been sunk 35ft., and several
pits and costeans made. The shaft and three other pits on the W. disclose kao-
linised clayslate, carrying copper carbonate prill in appreciable quantity. The
other workings have opened up on a quartz vein about 12in. in thickness, carrying
copper stains and associated with gossan. (27-8-02.)
A further report states that No. 2 shaft has been deepened to 26ft. Another
shaft, No. 3, 21ft. N. 50° E. from No. 2 shaft, has been sunk 66ft. No. 4 shaft,
26ft. deep, has been sunk 21ft. N. 50° E. from No. 3. These three shafts have
been sunk in ferruginous and argillaceous matter, with small veins and bunches
of quartz and heavy spar, the whole more or less stained with carbonates, and
carrying occasional bunches of grey ore, ferruginous copper ore, and carbonates.
The ground between shafts 3 and 4 has been stoped out to within 8ft. of the surface.
In shaft No. 3 a head is showing at the bottom. This head was followed in sinking
No. 2 shaft, and is probably the hanging-wall of the formation. No footwall has
been disclosed. No. 5 shaft is situated 115ft. S. 36° W. from No. 2. It has been
sunk 12ft., following a vein, 18in. thick, of heavily stained clayslate, with a little
dredgy copper ore. This vein is not very well defined, but dipping N. cuts across
the bedding planes of the country rock, which here consists of highly cleaved and
jointed arenaceous and slightly micaceous clayslate, striking N.E. and dipping at
à low angle S.E. (5–1-04.)
CONSTITUTION HILL COPPER MINE WEST.-This mine lies about 14 miles W. of
the hill. The ore indications occur in a lode of hard yellowish and reddish-white
flinty limestone, and consist of thin veins and coatings of malachite and scattered
specks of greyish oxides of copper. The lode is from 3ft. to 4ft. thick, and strikes
W. 20° N., with dip apparently steep.to the N. The country which the lode traverses
consists of fissile purple slates, showing false bedding, and striking nearly due E.
and W., with a N. dip of about 60°. These are succeeded, at 6 chains S., by grey
calcareous slates. (Ulrich, 1872.)
COPPER,
45.
· COOPER'S CLAIM.-Situated N.W. from Walparuta Springs, Outalpa. Twelve
tons, 8 per cent. copper ore raised from a shallow open cutting.
COPPER KING MINE.--Situated about 38 miles N. E. from Hawker. Three shafts
have been sunk, from 15ft. to 45ft. deep; they disclose a lode formation from 2ft.
to 3ft. wide, containing green carbonates and grey ore, associated with iron gossan.
The lode strikes a little to the N. of E., underlies S. about 2ft. in 6ft., and can be
traced on the surface for a considerable distance. Five tons of 28 per cent. had
been sent away. Sample taken assayed 242 per cent. The prospects were con-
sidered very encouraging for the limited amount of work done. (I.M.R., 17-11-99.)
COPPER KING.—Situated about 10 miles N. of Beltana. The principal workings,
claim No. 2171, are on a decomposed iron formation of great width, this is overlain
by alluvial and clay slate containing nodules of copper throughout. Beneath it
there is a vein of green carbonate, from 3in. to 18in. thick, resting on a band of
decomposed iron. The copper vein is very irregular, in one portion of the workings
dipping E., and in the other W., having every appearance of being the apex of the
formation. An open cut has been made 40ft. long, with an average depth of 8ft.,
which, for the eight weeks preceding the inspector's visit, had yielded an output
of 10 tons per week of 7 per cent. stuff. A bulk sample from the copper vein gave
4 per cent., and from the decomposed iron beneath, 3 per cent. There is good
prospect of this property yielding large quantities of low-grade ore, which could
be dressed up to marketable value, and, by sinking, other veins of greater value
will probably be met with. With proper appliances à fair quantity of copper
could also be extracted from the alluvial. (I.M.R., 6–12–03.) Returns for the
six months ended December 31st, 1906, show net results :-17 tons 10 cwts. 3qrs.
copper ore, £295 ls. 10d. ; 16 tons 9cwts. pigments, £47 19s. Id.
COPPER TOP.-Situated near the Peake Station, about 8 miles from Warrina
Railway Station. Lodes showing copper ore were found here ; they were favorably
reported on by Victorian experts; a company was formed in Melbourne, and
smelters were erected at the mine. The operations, however, were unsuccessful,
and the company went into liquidation. A return in April, 1903, states that 239
tons had been treated, averaging about 4 per cent., and that the deepest shaft was
125ft.
COPPER HILL MINE (KULPARA MINE).—The Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H.
Matthews), reporting on September 27th, 1905, states that the property is located
4 miles from Green's Plains Railway Station, and about 12 miles from Kadina. It
was opened out in the early days, and worked by a number of shafts of various
depths extending for about 200ft. along the line of lode.
The main shaft has been sunk to the depth of 150ft. ; in consequence of the water
the lower portion of the mine could not be examined but so far as could be ascer-
tained, the first 90ft. of the shaft is vertical; at that point the hanging-wall of the
ore-bearing matter was encountered, and the latter portion of the shaft was continued.
on the underlie. In the bottom, or at the 150ft. level, a crosscut was driven S. about.
12ft., with the object of penetrating the lode material and proving its value on the
footwall side, but a much larger influx of water was encountered; the pumping
appliances, which were of a very primitive nature, could not contend with it; and
the property was abandoned.
Recently work has been resumed, principally that of ore-raising from the 66ft.
level, and a large belt of ore-bearing material over 60ft. wide, striking E. and W.
and underlying N., has been exposed. It is composed of friable, gritty, kaolinised
matter, containing ferruginous veins and nodules of green carbonate, extending
through the full width of the formation. On this, at various times, a considerable
amount of work has been accomplished, driving in all directions without any system
or regard to economical mining, and apparently a fair quantity of copper has from
time to time been extracted. To re-open and further develop this property below
the water-level it will be necessary to timber portions of the main shaft and erect
machinery, probably for winding and pumping; then, at the point where the shaft
46
RECORDS,
MINING .
was sunk on the underlie, continue it vertically until the present depth is reached,
or as much deeper as may be deemed advisable. By this means greater facilities
both for winding and pumping, will be afforded, and the work generally be in every
particular more up to date.
From the general appearance of the lode matter at the 66ft. level it gives every
indication of being the capping of a stony ore body, or lode, existing underneath
the water-level-probably sulphides. This would be thoroughly tested by carrying
out the works indicated, together with the necessary crosscuts and driving, say, at
the 200ft. level. I regard this property as a fair mining venture which has very
favorable prospects, and will fully warrant any expenditure that may be necessary
in development. The following samples were taken from the dressed ore :No. 1,
22.6 per cent. copper; No. 2, 22-5 per cent. ; No. 3, 7.7 per cent. ; No. 4, nodules
of green carbonates 32.7 per cent. (I.M.R., 27-9-05.)
In a later report the inspector says that since his first visit to the mine a consider-
able amount of preparatory work has been done, such as a well-deigned pumping
plant consisting of Cornish boiler, horizontal engine, and 6in, diameter Cornish pump,
also a very neat winding plant suitable for the work of testing the mine to a depth
of about 400ft. Sinking of the main shaft has been resumed, and a depth of 250ft.
reached. The ground being passed through is evidently lode formation consisting
chiefly of quartzite, portions containing splashes and seams of yellow ore. (I.M.R.,
14-12-06.)
COPPER HILL (Benowrie).-Situated about 4 miles W. of Benowrie Station.
A large, irregular formation, consisting mainly of slaty rock, more or less copper
stained, and sbowing malachite here and there, strikes W. 30° N. through country
rock consisting of slate, sandstone, and felspar, across the top of a range rising
about 300ft. above the level of the plain ; it appears to have a slight dip N.E.
For a distance of about 3 chains on the E. side of the hill it has been worked out
to a depth of about 12ft., and, the bottom being all mullocked up, could not be
examined; but it was stated that a good quantity of fair-grade copper ore was
extracted by the previous holders. A rough average sample from the W. end of
this cut assayed 4.8 per cent. copper. Three chains further W., along the line of
strike, and just over the top of the hill, a small opening has again disclosed the
copper-bearing formation about 3ft, wide. A little to the S.W. of the open cut
there outcrops a large yellow brecciated, gypseous, quartzitic dyke, upon which a
shaft has been sunk some 30ft, or 40ft., but there are no signs of copper in the
spoil heap. The place, generally, is well worth prospecting, and the open cut
should be cleaned out and sinking continued at the most favorable spot; also the
opening near the top of the hill should be sunk on. (D.R. (Gee), 16-11-06.)
COPPER VALLEY (KOOROONA).- This was a venture opened on the boundary of
the Hamley Mine, with a view to discover the continuation of what was known
as Bower's lode in the Moonta Mines, which had proved very productive. At a
depth of 3 fathoms from the surface a lode was opened upon which was deemed
well worth the outlay of capital, all the conditions being favorable ; but on the
collapse of the copper market in the seventies ” work was discontinued.
CORNWALL (NEW CORNWALL).—This is a mining property near Kadina which
was believed to carry a continuation of two lodes that had been worked in the
Wandilta Mine, near the Wallaroo Mines. As usual in discoveries in that locality,
there was a show of green carbonates mixed with the nodular and loose gravelly
limestone, and the adventurers were rewarded by lighting upon a fine deposit of
grey ore and green carbonate of copper not far from the surface, and a large and
beautiful specimen was sent for public exhibition. The adventurers went to great
expense, importing a large engine direct from Cornwall, and sinking to a considerable
depth for prospecting at that period and that locality. Operations ceased after
a while, and nothing in the way of practical working was attempted on the property
for some years. The Government Geologist reported, on September 15th, 1898,
that no information could be gained respecting this property except from the
COPPER.
surface workings. There are apparently two lodes, running more or less parallel
deepest shaft is said to be 360ft., and the water-level is about 50ft, from the surface.
The underlie is slight and to the S.W.
In April, 1907, the Inspector of Mines reports that the main shaft was said to
have been sunk to a depth of 420ft.; but little or no reliable information can now
be obtained as to the results, or why operations were discontinued. During the last
two years the mine has been held and worked by Paull and party, who have con-
fined their operations to the ground above water-level, with, so far as can be as-
certained, satisfactory results. The surface workings have, apparently, disclosed
a very wide belt of mineral-bearing country, consisting principally of decomposed
gritty sandstone, containing bunches and seams of ore of exceedingly good value,
chiefly in the form of green carbonates. Sample taken from these seams returned
47 per cent. copper. It is generally supposed that this belt of metal-bearing country
is traversed by at least two or three lodes, running parallel, and probably are con-
tinuations of the same lodes that have been worked in the Wandilta Mine in the
early days. Owing to the water, which stands about 50ft. from the surface, none
of the lower workings could be examined ; but, judging from the appearance of
the waste dumps, which came from the deep shaft, there is no doubt that the work-
ings had reached the sulphide zone, as yellow ore can be freely seen in the waste
material. Recently there has been dispatched to the smelters 12 tons of crude ore,
yielding an average value of 20 per cent. copper. Work in this mineral belt should
be continued, when doubtless other valuable shoots or deposits of ore will be dis-
covered. (I.M.R., 23-4-07.)
CRINNIS COPPER MINE. This property is in the Angaston district. The lode is
of an exceedingly interesting character. In the heaps of " spoil” that have been
thrown out there were found specimens of native copper, blue and green carbonates,
red oxides, sulphurets, and copper pyrites, also micaceous and magnetic iron ore,
carbonate of iron, chalcedony, opal, and white crystalline limestone. The vein
has an irregular N.E. and S.W. strike. (Selwyn, 1859.)
CUMBERLAND MINE.—This mine, about 11 miles to the S, of the Clinton Road
and 11 miles from Kadina, belonged to the Wallaroo group, on Yorke Peninsula.
What appeared to be a fine lode of very rich grey ore was found on the surface, but
proved to be a blow only, and ran out in about 3 fathoms. Some fine galena was
also similarly met with. Three shafts were sunk—one to a depth of 27 fathoms,
and many fathoms of drives and costeaning were cut, but the lode could not be
found, and the mine was abandoned. (Austin, 1863.) Operations restarted 1907.
CURRAMULKA MINE.-Situated in the hundred of Curramulka, Yorke Peninsula.
There are traces for some distance of copper ore in calcspar, in the blue crystalline
limestone, but there is no appearance of a lode, and nothing to warrant the sinking
of a shaft (1864), although it is probable that there is a lode deposit somewhere
near to account for the presence of such specimens as were obtained.
CURRENCY CREEK COPPER MINING SYNDICATE.—Locality of operations, about
4 miles from Goolwa, adjoining the Great Bradford. Two lodes, strike N.E.,
width 2ft. and 3ft. 6in., and shafts were sunk 10 fathoms, following dip of lode,
and a drive put in 140ft. The ore is a red oxide; highest assay, 37 per cent. for
metallic copper. Operations suspended for want of funds. A copper lode inter-
sected the township lands, and specimens of blue and green carbonate brought
thence to Adelaide created much attention at the time. (1848.) No work appears
to have been done.
In May, 1907, the Inspector of Mines examined this locality and reported. This
property is located 3} miles from Goolwa, close to Currency Creek railway bridge.
The land consists of freehold property, being the old township site surveyed in the
early days. The mining rights of considerably over 200 acres have been secured
by the present syndicate. In consequence of the bedrock being overlain with
alluvial, ranging from 2ft. to 15ft, in depth, no lode outcrops are visible, and
48
MINING RECORDS.
little or no indication of metal except on the portion opened out, which was first
disclosed on the bank of the creek by the action of the water cutting through the
alluvial to the solid rock, a depth of 12ft. to 15ft., exposing copper-bearing material
of good value. On this an inclined prospecting shaft has been sunk to the depth
of 32ft, from the bráce or about 42ft, from thie surface, closely timbered to within
3ft. of the bottom. At this point the ore vein is apparently from 18in. to 2ft.
wide, striking about N.E., with an E. underlie. On the footwall side the vein con-
tains ore ranging from 4in. to 10in, thick, of exceedingly good grade, consisting of
copper glance, azurite, malachite, and blue and green carbonate. Two samples
from the shaft bottom returned 19 per cent. and 30 per cent. copper, and one sample
of sorted ore gave 35 per cent, copper. Two other samples taken from ore raised
and on the surface gave — firsts, 35 per cent., and a small parcel of seconds 13
per cent., which must be regarded as satisfactory. Owing to the little work accom-
plished, and the shaft being closely timbered, it is impossible to give a definite
opinion as to the value of the discovery. At present it has a very encouraging
appearance, and the shaft should be continued until water-level is reached, or as
much further as circumstances will permit, then driven at each end to prove its
extent and value. (I.M.R., 31-5-07.)
CUTAWAY COPPER MINE.—The Government Geologist examined this property,
which is near Leigh's Creek, and found that there was a well-defined bedded lode,
of a fair but varying width, enclosed by good walls ; strike E. and W. dip S. The
lode carries low percentage copper, which dresses up to 25 per cent. On the same
claim there is a wide outcrop formation striking S.W. and N.E., containing car-
bonate of copper and grey ore. Sinking and driving should be carried on.-(See
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COPPER CORPORATION, pages 129 and 131.)
Daly COPPER MINE.-Situated about 51 miles E.N.E. of the Yudnamutana
Mines, and the country to the S. and W. is, if anything, more broken, rocky, and
wildly romantic than that in the neighborhood of the Yudnamutana. The work-
ings, such as they are, are opened in a very strong mass of quartzite that runs at
a strike of about N. 45° W. up the steep slope and along the top of a range which
rises to a height of about 200ft. above a creek lying to the S.W. The ore is of a very
good percentage, and consists of earthy, and sometimes crystallised, malachite and
azurite, interspersed with patches and seams of red and grey oxides of copper.
The quartzite is generally much fractured, rather brittle, and full of argillaceous
veins, only in some places where the latter disappear it is very hard and tough,
and traversed by veins of quartz, often finely crystallised and enclosing scales of
micaceous iron ore. It extends, with two short breaks occupied by earthy con-
glomeratic shales, for about 25 chains in length, and shows abundant copper stains
nearly all the way. The rocks of the district are of metamorphic character, pre-
senting mica schist, hornblende schist, satiny and spotted slates, all of the same
varieties as observed near the Yudnamutana Mine. (Ulrich, 1872.)
DEPOT CREEK.-Situated near Eyre's Depot. The general character of the lodes
here is favorable to the production of copper ores of good quality. The lodes con-
tain green carbonate of copper, grey ores, and red oxide. (1860–9.)
DEPOT SPRINGS (about 1 mile S.E. from).-An inclined pit, 20ft. deep and about
8ft. wide, with a trench at surface 20ft. long and 10ft. wide, discloses interstratified
veins of specular iron, which carry small bunches of copper glance and ferruginous
copper ore. They strike N. 20° E., and underlie S.E. at an angle of about 25°:
About 61 tons of first-class copper ore were obtained in this working. The veins
are small, and may not continue down to any great depth. About 9 chains N.W.
from this working an inclined, irregular tunnel has been driven on a general bearing
of S. 30° E., on what appears to be an interstratified lode formation about 3ft.
thick, which carries irregular veins and seams of siliceous ironstone, with bunches
of grey and ferruginous copper ore and a little cuprite. This formation strikes
35ft., and several shallow pits and costeans made, but nothing of importance dis-
closed. (George, 1-8-02.).
COPPER.
49
DEAD FINISH COPPER MINE.—Situated 1 mile from the Victory Mine and 18
miles from Leigh Creek. A formation, from 6ft. to 8ft. wide, has been prospected
for about 3 chains in length by shallow pits and one shaft, 20ft. deep, exposing
green carbonates of low value. It was intended to sink the shaft to 50ft., and then
crosscut through the formation ; this would be the proper course to adopt. Three
and a half tons of 10 per cent. ore has been raised. (I.M.R., 30–6–00.)
DIAMOND JUBILEE COPPER MINE.-Locality, about 9 miles E. from Leigh Creek.
The Inspector reported an examination of the mine, October 9th, 1890. A con-
siderable amount of work had been done. There were two lodes; on the southern-
most, shafts and trenches had exposed carbonates and red oxide of copper; and,
at the base of a hill capped with quartzite, a tunnel had been driven 270ft., which
had cut the lode. At the end of the tunnel a winze had been sunk to a depth of
about 30ft., from which the lode should be tested. It has been stated that it is
increasing in size at that depth. In October, 1897, it was reported the tunnel had
been driven 285ft., and a lode 8ft. to 9ft. wide had been fully exposed. Samples
taken from the 100ft. level gave as bulk returns-“Firsts,” 301 per cent., 32% per
cent., and 34 per cent. ; “seconds,” 191 per cent. and 22 per cent. The ore was
said to be free from mundic. A later departmental report states :-Two vertical
shafts, 160ft. and 100ft. deep, were sunk, and a tunnel driven on a crosscut, and
a formation met with, along which drives were made-W. 30ft. and E. 30ft.
A winze was also sunk from the level, and drives made. The lode consists of
quartz and argillaceous matter, carrying strings and bunches of cuprite, chalcocite,
ferruginous copper ore, and carbonate; it varies from 2ft. to 8ft. in thickness.
and is not very sharply defined. Strike E. and W., and underlie N. nearly
vertically. Along the outcrop of the lode, just above the tunnel, a shallow open
cut has been made, and copper ore obtained. About I chain further up the hill
another similar lode outcrops. It strikes N. 70° W., underlies vertically, and
has an average thickness of 3ft. An open cut has been made along this for a length
of 40ft., with an average depth of 30ft., and a considerable quantity of high-grade
copper ore removed. About 6 chains E. from the tunnel a shallow shaft and some
surface costeaning have exposed a lode 3ft. thick, which consists of quartz and
calcspar, with iron oxides, copper glance, carbonates, and ferruginous copper ore.
No development work had been done for some considerable time, and three parties
of men were then working on tribute. (George, 27–8–02.)
The mine has now been taken over by the Tasmanian Copper Company.
DOORA.—Situated a short distance S.W. from the Wallaroo property on private
property. It was discovered through small pieces of carbonates being thrown up
by burrowing rats. There has been a great deal of copper ore taken out, and the
lodes are reputedly large, but the ore is of low percentage.
DUKE OF CORNWALL.-Situated about 6 miles from Kadina, on the Adelaide
a gossany iron outcrop to endeavor to cut the Cornwall lodes. The venture was
unsuccessful.
DURYEA COPPER MINE.-Locality, about 1 mile S. of the Wallaroo Mines. It
contained a great deal of ore requiring treatment kry some cheap process. At the
12, 22, and 32 fathoms crosscuts and levels were driven, and two regular lodes.
heavily charged with mundic, were found running nearly E. and W., and underlying
nearly 18in. in the fathom. In the 32-fathom level a good course of rich yellow
and black ore existed, and here the two lodes seemed to have run together. "There
is a good deal of black ore in veins throughout the mine, and some small branches
of sulphide ore; but in several places patches of unproductive ground occur.
(Austin, 1863.) Now included in the Wallaroo and Moonta property.
DUTTON'S MINE.-Situated 82 miles N. of Adelaide. It adjoins the Princess
Royal Mine on the S. Work ceased in 1851 ; but in April, 1897, mining was re-
sumed, and it was reported that a good lode had been cut, and a bigh-class ore
raised.
several the waliacee Adelaidea pril, 1897, anbigh class ore
ated ez mide in 1851 ; but in a pris, hand a highe
MINING RECORDS.
EARL DALHOUSIE (JERRY'S) MINE.—Situated S.E. of Copper Hill, Kadina, and
worked by Messrs. Levi & Watts, at the outset, on the strength of a discovery of
green stains in stones by a shepherd in their employ. Two shafts and a number
of costean pits proved to the proprietors that there was no payable lode.
EASTHER'S CLAIM (NORTHERN MONARCH).-Situated in the hundred of Cudla-
mudla. Four shafts were sunk, and drives were put in, but failed to disclose any
courses of ore that would pay to work. The Inspector of Mines' report was that the
picked ore bagged on the surface was worth only about 15 per cent., and, consider-
ing the smallness of the quantity obtainable and the lowness of the grade, there
was scarcely an inducement to proceed with expenditure. Copper can be traced
för a long distance on the surface on a N. and S. course.
East MOONTA.-A prospecting venture, near the Moonta Mine, intended to open
difficulty of providing capital when copper became depressed in value.
EDWARDS' COPPER MINE.—Locality, 19 miles N.N.W. from Quorn, on France's
farm. The Inspector of Mines reported (1892) that a few small pits had been sunk
in calcareous clay slates at various points where copper carbonates were seen. A
shaft had also been sunk partly in an iron and manganese formation, but the property
was valueless, neither pits nor shaft disclosing any ore of value.
EDELWEISS MINE (now called the “Edeberg").-On block 1, hundred of
Apoinga,, about 14 miles S. from the Burra. An irregular shaft has been sunk
to a depth of 170ft. This was started on a vertical vein of quartz, striking
N. 15° Ē., which in places is 12in. in thickness and in others shows right across
the shaft. From surface down to 50ft. the quartz carries isolated nodules and
small bunches of grey copper ore, with a little azurite and malachite. Vanadium,
a rare and valuable metal, also occurs, intimately associated with the copper ore.
The combination has been analysed by the Government Analyst, resulting in 48
per cent. copper, 127 per cent. vanadium, 30 per cent. sulphur, with quartz and
iron oxides, and named by him “Sulvanite." At 50ft. down the shaft the quartz
vein appears to have altered in underlie, and dips out of the shaft to the W.; and
underlie also to the W. Short drives have been made at 54ft, and 64ft., but the
copper and sulvanite appear to be confined to the quartz vein from 50ft. upward.
The quantity is small; but drives put in along its course above this level may pos-
sibly disclose larger bodies of ore and shoots that could be followed downwards.
(George, 4-7-01.)
The Inspector of Mines (reporting 26–3–06) states that the prospecting of these
claims has been continued for a very long period, and a large amount of work
accomplished by sinking various shafts ranging from 10ft, to 150ft. in depth, driving
crosscuts, surface openings, and cross-trenches, extending on the line of lode for a
considerable distance. In almost every instance vanadium can be seen occurring
in small specks and splashes throughout the formation, but not in sufficient
quantities to be of any commercial value, except towards the N. end of the
workings, from whence, it is understood, the previous owners raised and shipped
a small parcel to England, but with what result could not be ascertained.
The principal work has been confined to what is known as the old and Northey's
shafts. The old shaft has been sunk to a depth of 115ft., and cross-driven,
disclosing a strong siliceous formation 20ft. wide, in places containing vanadium,
but not of sufficient quantity to be of any value. Towards the upper portion
of the shaft, or from the surface down to the depth of from '15ft. to 20ft.,
the metal shows much more freely in a vein from 12in. to 15in. wide, striking
N.E, and S.W. Apparently the better class material is continuing in a N. direction,
and should be followed. Northey's shaft is in the same block, and has reached the
depth of 150ft., also crosscut driven in an E. direction about 200ft., apparently
passing through the same formation disclosed in the old shaft, but not so pronounced,
· COPPER.
51 :
it being difficult to distinguish between lode material and country rock; but at
various points vanadium, in small spots, can be detected. A drive has also been
made N. about 30ft., exposing the same class of material, of little or no value. On
the W. wall of the formation there is a vein of pyrites material from lin. to 2in.
thick, striking in a diagonal direction to the main formation. It is intended to
continue a drive S. until this vein is intersected, to ascertain if the value of the
material will improve.
Vanadium being a rare metal of exceptional value, not hitherto discovered in this
State, the shareholders have been fully justified in continuing their prospecting
works. Unfortunately, up to the present, the lower workings have not shown the
satisfactory result that surface indications would lead to expect; and until further
surface or shallow level explorations have taken place, it would be advisable to
discontinue operations in Northey's shaft and resume work in the N. end of the
old shaft, where the vein discloses the metal more freely. By following this, more
valuable vein matter may be discovered and more satisfactory results attained.
Two samples taken from a small parcel of selected ore returned as follows :—No.
1, copper 10 per cent., vanadium, 1.46 per cent. ; No. 2, copper, 22 per cen., vana-
dium, 3 per cent.
ELSIE ADAIR.—Situated E. of and adjoining the Mount Coffin Mine. Worked
by three shafts, each 50ft. deep, and disclosing a lode formation from 2ft. to 6ft.
wide, containing veins and seams of green carbonates and grey ore. It has also
been worked for about 6 chains in length. The strike of the lode is E. and W.,
with an underlie to the S. The general appearance is favorable and promising,
and further development to the extent of sinking the shafts at least another 50ft.
is warranted. (I.M.R., 4–12–99.) The Inspector of Mines on making a second
examination in June, 1900, found that the deepest workings were then 100ft. from
the surface, the shaft being sunk on the lode underlie of 2 in 6; there the formation
is proved 5ft. wide, and carries bunches and seams of green carbonate and grey
ore throughout the matrix, being more valuable in bulk and having a better appear-
ance than in the upper levels. It was stated that during the last 11 months 140
tons of ore, average value 14 per cent., had been disposed of. (I.M.R., 29–6–00.)
The copper-bearing formation is interstratified, and consists of soft clayslate,
impregnated with green carbonate of copper; it strikes W. 7° N., dips S. at
an angle of 48°, and varies in thickness from 4ft. to 11ft. A peculiar feature of
this formation is the occurrence of small veins of quartzose grit, with iron oxide,
a little grey ore, and green carbonate of copper, from {in. to 3in, in thickness.
They are apparently confined to the copper-bearing stratum, and occur in it at
intervals at right angles to the underlie, with a dip of 13° to the westward along
its strike. Where these floors occur good quality copper ore, assaying as high as
32 per cent., is met with. A main shaft has been sunk to a depth of 145ft. on the
underlie, and levels and workings, from which ore has been extracted, exist at
30ft., 70ft., 100ft., and 114ft. About 500 tons of payable ore had been raised and
marketed. (5–7–01.) A later examination showed the mine to be idle. A con-
siderable quantity of ore had been raised by tributers. The quantity of arsenic
contained in the ore makes smelting difficult. (George, 27–8–02.) The mine is
now in work, a fair amount of ore being sent away.
EMU.—Situated between Wallaroo and New Cornwall Mines. Operations were
commenced with the purpose of finding the spot where the lodes of the two
mines junctioned. The test gave discouraging results, affairs were wound up, and
the lease was forfeited.
Emu FLAT.-Locality, S.W. of the township of Clare. The vein opened is a
mixture of quartz, carbonate of lime, and sulphate of barytes, in grey, white, and
brown slate, and hard white calcareous and siliceous rock, and the ore, impure
green and blue carbonates, mixed with sulphurets of copper and iron. Not much
work has been done on it. (Selwyn, 1859.)
32
MINING RECORDS.
ENTERPRISE MINING COMPANY.—This company held various sections on lease
and freehold, amongst others, section 5535, on the Sixth Creek ; section 5607, on
the Torrens; and section 267, adjoining Wheal Gawler Silver-lead Mine. On the
Sixth Creek section ores were found comprising red oxide containing specks of
virgin copper, grey copper, black oxide, and occasionally traces of blue and green
carbonate. The company began operations in the spring of 1847, but its operations
were limited.
ENTERPRISE (Beltana). ---Situated 41 miles S. of Beltana, adjoining the Black
Feather on the S. The lode outcrop is continuous for a considerable dis-
tance, and in one place is from 18ft. to 20ft. wide, with portions showing green
carbonates. Two chains S. of this an open cut has been made 10ft. deep and 20ft.
long, exposing on the E. side of the lode green carbonates and grey ore, which occur
chiefly in bunches and veins. S. of the outcrop, and a little to the W. of the
open cut, a shaft has been sunk to a depth of 60ft. ; the lode material is siliceous
ironstone, with pockets of fair-grade carbonates and grey ore. No driving has been
done, and the lode is therefore unexplored. To develop this property a drive
should be made N. from the 60ft. level in the shaft until underneath the large out-
crop 2 chains distant. A second shaft should be sunk on the W. side of the outcrop,
where a small opening has exposed copper-bearing lode matter sufficient to warrant
further exploration, to be eventually connected with the drive. Sample from
shaft assayed 91 per cent. (I.M.R., 5–12–99.)
THE ENTERPRISE (SLATTERY’s).-Situated 28 miles •N.E. of Quorn, formerly
known as Slattery's Mine. It has been unworked for several years, but during
1899 a considerable amount of prospecting had been done by surface openings
and trial shafts, which disclose what is apparently a horizontal formation, the
country rock being stratified, containing veins of siliceous calcite, associated with
iron, iron pyrites, small quantities of green carbonate, red oxide, and spots of
grey ore running between the joints or planes of the enclosing rock, with a slight
inclination S. at the S. end, and apparently N. at the N. end. The ore occurs chiefly
in smaller or greater patches, and is chiefly green carbonates, with isolated pockets
of red oxide. The general appearance was not very promising, and the system
of prospecting, viz., following almost horizontal veins, has not been the best to
adopt. In order to test the actual value of the property, it is recommended that
the most favorable points should be selected and one or more shafts sunk, passing
through the surface or top formation, to ascertain if there are other ore-bearing
veins below those at present worked, which are of too low grade to be profitable,
notwithstanding the pockets that are from time to time obtained. Some years
ago it was reported that a valuable gold discovery had been made in a siliceous
ironstone vein in one of the surface trenches, but a sample taken by the inspector
gave no gold on assay, and only a trace of copper. (I.M.R., 16-12–99.)
ENTERPRISE (Williamstown).—Situated on freehold property 2 miles from
Williamstown. This was worked many years ago for a considerable time, and
so far as could be ascertained, several parcels of ore, from 28 per cent. up to 40
per cent., were sent to the smelters. At the time of the inspector's visit
(March, 1900), operations had been restarted for about six months, during which
time a winding plant and other appliances to facilitate working had been erected.
A number of surface openings have exposed the lode for several chains in length;
a main shaft had been sunk to a depth of 220ft., with drives at the 210ft. and 120ft.
levels. In the latter a crosscut was made W. 80ft., and at 60ft. from the shaft the
lode formation was encountered, striking N. and S., with an E. underlie of about
45°. The first 16ft. of the formation passed through is micaceous schist, containing
no metal of any particular value. The remaining 4ft. is composed of a strong
body of quartz material, with a copper-bearing vein on the footwall side, from 4in.
to 6in. thick, containing green carbonate, yellow ore, and black oxide. On the
course of the lode a drive has been made N. for 170ft.; the same body of siliceous
material continues, with the ore vein as previously described. Apparently from
y
COPPER.
.53
this level the previous company must have done a considerable amount of stoping
both above and below the drive, and the inspector considered, from the appearance
of the workings, that the ore vein, which seems to run in shoots with a N. dip, must
have been much larger in places than it appears at present. At the 210ft. level
the E. portion of the lode has entered the shaft; and a drive has been made 60ft.
N. on the hanging-wall side, the wall being clean, well-defined, and unbroken. The
lode is composed of micaceous schist, containing cubical pyrites. It was intended
to continue this drive 60ft. further N., and then crosscut W. to the footwall side
to intersect the quartz lode and ore vein worked at the 120ft. level, which may
be expected to continue downward, and of which the indications are favorable,
the face containing detached blocks or boulders of siliceous matter, which, when
broken, are found to contain high-grade yellow copper ore, giving the impression
that the shoot of ore is being approached, and justifying the proposed work.
Samples from the ore vein at 120ft. level :-
Sorted ore.............. silver, 15oz. 14dwt. ; copper, 23 per cent.
Bulk sample............ silver, 10oz. ; copper, 114 per cent.
(I.M.R., 16–3–00.)
EUKO MINE.—This mine owed its discovery to burrowing rodents, just in the
same manner as that heralding the Dɔora find. Costeaning, the prospectors found
the back of a lode, which was found to be parallel to the lode in the North Yelta
and S. of it. A shaft was sunk 22 fathoms on the lode, but a crosscourse at the
14-fathom level interfered, and the lode has never been discovered N. of it.
THE ETHIUDNA COPPER AND COBALT MINE.—Situated about 38 miles N.W. of
Olary Railway Station. The surface rock is chiefly granitic, with bands of slate
material, containing copper-bearing lodes and veins, four of which are exposed,
traversing the property, three striking E. and W., and one N. and S. A shaft has
been sunk on an underlie of 45°, to a depth of about 60ft., disclosing a formation
2ft. 6in. wide, composed mainly of ironstone gossan, containing blue and green
carbonates, occurring in seams and bunches. At the end of the underlie a vertical
shaft has been sunk to a depth of 50ft., but not being in repair, could not
be examined. The lode outcrop can be traced for fully 4 chains in length; the
enclosing rock is slate. The N. lode, which strikes E. and W., has been exposed
by surface openings for 4 chains in length; the most E. opening has only
the surface broken, and shows an encouraging prospect. Four chains further W.
a trial pit has been sunk 6ft., but not enough has been done to determine the width
of the formation; the ore vein shows from 12in. to 18in. wide, composed of blue
and green carbonates of very fair value. About į a chain still further W. there is
apparently a cross vein, which has been worked for a chain in length, and probably
a fair quantity of ore extracted from shallow depths, but the workings being full of
debris, little could be seen. On the surface the quartzite formation seems to con-
tain pockets and bunches of ore for about 20ft. in width, and should be further
tested by cross-trenching. About 3 chains S. of the N. lode, what is known as the
centre lode has been opened in places for over 2 chains in length, the lode formation
being of the most favorable character, from 4ft. to 5ft. wide, containing blue and
green carbonates, with streaks of red oxide, and, in places, small quantities of grey'
ore. At one point an opening has been made to the depth of 15ft., from which a
fair quantity of good-grade ore must have been obtained, the face having a very
promising appearance; the enclosing rock is chiefly slate and sandstone. The
S. lode, which is 13 chains S. of the centre lode, shows two veins, apparently parallel,
with a strong bar of granite between. On the S. vein no work has been done beyond
breaking a few surface stones, which show green carbonate. On the N. vein a shaft
has been sunk to the depth of 50ft., the first 20ft, being vertical, the remainder on
the vein underlie of about 3 in 6 N. At the bottom a drive has been made
38ft., the formation showing 2ft. 6in, wide, and the ore vein, 18in. thick, composed
MINING RECORDS.
73
111
281
06
"
of blue and green carbonates, the matrix being chiefly red oxide of iron. The high-
grade ore occurs principally in shoots, with a W. dip. The E. drive is in 18ft.,
the lode formation at this point being larger, fully 4ft. wide. At the end of the
drive a winze has been sunk 10ft., and at the bottom the ore vein shows from 12in.
to 15in, thick, of very fair grade, and similar in character to that in the W. drive.
The samples taken gave the following results :-
N. and S. lode .......
121 per cent.
N. and S. surface opening ...
91 -
N. and S. opening, 6ft. deep ....
Centre lode opening, 15ft. deep .
Centre lode, red oxide, same opening ......
S. lode, W. drive, 50ft. level
18 6
S. lode, E. drive, winze, 50ft. level ............. 61
This is very fair average taken in bulk, and the percentage per ton can be con-
siderably increased by hand-dressing and sorting. It was stated that 8 tons of
ore had been shipped to England, yielding 16 per cent. of copper and 4 per cent.
of cobalt per ton. The outlook of the mine is very promising, and, notwithstanding
the work done on it from time to time, is comparatively undeveloped, and should
be further developed by sinking a main vertical shaft on the S. lode 4 chains W.,
and N. of the present workings, taking care not to intersect the lode at a less
depth than 150ft. Its position would also be favorable for a water supply. The
centre and N. lodes should be prospected by at first sinking prospecting shafts
on the underlie of the veins. (I.M.R., 14-3-00.)
FEDERAL (Mount Bourne).—Situated about 14 miles N.N.E. from Leigh's Creek,
The workings here consist of costeans, with shafts 30ft. and 40ft. deep. At the
bottom of the deepest shaft the lode is 3ft. wide with 18in. on the hanging wall
showing copper; average sample gave 124 per cent. of copper and 6dwts. of silver
per ton.
FEDERAL MINING CORPORATION (Lindschau and Warner). --One mile N. of the
Hamilton Mine. On the top of a steep rugged ridge a large quartz outcrop 12ft.
wide, striking E.N.E., shows splashes and bunches of green carbonate; an opening
has been made 20ft. long and 8ft. deep, and at the foot of the hill a tunnel has been
driven 70ft. It was expected that this would cut the ore body in another 20ft.,
and prove its value. (I.M.R., 2–8–99.)
FIEDLER'S CLAIMS.—Situated 31 miles S.W. from Mount Lyndhurst. The
principal work done is sinking of two shafts, 25ft, and 35ft. deep; the vein of ore
is bin. thick, and contains a large percentage of iron; 3 tons recently forwarded
to the smelters gave a return of 9 per cent. of copper. Toward the S. end an opening
has been made, 15ft. long and 5ft. deep, on a vein of green carbonate 18in. thick,
and carrying small quantities of grey ore of much higher value than that raised
from the shaft. An average sample from the vein assayed 281 per cent., which
appeared promising for future operations. (I.M.R., 3–8–99.)
FIFTH CREEK CENTRAL MINE.-Situation, about 84 miles from Adelaide, hundred
of Onkaparinga. The company acquired 147 acres by purchase, and, at the date
of the Inspector of Mines' visit, had spent about £600 in mining operations. Ore
sent to the Port Adelaide Smelting Works realised 114 per cent. fine copper, and
450zs. of silver per ton. The samples taken by Inspector Rosewarne for trial by
the Government Assayer gave, per ton-No. 1, 55 per cent. of copper and 850zs.
of silver; No. 2, 3 per cent, copper and 6ozs. 1ldwts. of silver; and No. 3, 41 per
cent. of copper and 280zs. 15dwts. of silver; average, 5 per cent. copper, and
400zs. silver. The ore could be dressed to 30 per cent. copper containing 2400zs.
of silver to the ton. The constituents of the lode are gossan and oxide of iron,
with blue and green carbonates of copper. The ore had been found in very limited
quantities, but development would probably lead to the discovery of larger bodies.
COPPER.
55
In 1892 Inspector Parkes reported that the property consisted of 188 acres of 'free-
hold; a tunnel had been driven 468ft., where it cut the main lode, drives had been
put in E. and W., with total length of 600ft. ; at 35ft. W. from the end of the tunnel
à winze had been sunk 90ft. The lode in the winze was 4ft. wide, carrying small
branches of rich copper ore. No. 2 tunnel, higher up the hill, had been driven
145ft. N., cutting the lode, which was then driven upon 27ft. W. and 476ft. E.,
with a winze connecting with the No. 1 tunnel. No. 3 tunnel had been driven on
the course of the lode E. 246ft., and a winze holed to No. 2. He was of opinion
that the lode was valueless for silver, and that Nos. 2 and 3 tunnels should never
have been opened ; effort should have been directed to deeper sinking and ex-
ploration for copper, the lode being stronger in depth than near the surface. A
subsidy was granted by the Government for further prospecting, but satisfactory
results were not obtained.
In June, 1907, the Inspector of Mines (Mr. Matthews) reported :-—The previous
companies had acquired by purchase 147 acres of freehold land, and from time to
time have done à considerable amount of work in driving two tunnels, sinking
winzes, and other developments, and, judging from the old records, with encouraging
results. Apparently the mine when first opened gave exceedingly favorable assays
for silver; duobtless these came from the upper workings, which apparently have
collapsed, and cannot be examined until reopened. The lower or bottom tunnel,
which is about 190ft. below the hill top, is in fair condition, and has been driven
468ft., at which point the lode was intersected, striking E. and W., underlying N.
at an angle of slightly over 2ft. in 6ft. Drives were then continued on the course
of the lode E. and W. a total length of 600ft., and winze said to be sunk from the
tunnel level about 130ft., penetrating the sulphide zone.
Owing to a portion of the drives having fallen in, and there being about 100ft. of
water in the winze, only a portion of the bottom workings could be inspected, but
there is quite sufficient to disclose a strong, well-defined lode formation, ranging
from 2ft. to 5ft. wide, probably giving an average width of 4ft., consisting principally
of soft, decomposed, friable, slaty matter, with gossan, calcite, and oxide of iron,
enclosed within well-defined walls, giving every indication of continuing down to
an unlimited depth. Throughout the formation there are small irregular seams
and bunches of various classes of ore, such as blue and green carbonates and copper
glance. In the winze, which had been unwatered to the depth of 30ft. below water-
level, the lode formation maintains its full width and permanent appearance, but
in the ore bunches the carbonates have apparently given place to splashes of yellow
ore in the form of copper pyrites.
Samples taken yielded the following results :— No. 1 drive, 15ft. W. of winze,
lode 18in. wide, loz. 2dwts. silver, 2-3 per cent. copper ; No. 2, drive 40ft. W. of
winze, lode 5ft. wide, no silver, 1.9 per cent. copper; No. 3, drive 60ft. W. of winze,
lode 4ft. wide, loz. silver, 1.1 per cent. copper ; No. 4, opposite winze, bunch ore,
2ft. wide, 22ozs. 6dwts. silver, 6.4 per cent. copper; No. 5, irregular bunches of
ore from winze, 30ft. deep, 2ozs. 7dwts. silver, 5 per cent. copper; No. 6, irregular
bunches of ore from winze, 30ft. deep, 40zs. 12dwts. silver, 6 per cent, copper ; No.
7, irregular bunches of ore from winze, 30ft. deep, loz. 4dwts. silver, 6-3 per cent.
copper; No. 8, small parcel sorted ore on surface, 7ozs. 18dwts. silver, 9.4 per cent.
copper; No. 9, small parcel sorted ore on surface, 3ozs. 14dwts. silver, 2.1 per cent.
copper.
From the above samples it will be seen the lode contains more or less silver and
copper, but in my examination of the workings which at present can be explored,
I could see nothing of sufficient value to be remunerative. The better class ore,
viz., the three samples taken from the winze 30ft. below the tunnel level, in
regard to quantity, is so uncertain that it can only be regarded as an indication
of what might take place at the deeper level in the sulphide formation. I was
informed by one of the men who had previously worked in the winze that the ore
56
MINING RECORDS.
body had very much improved in the bottom, being solid, well defined, and con-
taining a good percentage of sulphide of copper. To test this statement and further
develop the property it would be necessary to unwater the remaining portion of
the winze and continue the drives E. and W. on the course of the lode, with the
object of proving its extent and value; then, if proved satisfactory, the necessary
works could be established for its economical working. (I.M.R., 17–6–07.) : :
FULLARTON'S CLAIM (Eurelia).-Situated 1 mile from Eurelia township. Worked
by a number of shallow openings and two small shafts, the deepest being 27ft. ;
these extend over { a mile in length, and expose a clayslate formation from 2ft. to
4ft. in width, striking N. and S., with an E. underlie, and containing small streaks
and veins of copper ore, chiefly green carbonate and grey ore, of good grade, but so
disseminated through the matrix as to render dressing-up very difficult. Eighteen
tons of 74 per cent. had been sent to the smelters, and a sample taken from the
ore raised gave 71 per cent. The ore exposed is not sufficient in quantity to be
payable, and the best prospecting to be adopted would be to sink on the underlie
at one or more of the most favorable points, and test the formation at a deeper
level. (I.M.R., 9–6–00.)
THE FLINDERS MINE.—Situated 4 miles from Tumby Bay. There are three
lode formations traversing the property, each from ift. to 2ft. wide, the
strike being about E. and W., with a slight S. underlie. The N. lode, on which
the principal work has been done, is well defined, and a main shaft has been sunk
to a depth of 210ft. ; the lode formation carries a vein of ore, chiefly car-
bonate, 6in, thick, on the footwall at the 100ft. level. This was the lowest point
that could be examined owing to a strong influx of water. The manager stated
that the developments below are similar to those above, except that at the extreme
bottom, 210ft., where the lode has changed to a sulphide material, from 2ft. to 3ft.
thick, containing veins and bunches of good ore. The flow of water necessitated
the suspension of all work below the 100ft. level at the time of the inspector's visit;
consequently the real value of the discovery could not be ascertained, but from the
small quantity brought to the surface the inspector was of opinion that the develop-
ment was of a very encouraging nature. Driving and stoping were then being
continued at the Oft. and 100ft. levels, the ore, of the average value of 17 per cent.,
occurring throughout the formation in veins and bunches chiefly on the footwall side.
The centre lode has only been prospected by a few trial pits, which expose the lode
formation 18in. wide, showing, from material on the surface, traces of copper.
The S., or No. 3, lode has been worked by two shafts, 25ft. and 59ft. deep,
and is composed principally of quartz material, containing blue and green car-
bonates, and occasionally a little grey ore. Five tons of ore, worth 25 per cent.,
have been sent from these workings to the smelters. The enclosing rock is
very hard and difficult to work. About 50 chains in a N. direction from the
main shaft a strong ironstone outcrop stands several feet above the surface; it
strikes diagonally from the main lode, and to intersect it a tunnel from the foot of
the hill has been driven in 133ft., through, chiefly, decomposed slate, and a con-
siderable quantity of good iron ore is met with during the last 15ft. This tunnel
should be continued, as it is apparently only just entering the main ore body,
and the chances are that beneath such a large ironstone outcrop metals of some
kind will be found to exist. Twenty-five tons of ore, of an average value of 15
per cent., have been sent to the smelters since the present holders have restarted
operations, and another 10 tons of the same value was awaiting shipment.
Sample taken by the inspector from the material raised from the shaft bottom,
210ft., assayed 23 per cent. (I.M.R., 18-9-99.)
FRIEND.-Vide Paull's CONSOLIDATED, page 116.
GLENALBYN MINING COMPANY.--Established 1850, to mine four sections a mile
N.W. from Strathalbyn. Operations ceased in 1851, as a result of the exodus of
miners to the Victorian diggings.
COPPER.
57
GRAND JUNCTION.-Situated between the Stanley and McDonnell Mines. The
lode strikes N. 30° W., underlies S.W. at an angle of 58°, and, as far as opened up,
varies in thickness from 1ft. 6in. to 3ft. Principal shaft, sunk to 62ft. (water-level
on the underlie ; at the bottom, drives along the lode in progress both ways. Lode
consists of micaceous iron, copper pyrites, and mundic; black oxide of copper is
also present. Samples from the lode at this level assayed 19.4 per cent. and 3.7 per
cent. About 300ft. N.W. of this shaft another shaft has been sunk to 32ft. on the
lode, which consists of mullocky material, a little quartz, calscpar, heavy spar, and
micaceous iron, with bunches of copper glance, ferruginous copper ore, and copper
carbonates. The lode is persistent in dip and strike, has every appearance of per-
manency, is fairly rich in copper, and should be opened up systematically. (7-1-04.)
· GORGE COPPER MINE.-Two miles S. of Normanville, on the face of a steep hill
rising almost abruptly from a flat į a mile from the sea. The lode runs N.N.E.,
and is traceable for above 250yds. On the surface it is composed of a quartzose
rock, strongly stained and impregnated with blue and green carbonate of copper,
and contains thin veins of ore. (Austin, 1863.)
The Inspector of Mines reported (11–2–91)-An adit had been driven into the
hill 180ft., cutting a lode with a strike E.N.E. and W.S.W., upon which a drive was
put in 20ft., alleged to have holed into a shaft from top of a hill. At the end of the
adit a winze had been sunk, from which it was stated that nodules of copper pyrites
had been obtained. Enclosing rock, micaceous schists. He could not report
favorably. About a I of a mile W.S.W. an underlie shaft on the footwall of the
lode had been sunk 20ft. There were indications of copper.
GREAT BENOWRIE COPPER AND SILVER MINING COMPANY.—Situated 16 miles
from Mingary Railway Station. The secretary (Mr. O'Connell) states that the
property taken up by this company was 1,800 acres of Crown lands, and contains
about 10 lodes, with strike E. and W., and a width of 5ft. One shaft had been
sunk to a depth of 100ft., and a drive had been put in a distance of 20ft., the country
being granite. The ore readily dressed up to 20 per cent. The company went
into liquidation. (1899 edition.)
GREAT BRITAIN.-This copper mine is situated on the seashore at Port Wallaroo.
A shaft was sunk just above high-water mark, and a strong lode found. In rough
weather the high tides damaged the workings, and the directors were unable to
make provision against this difficulty. The mine is full of water, and, in 1890, had
remained so for some years.
GREAT BOULDER.-Situated about 16 miles from Wooltana Head Station, on
a range rising abruptly fully 250ft. above the plain level. The outcrop of the
formation shows strongly, and is in places of great width. It has been opened
out on the surface by various cross-trenches for a length of 150yds., the strike
being N.E. and S.W., with a W. underlie. Towards the N. portion of the work-
ings a shaft has keen sunk to a depth of 40ft. on the underlie, footwall side,
exposing siliceous lode matter over 4ft. wide; carrying a vein of copper-bearing
material from 18in. to 2ft. thick, containing copper glance, azurite, and malachite
bottom the copper contents are of much less value, showing that the shaft has
passed through the richer portion. About 1 chain N. of the present workings the
lode has been opened on the surface, disclosing a very encouraging prospect of green
carbonate ; this has the appearance of being a second shoot of ore striking in the
same direction and beneath the other, but this can only be determined by either
sinking the shaft deeper or continuing the work at the N. end, and the former would
be the best course to adopt.
Samples taken from the drive assayed :-
Dressed, ore, No. 1...... 6dwts. silver ...... 41 per cent. copper.
“ No. 2...... 6dwts. « ...... 34 "
(I.M.R., 5-7--00.)
.. 58
MINING RECORDS.
No. 1 shaft sunk 82ft.—45ft. vertical and then 37ft. on the incline of the lode ;
No. 2 shaft, 25ft. on the incline, following a quartz lode 4jft. thick, which carries
bunches and nodules of siliceous low-grade copper ore. About 50ft. S.W. along the
outcrop an inclined stope about 70ft. long connects with the vertical shaft at 32ft.
from the surface. This has been made on a vein of rich grey copper ore, striking
N. 54° E., dipping at an angle of 60° to the N.W., and varying from 6in. to 3ft. in
thickness. The ore occurs in a mullocky lode formation, with quartz, and in the
inclined stope a small vein of quartz and earthy iron oxide about lin. in thickness
strikes irregularly at right angles to the lode and dips along it S.W. at an angle of
23°. This appears to act as an indicator, as, where it intersects the lode, the copper
ore occurs above and below it. About 3 chains S.W. from these workings a lode of
quartz, heavily stained with green carbonate, strikes N. 54° E. ; it carries a little
grey ore in nodules. To the S.W. of this is a bed of siliceous slate, heavily stained
with blue and green carbonate, and showing crystals of azurite and malachite in
the cleavage joints and crevices. (George, 5–7–01.)
A further report states that at 32ft. in the shaft a drive has been put in S. 65º W.
for a distance of 40ft., and at the end a winze put down for 10ft. No ore showing,
and it seems to cut right out a few feet S.W. from the shaft. At the bottom
of the shaft, 82ft., a crosscut has been put in 18ft. N.W., but disclosed nothing
of value. Open cuts and surface prospecting, at places previously mentioned,
have only disclosed small and irregular seams and bunches of green carbonate,
associated with iron oxide. (George, 27–8–02.)
This now includes the Welcome Mine, vide page 147.
GREAT GLADSTONE COPPER MINE.—Situated 32 miles E. from Port Augusta,
on the slopes of low hills lying to the E. of Mount Brown. The country consists
of clayslate and quartz. There are several outcroppings of ore, and the backs of
the lodes consist chiefly of ironstone, but there are fine specimens of rich copper
ore, grey oxide, and brown ore, besides green carbonates and a little malachite.
Small particles of galena were also met with. Three shafts were sunk, varying
from 8 to 17 fathoms in depth, and drives were put in for some distance. This
mine is rich in specimens for the cabinet, the crystals of quartz stained with copper
and other metals being very beautiful. (Austin, 1863.) The Inspector of Mines
reported in March, 1890, a shaft had reached a depth of 100ft. going down between
two iron lodes, the gossan being argentiferous, sometimes yielding 500zs. silver to
the ton. The shaft should, with such a good prospect, be sunk to a much greater
depth, as the two lodes might unite and prove valuable for silver.
GREAT MOUNT LYNDHURST (also known as “ Clark's Mount Lyndhurst").—Lies
about 11 miles E.N.E. from Mount Lyndhurst Trig., on the top of a steep hill that
rises about 120ft. above the adjacent gully. The copper ore occurs here in a number
of closely adjoining gossan and quartz veins, which vary in thickness from 1ft. to
8ft. These cross light bluish flaggy, more or less concretionary, arenaceous slates
at a strike of N. 45° E., and dip N.W. at 40° to 45°. In the walls of these veins
and in the less regular hanging-walls there seem occasionally to occur pockets and
irregular veins of brown iron ore and grey oxide, intimately impregnated with
chloride and carbonate of copper. The ore, as seen in the heaps on the ground,
is of rather poor quality, consisting of a breccia-like mixture of concretionary
gossan and quartz, impregnated with chloride, carbonate, and grey oxide of copper.
The country lying between Barilla and Mount Lyndhurst, and for several miles N.,
presents quite an auriferous aspect, and well deserves to be prospected for gold.
(Ulrich, 1872.)
Inspector Parkes (October 6th, 1890) reported that there were several shafts
and pits on the property, all in bad condition. There was nothing like a lode show-
ing on the surface, but he saw small segregated veins crossing the strata not worth
developing. Again he inspected the mine (August 27th, 1895), and found that, a
shaft had been put down 50ft, on two small segregated veins, composed principally
of chalcccite, with small deposits of atacamite; strike N., 20° E., with dip N.N.W.
COPPER.
59
Two other shafts had been sunk, one 22ft. deep having a small but rich vein of
copper. In No. 5 shaft, 15ft. deep, is a strong vein carrying small bunches of
chalcccite equal to 50 per cent. copper. Ore to the value of £355 has been sent
away, and some was ready bagged.
The Government Geologist examined it in 1897, and reported that there are
numerous old shafts and cuttings on the various parallel lodes extending E. and W.,
and dipping N. The present workings consist of an underlie shaft sunk on a lode
with good walls striking N.E. and dipping N.W. at 45°, in slate and claystone.
The old workings, it is said, were carried to a depth of 100ft. only. The prospects
of obtaining ore are good.
The principal workings consist of a number of small shafts and openings on three
lode formations, which run from 2ft. to 5ft. in width, composed chiefly of shaly slate,
containing seams of quartz, coated with silicate of copper, and occasionally nodular
bunches of rich copper and malachite are met with. Sample taken assayed 350 per
cent. of copper. In the mineral claims, j a mile to the W., several small shafts and
openings have been made, the deepest being 15ft., without exposing any regular lode.
The formation is soft decomposed slate material, containing bunches of green car-
bonate scattered throughout. The copper-bearing formation appears large, and
of a very promising nature, and one or more shafts should be sunk to at least 100ft.
in depth, and crosscuts driven, when probably more continuous veins will be met
with. Work has been in progress on the mine for a considerable period, and 120
tons of ore, averaging 30 per cent. of copper, have been sent to the smelters. (I.M.R.,
3–8–99.)
A departmental report dated June 8th, 1902, states that the main workings dis-
close four approximately parallel lode bodies, which strike about N. 40° E., and
underlie about 50° N.W., and upon these seven shafts have been sunk. Going from
the main workings along the top of the hill, 14 outcrops are crossed in a distance
of 18 chains, all more or less stained with green carbonate, and worth prospecting.
About 3 chains E. from the main workings what appears to be an interstratified
lode formation has been exposed by a pit about 4ft, deep. It consists of ferruginous
argillaceous and siliceous material, stained with green carbonate. The thickness
has not been determined, but in the pit it shows over 3}ft. ; this is worth further
prospecting. The lateral extent of the shoots of ore in the main workings has in
no instance been determined. The system of working the property hitherto has
been to sink a shaft to a depth of 30ft. or 40ft., and to stope out the ore for a few
feet on each side, then abandon the working and start a new shaft. No attempt
has been made to sink to any depth and open out on the lode.
The account sales of copper ore obtained from the mine between September, 1892,
and May, 1902, show that 160 tons 16cwts. of ore, of a gross value of £2,434, were
sold. This is regarded as very encouraging, taking into consideration the low price
of copper obtaining during most of the period and the small amount of ground that
has been opened up to procure this ore.
About a mile W. from the main workings two shafts, 45ft. and 30ft. deep, and
numerous pits and costeans have been sunk over an area of about 2 acres in a soft,
whitish-colored slaty formation, which contains small irregular veins, bunches, and
nodules of grey ore and carbonate. At the bottom of the 30ft. shaft a little stoping
has been done, leaving a chamber which discloses a network of small veins from
din. to 4in. thick, consisting of ruby oxide, grey ore, and malachite. Ore was ob-
tained in every pit and costean put down, and further prospecting in the locality
is advisable. (George, 8-6-02.)
GREAT MONTEZUMA.-Locality, E. of and adjoining the Flinders Mine, Tumby.
Under date November 18th, 1898, it was reported that a securely timbered shaft
was down 82ft, on a well-defined lode, 2ft. wide, strike E. and W., and dipping
S.W., and carrying high-grade black oxide and green carbonates. A second shaft,
50yds. E., had proved the lode down to 32ft. 6in., and the width was found to be
from 2ft. 6in. to 3ft., carrying rich grey ore, intermixed with chlorides, &c.
Q
60
MINING RECORDS.
GREAT WHEÅL ORFORD (Reedy Creek).-Vide KITTICOOLA, page 70.
GREAT COPPER BELL.-Situated about 24 miles S.W. from Parabarana Hill. A
shaft has been sunk to a depth of 95ft., and drives made W. along the lode at 30ft.
and 50ft. from surface for 6ft. and 12ft. respectively. At the bottom of the shaft
the walls are well defined and about 15ft. apart, carrying between them four veins of
copper pyrites and black oxide of copper. The vein on the footwall is about 2in.
thick, and consists principally of black oxide, then a vein of quartz and copper pyrites
6in. thick, next another similar vein 12in. thick, and, on the hanging-wall, about
3in. of black oxide. The veins are separated from each other by soft argillaceous
mullock, of which the remainder of the formation is composed. In the drive at
50ft. the walls are 6ft. 6in. apart, enclosing about 3ft. of quartz, 4in. of which carries
good copper ore, and about 2ft. 8in. carrying a little copper, balance, 3ft. 6in.,
consists of mullock. At 30ft, the walls are 5ft. 6in. apart; on the footwall about
18in. of copper-stained quartz, with small bunches of carbonate. About a chain
W. another shaft, 35ft. deep, has been sunk on the lode, which averages 6ft, in thick-
ness and consists of quartz with copper carbonates. The lode strikes N. 70° W.,
and underlies almost vertically to the N. The country rocks consist of gneiss, and
binary granite. Owing to the dryness of the season the property was not being
worked. (George, 27–8–02.)
A recent inspection showed that this promising show was abandoned and that
the shaft had fallen in. (4–3–04.)
GREEN AND GOLD,—This mine is situated about 10 miles E.N.E. of Olary Rail-
way Station, and possesses a large lode formation of siliceous iron ore, contain-
ing a lode of copper pyrites and carbonate of copper about a foot wide. The walls
consist of micaceous schist and micaceous granite with garnets. The lode strikes
E.N.E., and an excavation made showed an increase in thickness. The rock forma-
tions are metamorphic granite, gneiss, and mica schist, with dykes of eruptive
granite. Near the surface coarse gold was said to have been frequently seen in the
copper, and fine gold can be obtained by crushing the gossan found in one of the
lodes. There are quartz outcrops on the neighboring hills, which should be pros-
pected for gold. (1889.)
GREEN HILL.-Situated about 3 miles N.E, of the Appealinna Mine. The loca-
tion is a rough, rugged hill, standing 200ft. above the level of the plain. There
is no appearance of any defined lode, but it is simply an enormous mass of country
rock impregnated with copper stains. In places there are bunches of good ore,
consisting of purple and green carbonates, also occasional patches of grey ore.
Several openings from 2ft. to 10ft. in depth have been sunk, and in most instances
the copper has cut out. There are, however, favorable points which should be
tested by small prospecting shafts, and, if successful, a main tunnel would thoroughly
test the value and facilitate the working. Samples of sorted ore broken from the
surface openings assayed 32 per cent. and 7 per cent. of copper. (I.M.R., 24-11-99.)
GRUNTHAL MINE.-Situated about 1 mile N. from the township of Grunthal.
There are two shafts, both nearly full of water. On the surface there are several
buildings, including an engine-house. The veinstone raised consisted of quartz,
calcspar, and gossan, with iron and copper pyrites. The country rocks are clay
slates and argillaceous sandstones, dipping E. The locality is a likely one for gold.
No information received concerning the past working of this mine. (1887.)
GREAT NORTHERN (Two BROTHERS) MINE.- Fourteen miles N.N.W. from Blin-
man Mine. A fair amount of work was done about 40 years ago. A lode of mica-
ceous iron and argillaceous mullock strikes N. 30° E., and underlies N.W. at an
angle of 40°. It has been exposed over the crown of a low hill, for a distance of
about 9 chains along its course, by short tunnels and open cuttings. It varies from
1ft. to 3ft. in thickness, and carries small isolated bunches of copper glance, fer-
ruginous copper ore, and carbonates, and was mined principally for flux for Sliding
Rock smelters. The footwall, though ribby, is smooth and sharply defined, but
no hanging-wall has been met with. The country rocks are banded slate and fine
quartzite, striking S. 35º W., underlie S.E. 30°. (George, 27–8–02.)
COPPER.
61
GUM WELL.-Situated about 56 miles E. of Petersburg, 2 miles W. from Gum
Well Station. This is an old mine with an open cutting, 30yds, in length and 10ft.
deep, and a shaft about 40ft. deep. In the cutting a quartz and ironstone reef is
disclosed, carrying copper ore. The strike of the reef is E.N.E. The rocks are
black and bluish calcareous slates and fine-grained slaty sandstone and limestone.
(1885.)
GURR'S COPPER VENTURE.-Situate on the Oopina Run, 8 miles N.W. from
Waukaringa. The Inspector of Mines reported, in February, 1891, that a shaft
had been sunk 20ft., cutting a small vein of ferricalcite carrying a little carbonate
of copper. From the vertical shaft an underlie had been sunk to a depth of 67ft.
At about 300ft. W. another shaft had been commenced. Vein small and poor.
HAMLEY MINE (KARKARILLA).— This forms one of the Moonta group, on Yorke
Peninsula. In the first instance (1861) a small company subscribed 20 shares,
taking up seven sections W. of Moonta Mines. Afterwards the present property
was secured. In March, 1862, ore was cut where the engine-shaft now stands, and
a second shaft was sunk. Carbonates and black and yellow ore were discovered at
17 fathoms, and then nothing of value until the depth of 40 fathoms was reached.
The mine shortly afterwards stopped work, but very soon a reconstruction under the
present name led to a renewal of operations, with successful results. The veinstone
associated with the metallic minerals is quartz and felspar, and the country rock is
hard and close. The quantity of ore raised (February, 1887) equalled 41,814 tons,
of the value of £333,739, and the average value of the copper was 20 per cent.
Nine shafts have been sunk, the deepest of which is 153 fathoms. The ore occurs
in a regular defined lode, with occasional bunches. (1887.) The description given
(1890) by Mr. J. S. Scott, secretary to the company, is as follows:-“This company
holds a lease of Crown lands adjacent to the Moonta Mine. The property contains
six lodes, which strike N. 12° E., and have an average underlie of 3ft. per fathom.
They vary in width from 1ft. to 6ft., with here and there deposits which go from
10ft. to 15ft, in width. There are nine shafts, and their several depths are 165,
120, 100, 90, 80, 65, 60, 40, and 30 fathoms, following the dip of the lode. The total
length of drives is 2,550 fathoms, and crosscuts have been driven to the total extent
of 250 fathoms. The matrix of the ore is quartz, and occasionally portions of the
bedrock, the walls of the lodes being composed of porphyry. The ore is a chalcopyrite,
from 20 per cent. to 30 per cent., and bornite 50 per cent., and the yield is from 1
to 4 tons per fathom.” It is stated that £58,899 has been distributed in dividends
among the shareholders. Six months return at end of 1898—deepest shaft, 175
fathoms; ore raised, 2031 tons, averaging 225 per cent.
Official returns for the years 1903-6 show that during this period 17,756 tons of
ore were raised, yielding 3,636 tons of concentrates worth from 14 per cent. to 17
per cent. copper.
THE HAMILTON MINE.-Situated in the Mount Fitton district, near the Hamilton
Creek, and 24 miles from Billy's Springs. For a distance of about 575yds. in length
a large number of openings and several small shafts have been sunk; the latter
range from 12ft. to 60ft, in depth, the deepest being sunk on the footwall portion
of the lode, which contains veins and bunches of good ore, and extends the full
width of the shaft, from the surface to its present depth. In another shaft, sunk
to a depth of 15ft., a solid body of green carbonates and grey ore, 4ft. wide,
is exposed, a bulk assay from which gave 21 per cent. of copper. In all the other
workings the usual class of ore shows to a greater or less extent, but in no instance
has the width of the lode been tested. The Inspector of Mines expresses his
opinion that this is one of the best prospected and most encouraging of mines,
and that it should improve in value with development. (I.M.R., 1-8-99.)
In July, 1900, the inspector reports that during the last 11 months the work
of prospecting, principally by surface openings, has been continued, and in each
instance green carbonate and grey ore has been exposed. The pit then being
worked is situated on top of the range, 350ft. above the level of the creek; the
62
MINING RECORDS.
..
......
....
depth was 10ft., showing lode matter 3ft. wide, containing veins and bunches
of high-grade green carbonate, grey ore, and copper glance, giving very good
average in bulk. The development is encouraging, and sinking should be con-
tinued. Samples taken from this place assayed as under :-
First sorted ore ...... 2oz. 10dwts. silver .... 614 per cent. copper.
Second
...... 7oz. silver............ 48 "
Third 66
- ............ 30 6.
(I.M.R., 5–7–00.)
No extensive operations in the way of development have yet been done here,
but prospecting by shallow shafts and costeans continues, the deepest shaft being
55ft. Seventeen tons of 48 per cent. ore have been sent away up to date. (4–3–04.)
HAMILTON'S CLAIM.—A new find, about 14 miles from Yudnamutana, on the
road to the Daly Mine. The lode strikes S. 60° E., underlies S.W., and, so far as
opened up, is about 4ft. 6in. thick. It consists of calcareous, ferruginous, and
siliceous breccia. On the footwall side it is more highly ferruginous, and consists
principally of spathic iron and iron oxides, and contains small bunches and nodules
of grey and ferruginous copper ore, a little green carbonate, and copper sulphide.
Very little work had been done at time of inspection. Worth sinking upon and
prospecting at depth. A sample taken assayed —- copper, 18.7 per cent. ; silver,
loz. 7dwts.; and gold a trace. (George, 25-4-04.)
HARRIS Hill COPPER MINE.—Situate 2 miles N. from Tumby. Has two defined
lodes running E. and W., and 27ft. apart. From a small hole close to the main
lode half a ton of green carbonate and red oxide ore was taken. In August, 1897,
four shafts had been sunk to a depth of 15ft. Two of the lodes yield red oxide
of copper, assaying 254 per cent. There are also green and blue carbonates and
sulphate of copper.
HARVEY'S RETURN.-Situated about 4 miles S. of Beltana. The locality is in
flat country, and the lode formation being overlain by alluvial is difficult to trace,
except in places where detached outcrops appear. Two shafts, 55ft. and 75ft.
deep, have been sunk, disclosing lode matter which from 18in. at the surface
gradually makes larger in depth. The material is of a siliceous nature, containing
chiefly green carbonates associated with iron. About 14 tons of ore have been
raised at various times, ranging from 4 per cent. to 16 per cent. A sorted sample
of ore taken near the surface N. of the 55ft. shaft assayed 201 per cent. The strike
of the lode is N. and S., and the dip almost vertical. The enclosing rock is slate
of a favorable character, and the vein is promising enough to be further prospected,
at first by driving from the present shaft at the most favorable points. (I.M.R.,
6–12–99.)
HEYWARD's.—Mineral claim 1323, adjoining the Koona Mine, near Tumby Bay.
A few trial pits have been sunk in various places, and one shaft sunk to a depth of
about 30ft. The lode matter is 2ft. 6in. thick, showing blue and green carbonates
of copper freely. Further sinking and development is recommended. (I.M.R.,
7-9-99.) .
HILLSIDE COPPER MINE. — This property was formerly a portion of the old
Kapunda Copper Mine, which on discontinuing was divided into three separate
portions. The Hillside portion comprises about 50 acres adjoining the Kapunda
Mine on its S. boundary, and, from the strike, the lodes in the latter mine will
evidently pass through the former. Towards the centre of the property there has
been exposed by a trial pit a strong siliceous lode formation, 3ft. wide, striking N.
and S. in a direct line for Dutton's Hill. The same formation crops to the surface
about 500yds. further S., showing that it is continuous, and, although not contain-
ing any copper on the surface, should be prospected by one or more trial shafts
to the water-level, say, to the depth of 70ft, or 80ft., at which point, in that locality,
the copper contents usually become more pronounced than near the surface. The
principal workings have been confined to the S.E. portion of the property, a con-
tinuation of the lodes worked by the Kapunda. They consist of a large number
COPPER
63
of small shafts, from 20ft. to 50ft. in depth, from which at various times, and mainly
by tributers, have been extracted large quantities of high-grade material, yielding
at times over 40 per cent. copper. The ore was mainly green and blue carbonates,
with small quantities of azurite occurring irregularly throughout the formation.
The enclosing rock is of a soft aluminous character, apparently of great width, and
extending for a considerable length. In the early days a shaft was sunk slightly
S. of these workings to the depth of 155ft., and, so far as could be ascertained from
reliable sources, disclosed lode matter from 12in. to 18in, wide, consisting of black
oxide of copper, first products returning 45 per cent., second 26 per cent.; but
owing to the suspension of the main workings in the Kapunda Mine and the water
rising to within 70ft. of the surface, all work therein was discontinued. To develop
this property it would be advisable to sink one or more trial shafts on the siliceous
formation, which could be done at a low price per foot; also a main shaft, 11ft.
by 4ft., timbered and divided into three compartments, should be sunk in the vicinity
of the continuation of Hart's, Dunstan's, Magor's, and Tratton's lodes to the depth
of from 300ft. to 400ft. This would unwater a considerable extent of unexplored
ground, and, from general indications, would leave large quantities of ore available
for working, that, with the present facilities of railway communication and other
advantages, should be highly remunerative. Owing to the soft, friable nature of
the rock the proposed work should not be of an expensive nature. I have no
hesitation whatever in classing this property as a sound, legitimate mining venture
that has every reasonable chance of success, and will fully justify any expenditure
that may be required to open up the mine. (I.M.R., 19-4-05.)
HUNDRED OF HAWKER, SEC. No. 75.-Situated 17 miles W. of Franklin
Harbor. The bedrock qutcrops in the higher portion of this section, showing in
places lodes and veins of copper-bearing material, and on one of these a shaft has
been sunk to a depth of 25ft., exposing a lode formation about 4ft. wide, composed
chiefly of slate and veins of lode matter containing seams of blue and green car-
bonates of copper associated with iron. Fair samples can be picked, but in bulk
the value is very low; this may improve in depth, and the shaft should be continued
for another 25ft. as a test.
Sample from shaft bottom .................. 2 per cent. copper.
quartz and ironstone............ "
quartz and pyrites.............. trace of gold only.
(I.M.R., 31–7–01.)
HERCULES COPPER MINE.- Situate about 6 miles N. from Waukaringa.
Inspector Parkes reported (29–8–90) three distinct segregated veins ; general
strike S.S.W., with dip E.S.E. 45° ; country rock, indurated sandstone and slates.
A shaft had been sunk 44ft. on W. vein; at the bottom the vein pinched and was
of no value. Another sinking had opened upon a lode consisting of quartz and
copper, and he advised that prospecting by deeper sinking should be carried out.
Work has recently been restarted here. (1907.)
IRON KING COPPER PROSPECT.-Situate about 20 miles E. from Hawker, hundred
of Adams. In January, 1897, the Government Geologist examined the claim and
found that there was an outcrop of magnetite (magnetic iron oxide) some 60ft. wide
and 12 chains long, striking in a N.E. direction through vertical beds of clay rock,
calcareous slates, and limestone. The indications are not sufficient to warrant
much outlay beyond surface prospecting.
Broken Hill Workings.--Here an outcrop of ironstone rises about 20ft. above the
surface; it is about 100ft. in length and 40ft. thick. Vertical shaft sunk on N.
side of the outcrop; water-level, 130ft. E. from this a second shaft has been
sunk, 48ft. deep, with drive N. from bottom of 12ft. through copper-stained slate.
No evidence of a lode. Samples from outcrop gave, on assay, no return of gold or
silver, and 42 per cent. copper. (George, 5–7-01.)
64
MINING RECORDS.
Ivy QUEEN (formerly known as “Niltibury').-Situated about 8 miles N.W.
of Blinman. The then Inspector of Mines (Mr. D. D. Rosewarne), reporting June
1st, 1889, states that the mine has been worked for silver and lead, the latter assay-
ing up to 711 per cent. ; the silver is in very small proportion, in six samples not
reaching 50zs. Much work has been done. No. 1 shaft is sunk 96ft., and there
is a strong vughy lode carrying pockets of manganese and plumbago; it strikes
N.W.W. underlying slightly E. No. 2 shaft is 87ft. deep, and shows a small branch
of lead all the way; the lode is split, but, judging from the underlies of the branches,
will unite in depth again; the two outcrops are 100ft. apart. A crosscut was put
in from the bottom of No. 2 shaft to cut the W. branch ; this was stopped at 50ft.,
when a few feet more should cut the branch. Costeaning on the W. outcrop has
exposed a good show of lead ore; this should be an inducement to continue the
crosscut and test this portion of the lode at the 87ft. level. To the W. a shaft has
been sunk 49ft., exposing a fair show of argentiferous lead and carbonate of copper ;
the surface is covered with limestone. On the N. end of the claim a tunnel has been
driven 100ft. into the hill. The main lode on this property shows lead in patches
for 2 miles, and it is a true fissure lode ; it is well worthy of a thorough trial in depth,
and apparently No. 2 shaft is the best place for this. Some old workings show
massive lead ore, and it can scarcely be possible to see such surface prospects in
conjunction with a true lode unless payable deposits exist. (I.M.R., 1–6–89).
Twelve years later the Inspector ((Mr. W. H. Matthews) reports :- It is traversed
for a considerable distance by a strong crystalline limestone outcrop showing copper
stains and manganese. A shaft has been sunk to the depth of 50ft., disclosing a
formation from 12ft. to 15ft. wide, carrying bunches of high-grade copper, chiefly
grey ore, copper glance, and green carbonates, which was worked for about 70ft.
in length. Owing to the amount of debris in the shaft bottom and drives, these
could not be inspected; but it was stated that at the 50ft. level a fault or slide had
come in, making the ore of less value, and this had determined the original company
to discontinue work. The syndicate then working was engaged in cleaning up the
workings and timbering the shaft, with the object of sinking deeper—the proper
course to adopt. Sample from the dump, said to have been raised from the shaft
bottom, assayed 43 per cent. copper per ton, and sorted sample from cleaning out
of the old workings gave 61 per cent., and a considerable amount of iron,
valuable for smelting purposes. The prospects are considered favorable. (I.M.R.,
26–3–01.)
JAGO AND HARRIS'S PROSPECT.-Locality, hundred of Uroonda. There is an
outcrop of limestone, quartz, and gossan, containing copper pyrites and carbonates,
the formation being in one place 2ft. 6in. wide ; strike N. 50° E. The prospectors
have sunk shallow shafts and excavations, and an assay return of sample gave
34 per cent. of copper.
Copper ore has also been discovered and prospected to a small extent on section
20, Uroonda, and on mineral section 5777, Moockra.
JOHN BULL MINE.—Situated about 4 miles E. from the township of Beltana,
The original finders, four miners, worked on these claims for 12 months, without
the aid of machinery. The lode, as it appeared on the surface, was almost flat.
About 50 tons of ore were tried, and gave nearly 45 per cent. without dressing.
(1860–9). In 1899 two men were working on a very flat vein of copper from 2in. to
jin. thick, enclosed in hard indurated slate, and assaying up to 43 per cent. for
fine copper. In the vicinity the ground was worked for alluvial deposits of copper
slugs. A report dated 27–8–02 states that an inclined tunnel, a vertical shaft,
and several pits and costeans have been made in brown and blue fissile highly
fractured clayslates lying very flat, strike N.E. and S.W., underlie N.W. at about
10°. A portion of the bed is stained for a thickness varying from lin. to 12in. with
carbonate, while copper glance occurs in the stained part, the joints, and also along
the bedding for thickness of from fin, to lin.
COPPER.
.65
: JUNCTION (Leigh Creek).—-Prospected by a number of shafts and trial pits, the
deepest being 33ft., or water-level. In almost every instance a decomposed slate
material was exposed, containing small veins and nodules of green carbonate, but
no defined lode was then visible. (I.M.R., 2–7–00.)
KANAPPA MINE.-Situate on section 1836, hundred of Angas, and 37 miles E.N.E.
from Adelaide. The Government Geologist inspected this mine (July, 1898),
which was worked five years after its discovery in 1867, producing, it was stated,
300 tons of copper ore. The mine was again taken up 15 years ago, and 80 or 90
tons of ore was raised in 12 months. The original shaft, 50ft. deep, and the drives
were full of water. Recent workings include open cuts and shallow shafts on the
lɔde. Samples from the spoil heaps and copper-ore tailings assayed from 4dwts.
12grs. to 5dwts. 23grs. gold, and from 3dwts. 30grs. to 8dwts. 13grs. silver. Samples
from recent workings showed a trace of gold. The recommendation of the Govern-
ment Geologist was that prospecting at depth should be carried on for copper and
gold.
The Inspector of Mines states :— Very little recent work has been done. The
principal workings that could be examined consist of a tunnel and open cuttings.
The former has been driven about 150ft., intersecting the lode, which carries a
vein of copper-bearing material about 18in. wide, of rather low value; from the
back of the tunnel a portion of the lode has been stoped, but as the workings were
not in a safe condition, it could not be examined. From the tunnel level a winze
has been sunk. It was stated that the depth was 60ft., with good ore remaining
in the bottom, but the condition of the workings and the winze being partly filled
with mullock, prevented any inspection being made. The surface workings show
the lode formation to be, in places, from 3ft. to 5ft. wide, containing a vein of
copper-bearing matter on the footwall. In one portion of the open cut a shaft has
been sunk about 40ft., the character of the material being, so far as could be seen,
of a siliceous nature, carrying blue and green carbonates and yellow ore. A sample
taken from a small selected parcel, supposed to have been raised from the bottom,
returned 10 per cent, copper per ton. There are other shafts and workings on the
property, but apparently as the ore is removed the workings are allowed to fall in,
consequently no opinion as to their value can be formed. (I.M.R., 29–11–02.)
KANYAKA MINE.-Situated in the hundred of Kanyaka. In a country con-
sisting chiefly of pipeclay, decomposed slate, and soft sandstone, there is a very
well-defined'lode, having near the surface the appearance of indurated clay, strongly
stained with copper, and containing occasional stones of ore of fair average per-
centage. The lode is from 2ft. to 30in. in width, but is rather flat, dipping from the
horizontal only about 2ft. in the fathom. A great deal of gypsum is found at the sides
of the lode. Several shafts have been sunk, the deepest of which is 15 fathoms,
and these are connected by drives extending for about 40 fathoms. (Austin, 1863.)
Situated about 4 miles N.N.E. from Gordon Railway Station. Work on this
mine has recently been resumed, and about 200 tons of ore have been treated, for
an average value of 10 per cent. There are a number of shafts and surface open-
ings, in no instance of any great depth, extending for fully 200yds. along the for-
mation, which strikes N.W. and S.E., the matrix being decomposed slate and sand-
stone, strongly copper-stained, with bunches and deposits of good-grade material in
the form of blue and green carbonates, and a lesser proportion of azurite. At the
S. end the formation is from 2ft. to 3ft. wide, underlying steeply. At the N.,
in addition to small shafts, there is an open cut 50ft. by 12ft., and 25ft. deep; forma-
tion here is 4ft. to 6ft. wide, composed of soft gritty sandstone, with green and blue
carbonates freely disseminated through the material, which can be dressed up
from 10 per cent. to 12 per cent. The sinking of a shaft opposite the open cut would
give an opportunity of proving the ground below the witer-line, and as the country
rock is of a friable nature, and working comparatively inexpensive, this develop-
ment is to be recommended. Two samples taken from the open cut returned
64 per cent. and 17 per cent. of copper respectively. (I.M.R., November, 1900.)
66
MINING RECORDS.
KANYAKA, SEC. 98.-Radford's Creek, about 8 miles from Gordon. For a
considerable width the country rock is soft slate and sandstone, portions being
very much kaolinised. In this, at various points, three small trial shafts have been
sunk, and in one of these a copper-bearing formation, from 2ft. to 3ft. wide, has
been exposed ; it strikes N.E., and a sample taken gave 41 per cent. of copper.
The country rock is soft and friable; the prospecting of the property would not be
expensive, and the prospects are good enough to warrant the sinking of one or
more shafts on the line of lode, and crosscuts driven through the kaolinised matter,
which in several places, for a considerable width, shows encouraging traces of
copper. By this, any veins and formations at present not visible, owing to the
overlaying material, would probably be intersected. (I.M.R., 26-10-00.)
KANMANTOO MINE.-Situated 33 miles S.E. of Adelaide, in the property of the
South Australian Company. It was worked by them from 1846 to 1852, yielding
3,410 tons of fair ore. It was found, however, that the expenses were greater than
the profits, and work ceased. Subsequently mining has been carried on by small
local companies at different times, but never at a profit, and the mine was not
worked for some years. Mr. J. B. Austin wrote in 1863 as follows :-
The principal lodes are the Kangaroo, Emily's, and the Boundary lode. The two first run
N. and S., and the latter is a counter lode. The first lode yielded yellow ore of a moderate
percentage. Emily's lode gave large quantities of yellow ore, which at the 10-fathom level
gave place to red oxide and native copper. Two levels have been driven on the lode at 16 and
26 fathoms respectively. The copper produced at the smelting works from the ore now being
raised amounts to about 12 tons per month. A great amount of work has been done at this
mine since its commencement. The South Australian Company raised about 4,000 tons of ore,
and opened a large extent of ground. Mr. W. B. Dawes, the subsequent lessee, raised about
1,900 tons. Smelting works were built in the neighborhood of Scott's Creek, and consisted of a
calcining, a reverberatory, and a refining furnace, and other necessary buildings.
The Inspector of Mines, reporting in 1889, said the shafts had caved in by reason
of non-working, but that the large open quarries bore evidence of the size of the
bunches of carbonate ore worked. The series of lodes and crosscourses make
lenticular bunches of ore in a lode bearing N. and S. About 15,000 tons of ore
had been got by occasional working during a period covering 30 years. The water
proceeding from one of the crosscuts holds sufficient copper in solution to yield
precipitates of high grade, which would supply a regular income for opening up
the mine, which is not yet explored beyond the 30-fathom level. The Inspector
added that a mine that had from carbonate ores given such returns as shown in this
case, and that had not been worked deeper than the 30-fathom level, should certainly
have a reasonable amount of expenditure in opening up thoroughly, and erecting
the necessary dressing machinery.
KANMANTOO MINE WEST.—Situated on a section adjoining the last-mentioned
mine; but no great amount of work done upon it, nor any special results recorded.
Some good carbonates were obtained in one part of the mine. (Austin, 1863.)
The Inspector of Mines says (1889) this property has the Paringa lodes, and is
worthy of further test. With sufficient capital to provide dressing machinery
and open up the mine, payable returns might be expected. A bin. lift would keep
the mine dry and low-grade ore might be made to give returns, because of the possi-
bility of economical working, and the proximity of the railway.
KAPUNDA MINE.—Situated N. of Adelaide some 50 miles. It is the oldest copper
mine in South Australia, having been discovered in 1842 by Mr. Francis S. Dutton
and Mr. Charles Samuel Bagot. The workings are on hilly ground of moderate
elevation. The first ore was raised at the Kapunda Mine on January 8th, 1844;
and on the 23rd of the same month, five dray loads were dispatched to Adelaide.
The news of the discovery had the effect of stimulating the search for minerals in
all directions. There are four lodes, of widths varying from 4ft. to 6in. The main
lode is intersected by Cox's lode at an angle of 25°. Hart's lode crossed both Main
and Cox's, and it was there that the best deposits of ore were discovered. The
direction of the lodes is N. 25° E., and the underlię as a rule is 2ft. in the fathom.
Associated with the metallic minerals is a run of blue decomposed slate on the E.
COPPER.
67
and N., red soapstone on the W., and on the N.W. a hard dark rock which dips
toward the S., and though seen on the surface is not again met with until a depth
of 75 fathoms is reached. The proportion of metal to the ton is about 184 per cent.
There are eight shafts, comprising two of 75 fathoms, one of 35 fathoms, and five
ranging from 14 to 25 fathoms. The water-level is 8 fathoms below the surface.
On the 14th June, 1879, the mine was sold under liquidation, and from that date to
about May, 1886, was worked by tributers. The ore raised by them is valued at
about £9,000. In Harcus's “ South Australia,” 1876, Mr. J. B. Austin stated that
the quantity raised from the time of the opening of the mine until it was sold averaged
2,000 tons per year, or a total of about 70,000 tons. At the 75-fathom level an
exceedingly rich lode of from 2ft. to 3ft. in width was found, consisting of yellow
sulphide of copper, said to be equal to 24 per cent. Mr. Alfred R. C. Selwyn,
Government Geologist of Victoria, who visited the Kapunda Mines in 1859, remarks :
The mines are, worked in a very peculiar soft aluminous rock of various colors—from pure
white passing into pink and red, grey, and blue. Frequently it is either covered with spots or
traversed at right angles to the beds by thin veins or streaks of a pure white soft mineral, probably
silicate of alumina. The galleries are all driven with pickaxe and spade, the rock seldom being
hard enough to render the use of powder necessary. The general dip of the beds near Kapunda
is W. 10° to 20° S. The veins, of which there are several running in parallel lines, N. by E.,
and S. by W., have also a W. underlie from 25° to 80°. To the N.E. they all terminated
abruptly in a soft dark-blue pyritous slate, which runs N. E. and S.W., dipping to the N.W.
from 250 to 70°. On their S. strike the veins are all intersected by a series of nearly E. and W.
faults, throwing them to the E. in steps. The ores, blue and green carbonates and red and black
oxides and native copper, seem to occur in very irregular veins and patches occasionally in the
planes of the bedding.
The opper from this mine, it is stated, has always, because of its purity, com-
manded the highest price in the world given for that metal.
Under date March 3rd, 1899, the Government Geologist reports :-
Owing to the mine being flooded, examination was confined to an inspection of the
open cuts and surface workings. Verbal information concerning the lower workings
was obtained from the miners hereunder named, who were connected with the mine
in a practical way at the time that it was in full working order, namely, Messrs.
Mehennett and son, Truscott and son, Hooper, and Williams; and also the reports
furnished to the proprietors severally by Captain F. B. Oldham (who was engaged
on the mine many years prior to 1867), by H. T. Truscott, of Kapunda, and R. J.
Hooper, also of Kapunda, both miners, were studied. .
The evidence collected shows that there are several lodes, which strike more or
less meridianally and dip in a W. direction, in some cases crossing one another.
The outcrops of four of these lodes were pointed out to me, namely, Dunstan's
lode, Hart's, Magor's, and main lode. These are all to the E. of Harris's shaft,
and the three first named strike N. 10° to 15° E., whilst main lode strikes N. 16° W.
They all dip to the W.
Harris's shaft is 80 fathoms (480ft.) deep. By a drive put in at 70 fathoms
Dunstan's, Harts, Tratton's, and Magor's lodes were cut in 25 fathoms of driving,
Dunstan's lode was reached at a distance of 6 or 7 fathoms E. from the shaft, and
was stoped upwards from the 70-fathoms to the 30-fathoms level for about 25
fathoms in length. Hart's lode was stoped from the 70-fathoms to the 40-fathoms
level for a length of about 40 fathoms. This is described as the best lode in the
mine. Tratton's lode, which is said to be a large one, was stoped up to 30 fathoms
for 30 fathoms in length. Magor's lode was similarly stoped. Main lode bears
evidence of having been worked along the surface by open cut for about 350ft.
At the time of my visit rich ore was being raised by a tributer from a shaft sunk
on an unworked block of this lode below the open cut.
Buhl engine shaft is 132 fathoms W.N.W. from Harris's shaft, and is 75 fathoms
deep. These two shafts are connected by a level at the depth of 70 fathoms. Main
lode was cut in this level to the E. of Buhl shaft, and was stoped up to the surface
for about 100 fathoms along the lode, which was well defined and had a width of
6ft. where cut. Further E. is another lode, named “Robert's," which was worked
down to a depth of 30 fathoms, and for a length of about 20 fathoms.
68
MINING RECORDS.
The lodes above mentioned appear to be the chief lodes in the mine, and those
which have been worked at the lowest level, 70 fathoms. But, besides these, two
other lodes, namely, Richards's and Hodge's, were cut in a level which connected
Buhl engine shaft and Gribbin's shaft at a depth of 60 fathoms.
Richards's lode is 10 fathoms N.W. from Buhl engine shaft. Its course is N. and S.
with a dip W., and it was stoped out for a length of 15 or 20 fathoms. Hodge's
lode is 7 fathoms N.W. of Richards's; it was very rich, and was stoped for a length
of 15 to 18 fathoms..
Between Gribbia's and Charlotte shafts (which are connected by a level driven
at 50 fathoms) two lodes, the Charlotte and another, have been cut, and worked
above that level. W. of Charlotte shaft the Wheal Dutton lode has been worked
down to 37 fathoms for 18 or 20 fathoms in length. At Stockyard shaft, which is
40 fathoms deep, there are three lodes striking N. 10° E. They are named the
Western, Middle, and Eastern lodes. At Hillside, in the adjoining section and in
a line with main lode, there are two parallel lodes, 4 to 5 fathoms apart, which have
been worked for 25 fathoms in depth and about 20 fathoms in length. These are
said to have been rich in copper.
Captain Oldham states that some 50 tons of fine copper were shipped monthly
from this mine for England during a period of 10 or 12 years, and that thousands
of tons of ore were sold to the Burra Burra Company during the same period. Also
that the Wheal Dutton was one of the best lodes; and that the deepest shaft in
his time was the Buhl shaft, which had been sunk to 70 fathoms.
H. T. Truscott states that the deepest shaft, Harris's, is down to 80 fathoms,
and that there is a " splendid” lode at that depth still unworked. He further states
that the workings in this shaft were abandoned because of an influx of water.
R. T. Hooper states (September 20th, 1898) that the deepest shaft was Harris's,
which was down to 80 fathoms, and from which was worked the Hart and Dunstan's
lodes, at a depth of 70 fathoms, these lodes being left “strong and productive"
under foot; also that from the stockyard shaft, which was 30 fathoms deep, two
lodes were worked which contained rich copper ore and were very “promising."
He adds that tributers have been at work in the property ever since the suspension
of the mine in 1878, raising ore from different places down to a depth of 10 fathoms,
which is the water-level.
The primary cause of the abandonment of this mine is stated to have been the
great influx of water in Harris's shaft at a depth of 80 fathoms, and the incapacity
of the pumping power to cope with it.
The existence of several of the lodes which have been mentioned may be traced
by the surface excavations and remains of lode outcrops. And as regards the value
of the mine, the fact that large quantities of ore have been raised from workings
of a limited depth-the deepest shaft being only 480ft.-places the question beyond
doubt, besides corroborating the statements of the miners who formerly worked in
the mine, to the effect that the lodes were numerous and rich in ore.
It is not at all probable that these lodes die out or become unproductive at such
a comparatively shallow depth as that above mentioned, and I am therefore of
opinion that this mine is a most valuable one, and would well repay for reworking
thoroughly and systematically. As the lodes all dip W., a main shaf should be
sunk in that direction, as far as practicable, to a depth of 100 fathoms, and at that
depth a level should be driven eastward to cut and drain the lodes.
It is doubtful whether any of the old shafts are in sufficiently good repair to allow
of their being reopened and sunk to a greater depth, although some of them might
be found of use after the ground and workings had been drained by means of a
deep shaft.
As to the results likely to be obtained at deeper levels, the probabilities are vastly
in favor of there being as good or better returns secured from below the depth of
420ft. as have been got from above that level. The copper ores found comprise
native copper, green and blue carbonates, red and black oxide, copper glance,
COPPER.
copper pyrites, and doubtless other rarer ores. The rock formation containing the
principal lodes consists of kaolinised claystone of various colors from white to blue.
Generally it is soft, but sometimes it is indurated. The average strike is N. 10°
to 20 ° W., and the dip is W., at 25°.
Captain Osborne, who was manager from 1866 to 1879, stated that the progressive
work of the mine as regards shaft-sinking ceased in 1866, except that Harris's shaft,
already 40 fathoms deep, was sunk down to 80 fathoms. The work carried on
during the period indicated was mostly that performed by tributers, who raised ore
from the lodes above the 70-fathom level, paying the company a royalty. He
further states that the shoots of ore in the lodes he is acquainted with in the neighbor-
hood of Harris's shaft were short, and the thickness of the lodes was on the average
about 1ft., but Dunstan's lode was 2ft. wide on the average. Hart's lode at 80
fathoms depth was broken up into boulders, but the ore was worth 50 per cent.
for copper. The underlie was 2ft. per fathom W. The ground was very soft when
wet, but stood well when drained. The influx of water, when in 1878 Dunstan's
lode was struck at the 80-fathom level, proved too much for the pumps.
Captain Osborne superintended the working at this mine of Henderson's process
for leaching copper from poor ores. Large quantities of rock containing about
1 per cent. of copper were excavated and treated. After being washed, and by this
means concentrated to about 24 per cent., the ore was submitted to the leaching
process, the copper being afterwards precipitated from the solution.
In other official publications the total value of ore sold is estimated at £1,000,000
sterling.
From statistics obtained through Captain Osborne from the manager of the
English and Australian Copper Company, at Port Adelaide, the following table,
showing the copper ore and precipitates purchased from the Kapunda Copper
Company, has been compiled as a complete record of the sales during the period
from 1870 to 1878, inclusive :-

Assas.
• Assay.
Ycar.
Ore Sold.
Precipitates Sold.
Total Value.
Average.
Highest.
Lowest.
Average.
Highest.
Lowest.
1870
26
57g
1871
311
Tons c. Q.
(21cwts.)
765 10 2
1,317 18 21 21
1,730 13 0 131
1,838 15 2 1
1,391 12 2
1,250 13 0
1,428 10 il
1,194 17 1 || 15%
314 7 2
1346
Tons c. Q.
(21cwts.)
374 17 10 597
249 19 2 061
51 8 1 592
155 15 0
121 13 1
129 4 0
120 6 0
190 12 2
91 0 2 7613
66
1872
1873
1874
1875
1876
1877
1878
14
£ 8. d.
21,347 15 2
21,581 8 6
19,186 15 3
21,971 16 10
17,385 2 6
16,681 5 4
17,350 10 11
16,026 4 5
5,619 11 0
|
6015
145
15146
COOOOOOOOO
03_2
69
wooooo
com|011
6 ;
31-12
11,235 200 || 1676
1,484 16
1 || 644
6156,883
9 11
This table speaks for itself; it is in reality a reliable record of the copper raised
from the mine during the nine years mentioned from above the 420ft. level, from
lodes that had been worked previously for a period of more than 20 years. It is
also evidence of the value of the property as a mining venture. (Government
Geologist, 3–3–99.)
The Inspector of Mines, Mr. W. H. Matthews, also examined the property, and
reported October 2nd, 1899 :—Situated mile S. of Kapunda. A portion of the
workings is on rising ground, about 60ft. above the level of the plain. The country
consists chiefly of rich black soil, through which runs a strongly mineralised belt.
striking N.W., and fully 600yds. in width ; this is traversed by a large number of
70
MINING RECORDS.
lodes and veins, running in diagonal direction, and, where crossing the mineral-
bearing strata, making large deposits of rich copper-bearing material. The principal
lodes worked towards the N. end of the mine are Charlotte's, Dutton's, and Daw's;
towards the centre of the property, Langon's, Thomas's, Richards’, Coyle's,
Robert's, and the main lode; towards the S. end, Tratton's, Magor's, Hart's, and
Dunstan's. These each vary in places from 1ft. to 6ft. in width. On the surface
the workings extend for fully 1,200yds. in length, and comprise several main
shafts, the deepest being Harris's, 480ft., and a series of open cuts, from 30ft. to
60ft. in depth, and of great length and width. These open cuts are detached,
as apparently the large ore bodies occurred where each group of lodes and
veins crossed the mineral-bearing country, which is composed of aluminous
rock, principally white, pink, and red, of a soft and friable nature, easily worked,
and, if kept clear of water, requiring very little timber. With the exception of
a little tributing, all operations have been suspended for 20 years (2-10-99), and
as the water was within 80ft. of the surface, it was impossible to examine the under-
ground workings, or describe them, except from information, which there is every
reason to believe is correct, gleaned from persons who had been employed in the mine
during the time that active operations were in progress. From the lowest point in
Harris's shaft, 480ft., a crosscut was driven E., intersecting three distrinct lodes,
each from 2ft. to 3ft, wide, containing ore of good value ; but the influx of water being
so strong the pumping appliances were not of sufficient power to keep the works
from being flooded, and the price of copper at that time being low, all work
was discontinued. At the same time, on the E. side of the workings, to-
wards the N. end of the mine, a pyritic lode, from 8ft. to 10ft. wide, worth 14 per
cent., was being worked. A large number of drives have also been cut, connecting
the various shafts, and a considerable amount of stoping has been done, producing,
in nine years, 11,235 tons, giving an average value of slightly over 16 per cent.,
also 1,484 tons of precipitates, yielding an average of over 64 per cent., which
returned a total value of £156,883. Since that time there have been usually from six
to eight men employed on tribute above the water-level and dressing ore from
dumps. After making the most exhaustive inquiries, and a very careful examina-
tion of the property to the water-level, the inspector expresses the opinion that
there are still large deposits of ore to be extracted below the 400ft. level, and advises
the sinking of a main shaft W. of the present workings, to a depth of at least
600ft. or 700ft. This would unwater the old workings, and leave about 200ft. of
unexplored ground, and, judging from the character of the country rock, the work
should not be expensive, and if carried out would be the means of reopening one
of the most valuable copper-producing mines in the State. (I.M.R., 2–10–99.)
KARKULTO MINE.—Situated between Kapunda and the Burra, about 35 miles
from the first-named township. This mine is chiefly remarkable from the fact
that, though the indications of copper were considered extremely good, very little
copper was obtained. Large and regular lodes were found, the walls were well
defined, but the ironstone and gossan in them did not, as was hoped, give place to
copper. (Austin, 1863.) It was held by the South Australian Mining Association
conjointly with the Burra Mine.
KITTICOOLA MINE.—Situated 11 miles from the township of Palmer and 43 miles
N.E. by road from Adelaide. It was formerly known as the Tungkillo, Reedy
Creek, New Reedy Creek, and Great Wheal Orford, having been worked under
these names by various companies, originally for copper and subsequently both for
copper and gold.
It is recorded that the first company to work the mine was formed in 1845.
Operations commenced a year or two later, and continued until 1852, the mine
being then known as the Tungkillo or Reedy Creek. The ores were rich, but bunchy,
and the lcde worked was over 30ft. wide; the former averaged 22 per cent. for
copper. The workings comprised two shafts of 60 fathoms and 40 fathoms, with
an adit level at 40 fathoms 198 fathoms in length; also three levels on the lode of
95 fathoms, 70 fathoms, and 30 fathoms in length.
COPPER.
71
After this the mine appears to have been deserted for many years. In 1890 it
was taken up and worked by the Reedy Creek Gold Mining Syndicate. The deepest
shaft was then 420ft., and the total length of drives amounted to 3,068ft. The
object of the syndicate was to extract gold from the pyrites contained in the lode
below the water-level. No record of results is obtainable.
In 1891 or 1892 the New Reedy Creek Gold Mining Company was formed to
work the mine.
The directors and mine manager's half-yearly reports, dated from January,
1892, to January, 1897, record the following facts :-
Half-yearly Report, dated June, 1892.- Forty tons of ore from the debris at the
surface were sent to the Wallaroo Smelting Works for treatment. No re-
turns are given. Five tons from the same source, treated by the Band and
Albion Company, at Ballarat, yielded loz. 18dwts. 22grs. free gold and loz.
3dwts. 14grs. gold from concentrates—total, 3ozs. 2dwts. 12grs. =12dwts.
10grs. per ton. The concentrates assayed 3 per cent. for copper, and 36lbs.
of that metal were extracted from them.
Half-yearly Report, dated January, 1894.-A trial crushing of 100 tons from the
gossan lode (180ft. level) yielded 36ozs. of gold. The thickness of the lode
was 22ft. The total quantity of ore from this lode treated was 405 tons,
and it yielded 119ozs. 8dwts. 18grs. of gold-an average of 5dwts. 21 grs.
per ton. The existence of a large body of " mineral ore” (sulphide) at the
300ft, level is mentioned, also that it was worth 8dwts. or 10dwts. of gold
per ton.
Half-yearly Report, dated June, 1894.-Work during the half-year had been con-
fined to the 120ft. and 180ft. levels ; 3,849 tons of ore had been treated
during the half-year for a yield of 7950zs. 11dwts. 12grs. of gold—an average
of 4dwts. 3grs. per ton.
Half-yearly Report, dated January, 1895.-Five thousand five hundred and thirty-
five tons of ore had been treated for a yield of 759ozs. 18dwts. 4grs.—an
average of 2dwts. 18grs. per ton. Mint value of this gold, £3 10s. 9 d. per
ounce. Mention is made of a trial crushing of 28 tons from a reef on the hill,
a little S.E. of Masterman's shaft (the main shaft), which returned 3ozs.
10dwts. of gold. The quantity of ore still left in the “shoot” then being
worked above the 240ft. level was estimated by the mine manager at 35,000
tons.
Half-yearly Report, dated June, 1895.-Five thousand seven hundred and sixty-
nine tons of ore had been treated for a yield of 6580zs. 15dwts. 12grs. of gold
—an average of 2dwts. 7grs. per ton. Mint value of gold, £3 6s. per ounce.
Half-yearly Report, January, 1896.-Four thousand and thirty-eight tons of ore
had been treated for a yield of 474ozs. 16dwts. of gold-an average of 2dwts.
8grs. The mine manager reports an enormous body of ore at the 240ft.
level, and that the thickness of the lode was from 18ft. to 20ft., also that
the ore was refractory (unoxidised). Work at this level was consequently
stopped.
Half-yearly Report, July, 1897 (Final Report). — This contains the directors'
report, stating that the water had been pumped out of the mine, and the
shaft examined at 420ft., when it was found that the shaft had been sunk
away from the lode.
Mining operations appear to have ceased altogether about December 31st, 1897,
The stoppage of the mine was most probably due to the exhaustion of the richer
oxidised ore easily available in the upper levels, and to the inability of the manage-
ment to payably extract the gold from the sulphide ores of the lower levels.
The country rock consists of granite-both micaceous and hornblendic—which is
associated with metamorphic talcose and micaceous granitic rocks, more or less
kaolinised in places. The lode or lodes worked in the mine have an average strike of
72
MINING RECORDS.
N. 40° E., and a dip N.W. of from 58° to 60°. They outcrop on the slope of a steep
hill which rises to a height of some 250ft. above the level of Reedy Creek. Other
lodes outcrop in the vicinity at points S. and S.W. of the main workings, at heights
of 60ft. and 210ft. respectively above the creek. One of these is quartz containing
specular iron, green carbonate stains, and traces of grey ore and native copper.
It is of considerable thickness, and should be prospected further, both for gold and
copper.
At the other point a tunnel has been driven 35ft. on a quartz lode containing
iron oxides and ores of copper in small percentage ; its thickness is from 3ft. to 4zft.,
and it dips N.N.W. at 53º. This appears to be a continuation of a lode which has
been worked on the W. side of Reedy Creek (about to be mentioned), and may
also be a continuation of the lode worked in the main workings; it has a promising
appearance.
On the W. side of the creek a tunnel, known as Baker's, has been driven for a
distance alleged to be 400ft. on a lode which outcrops along a bearing of W. 15° S.,
and has also been prospected by shafts. These workings are very old. The lode
here dips N. at an angle of 60°. Baker's shaft, situated 130ft. N. of this tunnel,
is said to have cut the lode at 120ft. A considerable quantity of copper ore is said
to have been obtained here, but there is no available record of it.
The Main Lode and Workings. There are supposed to be two lodes, viz., Master-
man's lode and Baker's, on the Big Blow, but in reality there is one lode only, the
two branches coming together when driven and sunk on. Masterman's lode is
the lower and most E., and on it levels and crosscuts have been put in to work
both lodes. The main shaft is stated to be 420ft. deep ; at the time of my visit
it contained water up to the 360ft. level. It is sunk on the inclination of the lode,
and has an average dip of 58° N.W.
The following levels were inspected :-180ft., 240ft., 300ft., 330ft., and 360ft.
levels.
Baker's, with which it is connected by crosscuts in two places ; at the N. and S.
ends of the Baker's lode level the two lodes merge into one, proving that they are one
and the same lode enclosing a large body or “horse ” of country rock. Judging
by the excavations made in stoping, it appears that Baker's lode was an unusually
large one, it having been stoped out for 300ft. in length, and in width from 10ft.
to 15ft. in the central portion of the shoot, to 30ft. and 50ft. in the N. and S. ends
respectively, where it junctions with Masterman's lode. Stoping has also been
done in places on Masterman’s lode; in the N. end of the level it thins out to a few
inches and dips 72° N.W.; at the S. end it is 18in. thick.
The 240ft. Level.–At this level the “horse ” of country rock contained between
the two lodes diminishes both in length and width. N. of the main shaft stoping
has been done for 180ft., and S. for the same distance on both lodes, but chiefly on
Baker's, which latter had a width of 15ft. or 20ft. for the whole distance, judging
by the excavations. Beyond these stopes the drive has been carried N. for 250ft.
and S. for 220ft., or more, without any ground having been stoped.
The 300ft. Level. From the main shaft here the lode has been crosscut in both
directions, and has a proved thickness of from 25ft. to 30ft. N.E. the level extends
for 255ft., and is all in lode for 150ft. ; stoping has been done for this distance.
Beyond the stopes the lode seen in the level varies in thickness from 2ft. to 3ft.,
and has a good footwall dipping 60° N.W. S.W. the level extends 150ft., the thick-
ness of lode varying from 6ft. upwards. Near the S. end the level is all in lode
stuff, so that the thickness has not yet been determined. In the extreme end a
winze and crosscut have exposed two ore bodies, one 4ft. in thickness, the other
10ft., so far as visible.
The veinstone consists chiefly of iron pyrites, quartz, iron oxides, including
micaceous iron, copper pyrites, carbonate, native copper, black oxide of copper,
etc., ; iron pyrites and quartz predominate,
COPPER.
73
Between the 240ft. level and the 300ft. level the "horse" of country rock thins
out, and the two lodes, or branches, known as Masterman's and Baker's lodes, unite
into one lode.
Samples for assay were taken from cuttings made across the lode, so as to obtain
fair average assays of its contents in gold and copper; they represent about 90ft.
along the lode. Two special samples were taken at the same time. Owing to a
large quantity of ore being stacked in this level, more samples could not be taken.
The highest return obtained of an average of the lode was-Gold, 18dwts. ; copper,
30 per cent. The lowest was—Gold, 1dwt. ; copper, i per cent. The average of the
nine samples being, per ton-Gold, 6dwts. 16grs. ; copper, 5.47 per cent. Value
of gold at £4 per ounce, £1 6s. 8d., value of copper at 15s. per unit, £4 2s. ; total,
£5 88. 8d.
Of the two special samples, one returned gold, 2dwts. per ton; the other, a trace of
gold and 194 per cent. of copper per ton. (N.B.—Special samples are those taken
from one spot in the lode. The term is used in contradistinction to average samples,
which represent the whole thickness of the lode, or as much of it as is exposed in a
level or winze). Only traces of silver were found in these samples on assay.
The 330ſt. Level. From a crosscut put in N.W. from the shaft 25ft. the level
extends N.E. 135ft. along a branch lode, due probably to the intrusion of a.“horse"
of country rock. This lode varies in thickness from 5ft. to 11ft. ; it dips N.W. at
an angle of 60°; in the extreme end it has a thickness of 5ft. S.W. the level
extends 50ft. directly from the shaft; it is all in lode, of which there is a visible
thickness of 13ft. in the end where a winze has been sunk on it. This appears to
be the main ore body or lode; the dip here is 55° N.W.
From winzes sunk from this level, and from the shaft, intermediate drives have
been put in at the 347ft. level N.E. of the shaft, and at the 360ft. level S.W. of the
shaft. These have disclosed a continuation downwards of the lode as a strong
and permanent-looking formation; the dip varies from 53° to 60° N.W., and the
strike conforms to that of the lode in the upper levels.
Eleven samples for assay were taken from cutting made across the lode at the
330ft. and lower levels.
These assays represent a length of 235ft. along the lode. The highest return
obtained of an average of the lode was-Gold, 12dwts. per ton; copper, 41 per cent.
The lowest was-Gold, 2dwts. ; copper, 1 per cent. The average of eleven samples
being-Gold, 6dwts. per ton; copper, 2 per cent.
Six special samples taken from the same places as the average samples returned—
Ozs. dwts.
Gold!, O 7 per ton; copper, 102 per cent.
" 0 10 - -
,
"
2
66 1 1
6 per cent.
66 0 12
5 0 10 66 66
In the whole of these samples silver was returned by assay in six cases only, and
from traces to 7dwts. per ton. The average assays show very clearly the presence
of a fair average quantity of gold, and a small percentage of copper in the lodes
beneath the 300ft. level. The special assays show that ore rich in gold and contain-
ing a fair percentage of copper exists, and that such ore can be separated from or
mined separately from the poorer portions of the lode if necessary. By concen-
tration, however, of the whole of the lode material, rich concentrates should be
produced, which can be treated at the mine or sold on their assay value. Although
the number of samples taken were necessarily few, these assay returns are very
satisfactory and representative of the lode at intervals along its course. I have
no doubt but that a more exhaustive sampling of the ore, whereby every few feet,
both along and across the lode, could be tested, would result in the assay returns
disclosing the existence of ore richer both in gold and copper than those given above.
nil
25
8
66
6
74
MINING RECORDS.
From the 300ft. level downwards the work done so far has resulted in proving the
presence of an immense body of ore which is available for this purpose. An estimate
cannot be made of the quantity of ore until the mine has been systematically opened
up below the 300ft. level, and drives and crosscuts put in to explore the lode at, say, .
400ft. Between 300ft. and 360ft. it has already been proved for a length of 235ft.,
with lode still in the faces. In many places where the drives have not touched the
walls its width is uncertain ; it, however, amounts to from 11ft. to 13ft.
With an ore body of this size containing gold and copper in the proportions shown
by assays there is a large field for the employment of processes of concentration, or
any other of the modern methods of gold and copper extraction that may be used in
a profitable manner.
The opening out of a level at 400ft. seems to me the first work that should be
undertaken in order that the size and extent and richness of the lode at that level,
ascertained. In my opinion it is probable that these ore bodies will be found to
increase in richness and extent when sunk on and opened up, and that with proper
management a remunerative and important mine will be established, chiefly because
of the gold contained in the ore, and also in a lesser degree on account of the copper.
(Government Geologist, 24–5–99.)
Report of Inspector of Mines :—From the suriace down to the 330ft. there
must, from time to time, have been a very large quantity of ore raised, as the lode
formation ranges in size from 4ft. to 23ft. in width at the 330ft. level, giving an
average width of from 7ft. to 8ft., striking N.E. by S.E., and underlying W. at an
angle of about 55°. Country rock consists of micaceous granite and hornblende
rock—in places more or less kaolinised and decomposed. The oxidised ore con-
tinued down to the 300ft. level ; below this it gave place to the sulphide in the form
of yellow and black ore, and pyrites containing gold, but requires special treatment
for extraction. Some of the upper levels have been worked for close on 500ft. in
length, and were thought to contain two parallel lodes-Masterman's and Baker's ;
but the fact of the two joining together at each end and the barren rock disappearing
towards the bottom points to the conclusion of it being one lode with intrusive rock
between, ranging from 2ft. to 17ft. in width. In the upper levels there is still a
fair quantity of ore available, but my attention was chiefiy confined to the 330ft.,
or present water-level, where, from various parts of the workings close to and at
the water-level, I obtained six bulk samples, which gave the following returns :-
Gold.
Copper.
North stopes lode, 5ft. wide ............ 8dwts. .. 78 per cent.
e bottom drive lode, 4ft. wide ... . 11 " ...
66 6 6 6 6ft. "... 16 “ ..
South drive lode, 5ft. ......
... - ..
nnn
21 "
" Stopes “ 9ft. ...
.... 13dwts. .. 1} "
" " 9ft. .................. 15 " . 7 "
which for gold and copper contents is a very fair average. Two samples were also
taken from the slimes and tailings of the crushed ore, the former yielding 18dwts. of
gold and 2 per cent. of coppe ', and the latter returning 10dwts. of gold and 14 per
is very difficult to obtain. For the last five weeks' run ending February 8th there
were treated 400 tons of crude ore, which yielded slightly over 89 tons of concen-
trates, returning a gross value of £745 3s. 4d., and during the six months ending the
same date the total quantity of ore treated was 2,000 tons, giving an average value
of £2 12s. 3d. per ton. The lode is strong and well defined, with good walls, and
every appearance of the shoots of ore being permanent, and of the gold contents
improving at lower depths.
To further test and develop the property it would at first be advisable to, in places,
repair the present main shaft, unwater the last 100ft. sunk, then decide as to further
sinking of the present shaft, or sinking a new one, to open up the mine from the W.
COPPER.
75
side of the creek, which eventually will probably be the better course to adopt.
From the richness of the ore body and general appearance I consider the outlook
of the mine is very favorable, and will fully warrant the necessary expenditure in
opening up the works at deeper levels with every reasonable chance of success.
The following machinery is on the mine :-Winding engine, 10-stamp mill, crushing
tool and rock-breaker, Wilfley table, Warren's vanner, May's double jig, reverbera-
tory furnace, revolving calciner, with 45-horsepower horizontal engine, and the
usual appliances for conducting mining operations. (I.M.R., 7-5-00.). Owing
to difficulties in connection with the smelting operations at the mine, work was
discontinued.
KIBBLE HILL.-Situated about 5 miles E. of the Appealinna Mine. No definite
lode has been found, but the country rock for a considerable length and width is
copper-stained with green carbonates and small spots of grey ore. Two pits, from
6ft. to 8ft. deep, have been made in very hard ground, and nothing encouraging
disclosed. Cross-trenching on the surface is recommended prior to any sinking.
(I.M.R., 11-11-99.)
KINTORE MINE.-Situated 7 miles S.E. of Yunta Railway Station. A vertical
shaft was sunk, and a vein cut at 40ft., which was followed on the underlie at an
angle of 20°, and shows specular iron oxide and carbonate of copper, intermixed
with quartz; but the Inspector of Mines was of opinion that this discovery was
not worth following up (1889). In October, 1890, the Inspector reported that
an underlie shaft had been put down 75ft. At 65ft. the vein changes in dip from
20°; nothing of value in sight, either there or in a vertical shaft sunk to cut the vein.
KIRWAN MINE.—Situated 4 miles S. from Mount Craig, 72 miles S.E. of Port
Augusta, and about 12 miles from Hawker, at the foot of a range of hills sloping
towards a plain to the W. The country consists of a light soft killas and a kind of
pipeclay. There are several lodes and bunches of ore on the property, running
generally to the E. of N., and underlying from 18in. to 2ft. in the fathom. Three
shafts have been sunk, and at the bottom of the deepest, 21 fathoms, there is a
lode between 3ft. and 4ft. wide, composed of quartz and copper pyrites. In a cross-
cut driven to the S.E. a lode of fine blue and green carbonates about a foot wide
was cut. A short distance to the W. two shafts were sunk on the course of the
lode, which is composed of carbonates of copper intermixed with ironstone,
and is traceable for 300yds. On another section, about 11 miles S.E. of the
Kirwan, a small shaft was sunk on a lode running E. and W., and which produced
some fine grey and red oxide. The country on the Kirwan Mine differs somewhat
from that on either side, and would seem to be a band of more favorable strata for
copper. (Austin, 1863.) Recently the property was examined by the Mines
Inspector, who states that the claim has been worked for copper twice, and was
started over 20 years ago. The ground is favorable, and there are several outcrops.
There is a large N. and S lode composed of iron, quartz, and manganese, and a
strong pyritous lode running N.E, and S.W. A tunnel driven into the hill disclosed
six veins of copper of excellent grade. It is a fair prospect, and worthy of being
tested in depth. Several tons of ore, yielding 30 per cent. of copper, are stated to
have been raised at this mine. (1889.)
No work has been done since 1889, and the underground workings could not
be examined. The country rock is soft slaty material of a favorable character.
No defined lode or deposit can be seen on the surface, where the main shaft is sunk;
this is reported to be 126ft. deep. From the material on the surface, which apparently
came from the bottom, the vein must be of fair size, containing a considerable
quantity of pyrites ; sample from this gave only a trace of copper. Opposite the
shaft a tunnel has been driven in the hill for 40ft., exposing veins and bunches
of lode matter, but at the present level they are not defined, and are of little
value. About 200yds. W. of the main shaft there is a strong lode formation,
striking N. and S., composed of quartz and iron, with a little manganese.
Two trial pits, each 6ft. deep, have been sunk on this, but no trace of copper could
76
MINING RECORDS.
be seen. On the surface there was a small parcel of dressed ore. A sample assayed
231 per cent. If this came from the main shaft, it would be advisable to ascertain
in very fair order. (I.M.R., 17-11-99.)
KOOAGNIE.-Carbonates of copper were found on private land 4 miles from
Kadina, and costeaning led to the discovery of a lode formation. A shaft was sunk
on the dip of the lode S., but the vein not proving productive of any large bodies
of ore, a vertical shaft was put down 80ft., and cross-cutting was carried on. The
indications on the surface, in the estimation of the Mining Inspector, warranted a
continuation of prospecting operations. (1889.)
KOONA.—Adjoining the Flinders Mine, near Tumby Bay. In the centre block
three shafts have been sunk, ranging from 15ft. to 85ft. in depth on a line of lode
parallel to that being worked in the Flinders Mine. In the deepest shaft, at 60ft.,
the lode formation was struck, being 4ft. wide, containing small veins and bunches
of yellow ore, which gave assays up to 32 per cent. The enclosing rock is of the
most favorable copper-bearing character, and the walls of the lodes are good and well
defined, giving every indication that an improvement in value may be fairly antici-
pated in depth. In the W. block a considerable amount of work has been done by
small openings and shafts, on a line of lode parallel to the centre one, the deepest
working, so far as could be ascertained, being about 50ft. from the surface. The
lode formation is from 4ft. to 5ft. wide, composed of ferruginous quartz matter,
containing blue and green carbonates, of which, it was stated, a large quantity
had been dispatched to the smelters. Sorted assays taken from the various ore
dumps on the surface gave returns of 204 per cent. and 202 per cent. of copper.
So far as could be seen, the lode has a well-defined and permanent appearance,
and the general features are sufficient to justify an expenditure necessary to again
open up the mine—not only to develop its resources at the water-level, but, with
lode formations running through the property, each containing more or less copper,
which could be tested for a small outlay. (I.M.R., 15–9–99.)
KURILLA-See WALLAROO and MOONTA, page 141.
LADY BUXTON.—Situated about 6 miles S. from Paralana Head Station. A
shaft was down, in 1896, to the depth of 20ft. ; and returns obtained in July of that
year showed the ore yielded from 24 to 321 per cent. of fine copper. The lode on
this property strikes N.E. 18°, with W. underlie, and consists of magnetic and other
iron oxides and gossan, with seams and bunches of ferruginous copper ore, grey
ore, and carbonates. Where it has been opened on it shows 14ft. thick. A tunnel
has been driven 150ft., and several shallow shafts have been sunk, with short drives,
along the course of the lode. So far mining operations have been confined to quarry-
ing out the copper ore wherever it was visible, and no attempt has been made to
prove its existence at depth by sinking an underlie shaft. (George, 17-7-01.)
H LADY TENNYSON.-About 1} miles N. from Paull's Consolidated. Several
parallel veins of calcspar and ferricalcite strike S. 70° E., and underlie at a flat
angle to the N.W.; they vary in thickness from lin. to 6in., contain bunches of
copper ore, principally sulphide, and are worked by pits and costeans. About
4 tons of ore had been sent away. (27–8–02.) The claim is being worked in a
small way, and fair returns of ore up to 25 per cent. and 30 per cent. are obtained.
(1907.)
LAKE TORRENS MINE.-Situated adjacent to the Beltana Mine, on the Western
Plains. It was originally taken out by resident squatters, and held by them for
several years. The lode is said to show on the surface for a distance of 600yds.,
and is alleged to be 6ft. wide in some places, carrying good copper ore. (1860-69.)
LINDO'S CLAIM.—Situated at Cudlamudla, and not worth working, according
to the judgment of the Inspector of Mines. There is, in very hard ground, a small
irregular vein of ferricalcite carrying carbonate of copper. (1890.)
COPPER.
LINDSCHAU's Show.-Locality, about 1 mile W. from the Paralana Mine, Mount
Fitton. The Government Geologist reports the existence here of outcrops of quartz
stained with green carbonate of copper, and carrying a small percentage of that
metal. A tunnel was driven from the bank of the creek, with unsatisfactory results,
and the ground was abandoned.
LIPSON'S COVE MINE.-Situation, on the E. coast of Spencer's Gulf. In 1860
operations commenced on a lode producing grey ore, carbonate, and black sulphuret
of copper. It was stated that there were a number of promising lodes within the
boundary of the property, and shallow shafts were sunk, from which ore of a good
percentage was obtained. Other places in the neighborhood were prospected, and
strong lodes were discovered, some of which it was alleged could be traced for a
distance of 3 miles.
LLOYD'S PROSPECT.-Situated on Ashby's farm, near Clare. The Government
Geologist examined this venture in 1888, and pronounced that there was no lode,
and nothing to lead anyone to suspect the existence of one.
LYNDA (known previously as “Mount Lyell," " Turnerton,” “Mottram's," and
“Lorna Doone”).-Situate 31 miles N. from Leslie's Well. The Inspector of Mines
reported (1895) very little development or permanent work. An open cutting, 20ft.
wide and 14ft. deep, had been made along the strike of a large mullocky lode con-
taining irregular deposits of rich copper ore; strike, W. 45° N.; dip, 450. Several
shafts sunk in the bottom of the cutting, the deepest 35ft. The ore gave an average
of 252 per cent. copper.
The Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H. Matthews) reports :-Situated about 25 miles
S.E. of Farina and 22 miles from Lyndhurst Railway Siding. Towards the N. end
of the property there has been a considerable amount of work done, the lode forma-
tion, shown by shallow workings to be fully 60ft. wide, exposing a very large quantity
of lode material, containing green carbonate and red oxide of copper, which, with
proper machinery, can be dressed up to a good standard. At the extreme N.
end of the workings a prospecting shaft had been sunk 18ft., and a crosscut driven
in the lode 15ft., showing the same class of material, some being of very high grade.
S. of this a main shaft is being sunk to intersect the lode formation at a deeper
level and to supply the mine with water. A continuation of the lode appears
in the S. block, containing throughout, where exposed, chiefly green carbonates ;
from this point a number of trenches and small shafts expose for fully 70yds. in
width numerous veins of lode material, containing carbonates and grey ore, which
was being sorted for transit to the smelters. It was stated that up to the date of
the inspection over 100 tons of high-grade ore had been sent away by the original
claimholders, working from the surface to a depth of 15ft., and that it was intended
to sink shafts to test the permanency and value of the material at the deeper levels.
This the inspector considered the proper course to adopt, and was of opinion that
further large quantities of good payable ore would be developed. (I.M.R., 27-7-99.)
A further report, dated September 19th, 1906, states more or less work has been
carried on in this mine for many years, but it was not till January, 1902, that active
operations were commenced by the present company (Lynda), and have since been
carried on almost without intermission. The number of men employed until
recently averaged about 18, and a considerable amount of copper has been extracted
from shallow levels and near the surface. The workings extend for a considerable
length and width, consisting of a large number of small shafts, trial pits, and open
cuttings, being, with one or two exceptions, from 6ft. to 30ft. in depth. Some of
the open cuttings disclose vein matter over 20ft. wide, composed principally of
slate material containing veins of the various classes of ore, in places strongly
associated with iron, and where this occurs it is usually found most difficult to obtain
a very close extraction by concentration, the ore being apparently more suitable
for smelting, but at present the grade is not of sufficient value to pay all the expenses,
viz., raising, railway, and smelting charges to Adelaide or Wallaroo. The vein
matter has a general strike of about N.W. and S.E., with an E. underlie of about :
78
MINING RECORDS.
40°. Slightly E. of the main open cutting an inclined shaft has been sunk on the
formation to the depth of 140ft. At about 50ft. or 60ft. from the surface the lode
was passed through, showing a little carbonate of copper of little value beyond
denoting the presence of the metal. At the depth of 116ft. a crosscut has been
driven E. 115ft., intersecting the lode formation. From this point a winze has
been sunk 18ft., proving the lode to be from 12ft. to 15ft. wide, and showing every
indication of continuing down. The character of the material consists of a compact
body of quartz and porous ironstone, the latter being doubtless the result of oxida-
tion, in which the copper contents have been leached out, leaving the insoluble
matter in the porous condition referred to. Samples have produced copper traces
and about 2 dwts. of gold per ton. A fairly complete crushing and concentrating
plant was erected in January, 1902, consisting of stone-breaker, crushing rolls,
Hancock's elevator and trommel, together with suitable engine and Cornish boiler,
the latter being 32ft. long by 6ft. 6in. diameter. The whole plant is very effective,
and since its erection up to the end of June has treated 7,786 tons of crude ore,
producing 950 tons of concentrates, averaging over 20 per cent. copper. When
first discovered, the surface prospects of this mine were exceedingly encouraging
but as the workings continued down the copper contents have considerably de-
creased. Still, considering the large tonnage of fair-grade ore that has been ex-
tracted, it is very desirable that the lode should be thoroughly tested below the
water-level for the purpose of proving the existence of a sulphide ore-body or other-
wise. To accomplish this the winze from the crosscut in the deep shaft should be
continued on the incline of the lode; then, if proved payable, an underlie shaft
could be started from the surface and connected with the winze at the 116ft. level.
This would be preferable to any other course, as, owing to its low dip, a vertical
shaft is undesirable, and this mode of prospecting would be the least expensive
and equally as effective. (I.M.R., 19-9-06.) Returns up to December, 31st 1906,
show à profit, and a dividend was declared in January, 1907.
MacDONALD HILL.-Situated on the Outalpa Run. The Inspector of Mines
reported (1889) that very little work had been done, the deepest pit being 20ft.
In the first pit there was visible a branch of very fair grade carbonate and oxide of
copper, well worth sinking on; apparently a true lode, gradually increasing in size
as depth is attained, with E. and W. bearing and S. underlie. Like most of the
copper ores in the N.E., a small quantity of gold is present, but not sufficient to pay
for cost of extraction. The other costeanings on the ground show that a consider-
able extent of it is copper-bearing, and the claims are only 2 miles from a railway.
There is sufficient inducement for further prospecting.
MALONE'S MINE.—Situated about 8 miles from Watt's Sugar Loaf, and 11 miles
from the township of Kanyaka. A lode containing stains of copper was found on
the surface, and, on sinking, some good ore was met with. (Austin, 1863.)
MALLEE HUT.-Locality, about 16 miles S. from the Blinman Mine, and about
6 miles S.W. from Mount Emily. A lode opened in a creek showed good walls,
with killas and fluccan and fine gossan in the lode, and a fair amount of green
carbonate of copper and yellow ore. The lode is nearly perpendicular, and 18in.
wide. A small shaft was sunk, but the mine was ultimately abandoned. (Austin,
1863.)
MAMMOTH BLACK RIDGE (SILVERINA).- This is situated 4 miles S. from Artepena
Trig. and 3 miles E. from Artepena Dam. The Mine Inspector reported (1892) the
existence of a large ironstone lode, with an outcrop in some places 40ft. high and
60ft. wide. It could be traced i of a mile ; strike N. 30° E., dipping W., and
enclosed in calcareous clayslates. The lode consists of siliceous ironstone, with
small spats of green carbonate of copper. A shaft was sunk on the W. side to the
depth of about 90ft., and a crosscut made E. Favorable reports on the place were
obtained from Mr. R. A. F. Murray, formerly Government Geologist of Victoria, and
· Mr. G. Thoreau, formerly Government Geologist of Tasmania.

COPPER.
79
MANDARIN.-Locality, 10 miles S.E. from Mount Lyndhurst Station, on the
track from Lyndhurst to Mount Rose Mine, 2 miles N.W. of the crossing over
Frome Creek. The Government Geologist examined this property in 1896, and
reported that several shallow pits had been sunk, proving the presence of copper
ore in places for a width of 100yds., and along the strike for about } a mile. The
ore consists of copper glance, red oxide, and carbonate of copper in veins in clay-
stone and quartz; strike, N. and S. Slugs of rich copper ore, chiefly carbonate,
were visible along the outcrop, which had been merely costeaned in different places.
An exhaustive and systematic search would probably lead to the discovery of larger
deposits of copper ore. Intermittent prospecting has been done here up to date.
MARY MINE (CORNELIUS CLAIMS, BENOWRIE).-Locality, 20 miles N.E. from
Olary. The Inspector of Mines (1889) reports that on a ridge traces of copper
can be seen for a considerable distance, and in the bedding of the strata there are
bunches of copper. Parcels of ore yielding 18 per cent. of metallic copper have
been sent away, but the general average of the ore is of lower grade, it being
intermixed with iron oxide and silica. The enclosing rocks are granite and clay-
slate, whilst beds of black micaceous gneiss are prevalent. Colors of gold were
observable in the copper ore, and it was thought that the quantity of gold might
increase if the copper deposits became more siliceous in depth.
A report dated November 7th, 1901, from the Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H.
Matthews) states that from time to time the mine has been worked for the last 20
years, and a large quantity of copper extracted. Returns from 1895 to 1898 show
that 241 tons of ore, averaging 12 per cent., had been dispatched to the smelters,
and from the latter year to 1901 300 tons were raised, averaging a little over 9 per
cent. The principal work consists of an open cut about 80yds. long, 50ft. wide,
and ranging from 5ft. to 30ft. deep, which has disclosed a granitic-bedded formation,
'containing chiefly blue and green carbonates. Sorted samples taken from various
portions of the workings returned 91 per cent. copper, 123 per cent., 78 per cent.,
and from 2dwts. to 3dwts. gold per ton. The richest class of ore occurs principally
in veins and bunches, striking about E. and W., with usually a S. underlie. About
100yds. W. there are a number of small openings and shafts exposing the same
class of material, which, probably, if worked and sorted, would be of similar value.
For the future working of the ore exposed at present it would be advisable to sink
a shaft at a favorable site 60ft. further E.; also sink one or more shafts from the
bottom of the open cuts, about the centre and towards the W. end, to determine
if there are other ore bodies below the present level, of which there is every indica-
tion, fully justifying further explorations. (I.M.R., 7-11-01.)
Later returns maintain the average of the ore forwarded from this mine, and it
is now worked by a company and named the Benowrie Copper Mine. (1907.)
MAROWIE.-Situated about 14 miles N.W. of Franklin Harbor, in the hundred
of Miltalie. The main lode formation is 2ft. wide; it strikes N.E., with an E.
underlie. The workings consist of a number of surface openings, the deepest being
8ft: The lode matter shows a higher grade at that depth than at the surface, and
the copper ore occurs in the form of blue and green carbonates. Sinking should be
continued, and further improvement may be expected. At 30ft. further W. a
parallel vein, 12in. wide, and composed of green carbonates, has been exposed ;
this underlies to the W., and should be prospected by sinking. Seven tons of ore,
ranging from 7 per cent. to 13 per cent., had been sent away, and 4 tons, of an average
value, were then being dispatched. Sample from the main lode assayed 211 per
cent. (I.M.R., 14—9-99.)
MATHESON'S.-Situated 3 miles E. of Leigh Creek. A shaft has been sunk to a
depth of 100ft., the first 40ft. being vertical, and the latter portion along the lode
underlie 45° E. The formation is clayslate, very easily worked, and containing
scattered veins and bunches of green carbonate throughout. The carbonate is of a
very fair grade. Five tons recently raised gave 22 per cent. of copper. The in-
spector considered the property a fair prospecting show, and states that it should
80
MINING RECORDS.
66
be developed by a shaft sunk some distance further E. to intersect the lode at, say,
200ft., and prospect for other veins which probably exist E. of the present workings.
(I.M.R., 16-11-99.)
Reporting in July, 1900, the Inspector of Mines sates that a vertical shaft had
been sunk recently to a depth of 90ft., or water-level, and at the 80ft. level a
crosscut made 65ft. through soft kaolinised matter, containing here and there
small seams and nodules of blue and green carbonates, but so far there is no indica-
tion of a defined lode; these seams and nodules, with the fine decomposed matrix,
are broken out and washed, and by this means 37 tons of ore, returning from 6 per
cent. to 22 per cent., had been sent away during the last six months, and 3 tons were
awaiting transit. Samples taken assayed as under :-
From clean copper nodules
......
........ 174 per cent.
Bulk sample from dump, for future treatment .. 23
.. 11
(I.M.R., July, 1900.)
Returns show that small quantities of ore continue to be forwarded from the
mine. (1907.)
May FLOWER.-Situated about 32 miles N.W. of Farina. A formation of slate
and sandstone occurs here, portion of which carries veins and seams of green car-
bonate. An open cut, from 19ft. to 22ft. wide and 16ft. deep, has been made on
two veins, and has been continued by an inclined drive 20ft. long from the bottom.
It is stated that over 47 tons of high-grade copper ore has been taken from this
place. (George, 5–7–01.)
A later inspection showed that a little further prospecting and stoping work had
been done, and nothing of importance disclosed. (27–8–02.)
MATTAPARA.–Vide Poona, page 120.
MATTAWARANGALA MINE.—This was situated 4 miles S.E. of Mattawarangala
Head Station. It ceased working in the “ seventies," after a considerable amount
of work had been done.
McCONVILLE'S MINE.-Situated about 6 miles S. from Kanyaka, amongst
low bald hills. There is a lode on the surface, running about 300yds. N. and S.,
and about 18in. thick. The ore, which is mixed with gossan and felspar, is not
continuous, but occurs in patches. It is a rich sulphuret of a dark greenish-grey
color. A shaft was sunk on the lode to the depth of about 3} fathoms and a drive
was then carried for 5 fathoms, copper ore being found throughout. (Austin, 1863.)
MEDINA COPPER MINE.—Situated about 8 miles N. of Oodla Wirra Railway Station.
This was worked for copper in the early days, and it appears that a fair quantity
of high-grade ore was extracted, down to about 40ft., where the copper gave place
to slate material, containing small seams and veins of spar, with a considerable
amount of pyrites. A shaft has been sunk to the depth of 100ft., with 50ft. of driving
at the 75ft. level, disclosing a formation of calcareous slate, strongly iron-stained,
and charged with pyrites; but samples taken show no metal of value. On the sur-
face the formation has been exposed at various points for over 200yds, in length ;
but, excepting at the main workings, shows no copper ore. Apparently the ore
occurs in irregular bunches or pockets, of good grade while they last. The forma-
tion itself seems about 3ft. wide, is enclosed in well-defined walls, and is probably
permanent in depth ; but the work done shows that any testing at depth would be
of a.purely speculative nature. (I.M.R., 2–1-01.)
MELROSE (Doris and Youngman).-Workings on Mr. Slee's land, i mile S.W. of
Melrose township. Near an old shallow shaft, which was put down about 50 years
ago, an irregular formation, consisting of argillaceous matter, sandstone, and
quartz, and carrying veins and seams of blue and green carbonate, copper pyrites,
and calcite is exposed in an excavation about 15ft. deep in its deepest part, and the
formation shows in the bottom about 4ft. wide. It appears to strike N. and S.
COPPER
81
and have a slight dip to the E. An average sample taken from across the bottom
assayed 2.4 per cent. copper, and the indications are sufficiently encouraging to
warrant deeper sinking on the ore-bearing matter. (D.R. (Gee), 11–6–07.)
MID-MOONTA MINE (NEW MID-MOONTA-Later worked as the “Moonta Central.”
- Situated near Moonta Mine. Exploratory costeaning was undertaken because
of the direction of the Moonta lodes; and, favorable indications of deposits of ore
being discovered, two shafts were sunk, the one called Harvey's and the other
Morris's, 17 and 30 fathoms respecitvely. In the latter, levels were driven on the
course of the lode at 24 fathoms, and a quantity of high percentage ore was taken
out, the lode at foot averaging 4ft. wide, with every sign of improvement. As a
result of the low price of copper, strong influx of water, and insufficient appliances
and capital, the affair came to a standstill. An attempt was made to revive it a
couple of years ago (1888), but resulted in liquidation before practical work was
resumed. More recently an effort has been made to secure English capital, with a
view to a resumption of work, and it is understood that the necessary capital has
been secured. (1890.)
The Inspector of Mines, reporting in April, 1900, states that until recently little
or no mining has been done for the last 24 years; previous to that time several
shafts had been sunk, and a considerable amount of driving and stoping accom-
plished, the result being, it was stated, the raising of 400 tons of ore, yielding an
average value of 20 per cent. When the present company first commenced work,
about 12 months ago, operations were confined to the southern portion of the mine,
where a shaft was sunk to the depth of 150ft. ; work there being then suspended
it could not be examined, but it was stated by those who had worked in the shaft
that the lode was from 4ft. to 5ft. wide, containing black ore, with bunches of yellow
ore appearing in the bottom. · The debris on the surface shows both classes of ore,
with iron and pyrites. From the general character of the material, and the informa-
tion the inspector was able to obtain, he was of the opinion that the further sinking
of this shaft would be the proper course to adopt in this portion of the property.
During the last five months all work has been confined to the main shaft, which
has been sunk to the depth of 210ft. on the lode underlie, which inclines W. 2 in 6,
striking slightly E. of N., and is considered to be the continuation of the Prince
Alfred lode worked in the Moonta Mine. To the present level it ranges from 3ft.
to 5ft. wide, composed of siliceous material, containing in the lower levels chiefly
yellow ore, the higher grade apparently making in shoots and branches. At the
132ft. level there has been a considerable amount of driving N. and S., and
also from a large portion of the lode stoped from this point towards the surface
the returns mentioned were obtained. Below this level, with the exception of
a winze at the bottom drives, the lode is still unworked, and probably will remain
so until the draining and the development works are further forward. The N.
bottom drive has been driven 72ft., lode in the face being 5ft. wide, containing
copper to a greater or less extent all through ; but the chief copper-bearing vein
is 18in. wide on the footwall side, and contains principally yellow ore, with a little
purple ore of a very fair percentage. This drive, when connected with the winze,
will unwater the upper levels, and prepare a large block of ground for stoping. S.
bottom drive has been extended 30ft. For the first 12ft. the lode is of similar
character to the N. drive; at this point a fault was met with, which forced the
lode from 12ft. to 14ft. further E.; a crosscut in this direction has been driven,
and the W. side of the lode intersected, exposing lode matter of low value.
The best portion of the ore vein is apparently still further E., and the crosscut
is being continued. At the 132ft. level, and slightly S. of the shaft, a crosscut
has been driven 12ft. E. of the main drive, and a parallel lode exposed 4ft.
wide; the vein being from 12in. to 18in. thick, portions being of very fair
grade. The No. 2 shaft is sunk to the depth of 192ft., and is 150ft. N. of the
main shaft; it is intended to continue the N. bottom drive from the main shaft
until it is connected with this, which will leave ground available for stoping 150ft,
82
MINING RECORDS.
long by 78ft. in depth. On the surface there is at present about 250 tons of un-
dressed ore and the inspector was informed there are several hundred tons of similar
class ore broken in the stopes that, with suitable machinery, can be treated at
a profit. Samples taken from the dumps mentioned yielded 5 per cent. and 54 per
cent. respectively, and sorted sample gave a return of 221 per cent., which is a
very fair average. Since operations have been started in this portion of the mine,
there have been dispatched about 25 tons of ore, the highest averaging 18 per cent.,
and the lowest 11 per cent.; also in that time a considerable amount of work
has been done, such as erecting machinery, unwatering the mine, and repairs to
the underground works; consequently the ore-raising has only occupied a portion
of the time. From the general appearance of the lode at the present levels, it is
evident the further sinking of the main shaft should not be neglected, with the object
of exploring the mine and opening up more ground for working. (I.M.R., 4-4-00.)
In a further report, dated December 10th, 1902, the inspector states that since
his previous report a considerable amount of development work had been done,
and the erection of the dressing plant, consisting of rock-breaker, and Root and
May's jiggers completed satisfactorily. The main shaft had been sunk a further
depth of 156ft., making a total distance of 366ft. on the lode incline. At the
300ft. level a chamber was opened, and a drive made N. towards No. 2 shaft 54ft. ;
the lode for the first 26ft. being about 4ft. wide, containing ore of very fair value ;
at this point a slide or fault was met with, dipping S. at an angle of 45°. N. of
this slide the lode contracted in width, and in the face was of low value, but in
another 30ft. the drive would probably intersect a shoot of better class ore, which
can be seen in the level above. The same slide was encountered in sinking the
shaft 26ft. below the 300ft. level, but here the appearance of the lode has com-
pletely changed, the lode body making larger, and of much better quality under-
neath the slide than above. In the bottom the lode is the full width of the shaft,
from 5ft. to 6ft., with about 4ft. on the hanging-wall side, worth from 8 per cent.
to 10 per cent. copper, and in bulk the full width of the shaft should give a good
average return. At the 198ft. level the N. drive has been extended 78ft., and
connected with No. 2 shaft, a total distance of 150ft. ; the lode formation ranging
from 4ft. to 7ft. in width, but of rather low value, except at one point, about 80ft.
N. of the main shaft, where a small, but good, shoot of ore was encountered. A
winze was sunk on this for a few feet, but as the shoot appeared only about 15ft.
in length work for the time was discontinued. From the 132ft. level a winze
has been sunk, and connected with the N. drive at the 198ft. level, opening
up large quantities of ore, which, with a slight increase of copper value, would
pay to extract, now that the principal work of development has been done. The
inspector further states his opinion that; for the future development of the pro-
perty, it is absolutely necessary that the sinking of the main shaft should be con-
tinued for at least another 50ft., then open out a chamber at the 400ft. level, and
drive on the course of the lode both N. and S.; it would also be advisable
to resume the drive N. at the 300ft. level, and intersect the shoot of good ore
mentioned as being in the level above 80ft. from the shaft, and at this point sink
a winze, to connect with the proposed N. drive, at the 400ft. level. By this
means, from present appearances, large quantities of fair-grade ore would be avail-
able for extraction. The improved value of the ore in the shaft bottom has every
appearance of being of a substantial and permanent character, and fully warrants
the expenditure required to carry out the work indicated, and bring the mine to
a successful issue. (I.M.R., 10–12-02.)
In 1905 work was suspended on account of want of capital, and in January,
1907, the leases were sold to the Wallaroo and Moonta Company.
MEARS' COPPER PROSPECT. — Locality, section 58, Eurilpa. There is a lode
formation of spathic iron and calcspar, with disseminated copper ore, striking
N.W., carrying a small percentage of copper, which has been prospected by shallow
shafts and open cuts. Further prospecting should be done,
COPPER.
83
MILDALTIE COPPER AND SILVER MINE.-Situated 260 miles N.E. from Adelaide,
and 12 miles S.E. of the railway, in the district of Mingary, in a slightly undulating
undisturbed belt of highly metalliferous country. The following particulars have
been furnished by Mr. W. H. James, mining manager :-Mining operations started
by the company and costeaning across the line of the strata (schistose rock)
revealed three well-defined lodes with a strike N.N.E. and S.S.W., traversing the
company's three 80-acre sections. In putting down a shaft in a strong, well-defined
lode, 30ft. of sinking yielded 10 tons of 30 per cent. ore. The minerals near the
surface were malachite and azurite, embedded in gossan, the latter worth 160zs.
silver per ton. At present bottom black sulphide is being raised. The full width
of lode is not determined, but trenching on its course has shown it to be continuous
in length. The lode improves in quality and size in depth, and the company has
fully a mile of lode to work upon. Assays given by Government Assayer of samples
supplied to him, gave-(1) copper glance, 50zs. silver and 583 per cent. copper;
(2) ironstone, 304 per cent. copper ; (3) azurite, 6ozs. of silver, 194 per cent. copper;
(4) malachite, 214 per cent. copper. (1890.)
A departmental report in June, 1907, states :-“Situated about 14 miles S.E.
from Olary Railway Station. No operations were in progress at the time of my
visit, and the old water shaft known as the Dalkey is full of water. This shaft,
I am informed, is about 140ft. deep, and drives have been made from it. The
old spoil heaps show that copper and silver-lead ores have been extracted. The
country rocks are diorite and slate. A short distance to the S. two shafts have
been sunk on a vein of quartz and copper ore, striking N.N.E. The N. shaft
could be descended, and here the vein appears well defined, and is from 1ft. 6in.
to 2ft. thick at the bottom (40ft), where a short drive N. has been made. A
general sample composed of quartz, copper pyrites, and bornite assayed 7.7 per
cent. copper. Indications are sufficiently favorable to warrant the prospecting
of the ground at depth, and for this purpose the sinking of the shaft examined
should be continued.” (D.R. (Gee), 22–6–07.)
MOCHATOONA MINE.—Locality, about 3 miles N.N.E. from Angepena Station.
This mine was formerly considered a wonderful discovery. For some time men were
employed there, but the mine workings were eventually abandoned. Prospected
from 1860 to 1869. Intermittent work has been carried on here recently. (1907.)
Inspector Jones reports—There are a great number of lodes traversing this property
of various thicknesses—from 1ft. to 5ft.--and consisting mostly of iron and little
quartz, all carrying a quantity of green carbonate of copper. The general trend
of both the lodes and country rocks is N. and S., dipping W. with few exceptions.
The greater number of the lodes are in the slate beds, and are the best as regards
carrying copper ore. The principal work carried on was on the side of one of the
hills, where a tunnel has been extended for a distance of 120ft., following the course
of the lode, which is of a uniform thickness of lft., and showing high-grade copper
ore in places. On the side of the hill, a little way up from the tunnel, on the same
lode some very good copper ore was got from the open cut. Some of the ore sent
away from here has given as high as 25 per cent. In bulk it will go about 4 per
cent. Small patches of sulphide have been got in the lode at times. Considering
the number of lodes on this property, all showing good indications of copper, I am
of the opinion that it is a very promising show,and warrants vigorous developmental
work being carried on to prove the value of these lodes at greater depth, where
some good grade sulphide ore may be discovered. (I.M.R. (Jones), 22–8–07.)
MOCHATOONA NORTH MINE.-Two shafts have been sunk on the property to a
depth of 40ft. vertical, and securely timbered. Both the shafts are within 100yds. of
a creek, which, after the heavy rain had running water in it, and, owing to the
water percolating through the porous ground, both shafts were full of water to the
level of the creek. Every effort was made by the proprietors to keep the water
down by drawing water from the shafts with horses, but they had to give it up for
a time. Their intention is to erect machinery as soon as possible. A sulphide
84
MINING RECORDS.
lode, I was told, was cut at a depth of 23ft. from the surface, which is from 3ft, to
4ft. wide ; 9 tons of this ore was sent away, which gave the satisfactory return of
6 per cent. of copper. (I.M.R. (Jones), 22–8–07.)
MONSTER LODE.—This property is near the Wheal Ellen Mine, about 3 miles
from the town of Strathalbyn. It consists of several mining sections, upon which
a few miners worked for some months on tribute. (Austin, 1863.)
MONARCH'S HEAD.-Situated near Hawker, and held by a local company in
1896. A shaft was put down 55ft, through hard ground; but softer country came
in, and carbonates of lime and copper, and manganese and a small vein of asbestos
were met with. . .
MONARCH (PARKHILL'S CLAIM).-Situated in the Illinawortina Pound, about
2 miles N. 10° E, from Dean Hill. A shallow pit on the side of the hill exposes a
lode 15in. to 18in. thick of ferruginous quartz and iron gossan, with kaolin and
· blue and green carbonates of copper. Small specks of gold are found in the quartz,
in the gossan, and also with the copper ore. The vein strikes N. 55º E. and seems
to underlie N.W. at about 50°. Fifteen chains E.N.E. from this place a trench,
12ft. long and 10ft. deep, has exposed a lode about 4ft. wide, strike S. 85° E., and
underlie S. of 50°. It is composed of quartz and iron gossan containing green car-
bonate, ferruginous copper ore, and a little copper sulphide; specks of gold also
occur in the copper ore here. The veins cannot be traced far on the surface. The
country rocks are crystalline limestone containing pyrites and calcareous slate.
(George, 27–2–04.)
MONTACUTE MINE.-Situated on the Mount Lofty Range, and about 10 miles
nearly N.E. from Adelaide, is one of the oldest mines in the colony, having been
discovered in 1843-4. The mine is on a steep spur of the range, and extensive
outcroppings of ore were visible on the surface. The ores found were chiefly yellow
and peacock ores, averaging 18 per cent. Some native copper was also found.
(Austin, 1863.) In 1848 the quantity of ore raised was about 1,500 tons; the
quantity shipped about 1,000 tons, and the highest price realised in Swansea about
£18 per ton. In 1846 the Customs returns gave 503 tons of ore as exported from
this mine. Work was stopped by the discovery of the Victorian goldfields in 1851
withdrawing all the miners. In 1898-9 the mine was again worked for a time, and
some tunnels were driven in from the N. side of the spur.
MooloolOO MINE.-Situated 28 miles N.N.E. from the Blinman. This dis-
covery was tested by a company, but the ores were not sufficiently rich to pay
expenses of cartage to smelting works, 30 miles distant. Reports mention that on
the hill is a “boil” capped with iron and manganese, showing good ore in several
places. Worked from 1860 to 1869, but very little work was done. Working has
recently been resumed, and the six months' return to end of 1898 shows that
a ton and half of ore yielded 7cwts. of copper. Two shafts are down each 25ft.
(1899.)
MooloolO0 MINE SOUTH.—Locality the same, and description similar to that of
Moolooloo Mine proper. Operations conducted from 1860 to 1869.
MOONTA MINE.-Vide WALLAROO and MOONTA, page 140.
MOOROO MINE.—Situated a few miles to the W. of Prism Hill. The indication
leading to the discovery of this mine was a hill stained with copper from top to
bottom, but the only work done was the sinking of two shafts to the depth of 6 and
8 fathoms respectively. About 20 tons of ore were raised, but the water coming in
strongly, and no promising lode being found, operations were discontinued. (Austin,
1863.) A good deal of work has been done here during recent years, and a quantity
of low-grade ore raised by the Tasmanian Copper Company and forwarded to their
Blinman smelters. (1907.)
MOOROWIE COPPER MINE.-Situated on the Arrowie run, on an E. flank of
the Flinders Range, about 100 miles from the Hawker Railway Station. The
Inspector of Mines reported (September, 1889)-An outcrop, running N.E., with an
underlię to the N.W., has been opened upon in several places, and small bunches
COPPER.
85
of good copper ore was found distributed irregularly in a ferri-calcareous formation.
A shaft has been sunk 100ft. on the lode, which varies from 3ft. to 4ft. in thickness.
The ore is of excellent quality, the company's assays have ranged up to 79 per cent.,
and the Government Assayer's return on samples tried reached as high as 64 per
cent.
A recent report states : — There is one well-defined lode running through the
property, N.E. course, with sharp underlie to the N.W. It is a ferri-calcareous
formation, containing green and blue carbonate of copper, with little grey ore in
places near to the surface. Its thickness varies from 2ft. to as low as 3in. The
outcrop is very consistent, and can be traced for over half a mile on the surface,
and shows strong indications of copper all along the line. Most of the work has
been done on the second N. block, where a shaft, 7ft. by 5ft., has been sunk on the
underlie of the lode to a depth of 100ft. The best of the ore seems to have been
located near the top of this shaft in the soft country, where the ore has been stoped
out N. and S. for about 50ft. and to a depth of 30ft. There is little grey ore showing
in the faces of these drives at present, which may improve in thickness if driven
on further. From a depth of 28ft. down the shaft the formation is gradually
making smaller, until at the 60ft. and below that there is only about 3in. of forma-
tion between the true walls, with little green carbonate of copper entering both
walls to a depth of 6in. or 9in. in places. Considering that the lode is small and
in hard country I do not think stoping ore out at this depth could be made profit-
able. Five samples of ore from the different levels gave the following results :-
No. 1, bulk sample, 60ft. level, 4.1 per cent. copper; No. 2, 40ft. level, 2.9 per
cent. copper ; No. 3, 40ft. level, 10.9 per cent. copper ; No. 4, 70ft. level, 2.2 per
cent. copper ; No. 5, ore dump, 11 tons, 38.1 per cent, copper. About 300yds. N.
of the main working shaft a prospecting pit had been sunk to a depth of 10ft.,
the formation at the top of which is from 9in. to 12in. thick, and consists of blue
and green carbonate of copper, and at the bottom, from 2in. to 3in. wide. (I.M.R.
(Jones), 28–8–07.)
MOUNT BOLD.—E. of Clarendon, hundred of Noarlunga. The Inspector of
Mines (Mr. Rosewarne) in 1889 states a shaft has been sunk 145ft. At 67ft. depth
a fair lode was exposed with an E. and W. course and S. underlie. On the hang-
ing wall there is a branch of fair-grade yellow and peacock copper ore, and the lode
will yield about a ton per fathom of ore dressing up to 20 per cent. Assays for
silver gave 220zs. per ton. The surrounding country is clayslate. There is a
large extent of copper-bearing ground, and there is plenty of water available for
dressing machinery. Even at the present (1889) low price of copper, he was of
opinion that the mine might be worked to give a margin of profit. In June,
1894, the mine was being worked on tribute, and it was stated that some
good peacock ore had been taken out, and that the lode gave a ton of ore per
fathom, dressing up to 20 per cent. for fine copper, the assay showing also 2ozs.
of silver per ton. The mine has been worked from time to time in a desultory
sort of way. Small operations are now in progress, and Inspector Matthews, in
April, 1907, reports :-“ This property (now called the Mount Bold Perseverance)
is situated about 5 miles from Clarendon, in the vicinity of Mount Bold. The
principal workings consist of one shaft and two tunnels, the two latter being driven
on the line of lode, which shows from 6in. to 2ft. wide. The main shaft has been
sunk near the top of the hill to the depth of 80ft., disclosing vein matter ranging
from 6in. to 2ft. wide, composed of schist, gritty kaolin, and iron gossan, freely
copper-stained, with nodules of good copper in places in the form of green car-
bonates and malachite. About 60ft. below the surface level of the shaft a tunnel
has been driven 134ft., and connected with the shaft 20ft. from the bottom, vein
matter being similar in appearance to that previously described. The lower, or
No. 1, tunnel has been advanced 250ft., lode formation being broken slate and
kaolinised matter, containing splashes of green and blue carbonates of copper; but,
taken in bulk, is of little or no value beyond showing that the lode formation is in
86
MINING RECORDS.
metal-bearing country, and possibly might improve in value as the tunnel is con-
tinued. To further prospect this property I see no other course but to continue
the bottom tunnel another 50ft. or 60ft., which would be underneath the upper
workings, then continue sinking the shaft until it is connected with the tunnel.
This would be simply prospecting work that, from the character of the vein matter,
may develop more valuable shoots of ore than are at present exposed, which, taken
in bulk, are not by any means remunerative. Four samples taken returned the
following results :—No. 1, sorted sample, opening near shaft, ferruginous quartz
and malachite, 2-6 per cent. copper ; No. 2, sample main shaft, quartz and malachite,
1.1 per cent. copper; No. 3, ore raised from top tunnel, quartz, malachite, and
azurite, 1.1 per cent. copper; No. 4, nodules and splashes of copper picked out in
driving bottom tunnel, 4.9 per cent, copper. (I.M.R., 6-407.)
MOORAHNOO.--Adjoining the Montezuma Mine, 4 miles from Tumby Bay. A
shaft has been sunk to a depth of 43ft. ; the lode formation is from 6in. to 12in.
thick, and contains blue and green carbonates; at the bottom the vein shows con-
siderable improvement, and it is recommended that the shaft be continued for
another 40ft. or 50ft., and drives put along the course of the lode. Sample taken
assayed 18 per cent. (I.M.R., 5-9-99.)
McCABE's.—Situated about 7 miles N.E. of Wildman's Bluff. Small veins from
4in. to 10in, thick, consisting of quartz, spathic iron, siliceous limestone, containing
small nodules of copper glance, sulphide, and carbonate, with also small spangles
of native bismuth; these strike N. 12° E. and underlie E. at 65°, and have
been opened by a trench 70ft. long, 6ft. deep, and a pit 17ft. deep. The country
rocks are clay and calcareous slate. (George, 24–4–04.)
MOLLER AND RANKINE'S CLAIMS.-E. of and adjoining the Black Queen Mine.
A pit has been sunk on a vein of argillaceous material and iron oxides, 4in. to 8in.
thick, containing small lumps of copper sulphide and stains of carbonate; a little
calcspar shows at the bottom. The vein occupies the junction between mica schist
and massive green hornblendic rock, and is worth testing at depth. (24–4–04.)
· Mount BURR MINE.—This mine is situated about 20 miles E. from Lyndhurst
Railway Siding. The rock of which the mount is composed, and mainly also the
spur on which lies the mine, is a coarse quartz grit, silicified and concretionary in
places. It therefore assumes an appearance similar to that of the cupriferous out-
crop of the Ooraldana Mine. Shallow shafts have been opened on the spur, and the
ore, according to specimens lying about, consists of earthy-green carbonate, with
some chloride, and occasionally blackish grey, and, more rarely, red oxide of copper,
associated more or less with brown hematite. The main ore-bearing part of the
mine lies close along the boundary of the quartz grit and calcareous slate. This
slate is also ferruginous and concretionary in part, and strikes E. 35° N., and dips
N. 35° W. at 40° to 50°. The principal workings consist of a tunnel about 4 chains
in length, starting from a small gully. In this tunnel are exposed, interstratified
with the slate beds, brown iron ore, richly and intimately impregnated with grey
oxide and green carbonate of copper. This lies in thin layers, the thickest of which
is not more than 3in. The walls, which are rather soft, contain green carbonate,
mixed with chloride of copper; they also show glistening crystalline particles and
thin veins of selenite. Further in, where the tunnel takes a strong bend to the S.,
is to be found on the face a large pocket of ochreous brown iron ore. (Ulrich, 1872.)
The Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H. Matthews) reports as follows :-
Situated close to Mount Burr. The workings are in a spur of the main range,
rising abruptly 80ft. above the level of the watercourse which runs at its base.
The formation on the surface is apparently very large, copper showing from
various openings, from 4 chains to 5 chains in width. Strike about N. and S.
The work that can be inspected is almost all confined to surface openings, from
4ft. to 12ft, in depth, exposing a large quantity of low-grade material, composed
of coarse gritty quartz and sandstone, containing green carbonates and grey ore,
COPPER.
associated with iron, portions of which can be hand-dressed to a very fair percentage.
From one of the openings 10ft. wide and 5ft. deep, a bulk sample was taken, and
gave 54 per cent. of copper. Sixty feet from the outcrop a shaft has been sunk
to the depth of 50ft., passing through garnet sandstone, with small seams of ferrugi-
nous matter, but no copper as yet. This shaft should be continued at least another
30ft., and the ground then prospected by crosscutting, which should be 110ft.
below the highest point of the surface workings. The ground being soft, the expense
would be comparatively small. On the E. side of the hill a tunnel has been
driven, and shaft sunk in soft white decomposed slate, containing patches and
pockets of carbonates and grey ore. The workings had fallen in, and could not
be examined, but the inspector was informed that several tons of high-grade
ore had been extracted. About a quarter of a mile E. of the present workings
a water shaft, 8ft. by 4ft. in the clear, was in progress, then 35ft. deep, and, judging
from the position, water to supply the proposed concentrating plant should be
struck at a shallow depth. Concentration of the ore is absolutely necessary for
the future working of the mine, which has every reasonable chance in its favor.
Twenty-seven tons of ore, worth a little over 30 per cent., had so far been sent
away. (I.M.R., 22–11-99.)
Attempts to work this mine on a large scale and erect concentrating machinery,
etc., have not been successful so far. Tributers have been on the property recently
and have realised fair returns, but deeper workings are now necessary. Vanadium
ochre, in small quantity, has been found in the ore here. (1907.)
MOUNT CHAMBERS MINE.—Situated 6 miles S. from the hill of that name and
32 miles E. from the Blinman. The surface of the ground is covered with boulders
of crystalline limestone. Several large blocks of malachite were found in a clear
space, running N. and S. between the boulders, and green carbonate is scattered
about. There is no regularly defined lode, but blocks of ore were found in three
different parts of the section. The country is moderately hard pipeclay. Several
shafts were sunk in search of a lode, but without success. (Austin, 1863.)
MOUNT COFFIN MINE.—Distant about 8 miles N.E. from Leigh Creek and about
a mile S.E. of the Mount Coffin Trig., on the side of a steep hill. The lode runs
almost E. and W., and carries a small but rich quantity of ore composed of chalco-
cite, malachite, and atacamite in a much-jointed slate. The dip is S. 10° W.
65° to 70°. Two or three small shafts have been put down and an incline drive
following down the shaft alongside the lode. The lode is traceable for about 2 miles
on the surface, and the underlie is about 2ft. in 6ft. to the S. About 78 tons of
ore have been raised, but it is very dredgy, and requires machinery to dress it.
The mine stopped working in 1883.
It was restarted, and Inspector Matthews reports :-
The lode is persistent, and has been worked by open cuts and shafts for fully half a
mile in length, the deepest shaft being 80ft. ; it ranges in size from a few inches to
3ft., and is composed of green carbonates and grey ore, running in seams and streaks
throughout the formation, giving an average value of from 9 per cent. to 20 per cent.
At the depth of from 12ft. to 15ft. the copper-bearing material usually gives place
to barren rock, except at one point in the main shaft, where a vein of grey ore,
2in. thick, continues down to the 80ft. level. There is every chance of the lode
opening out again, and the shaft should be continued to test this. At each end
of the workings two shallow tunnels have been driven into the hill, one 60ft. and
the other 80ft., but nothing of importance has been disclosed in either. On
a second examination, in June, 1900, the inspector found 15 men employed,
chiefly at the shallow levels; the formation was from 3ft. to 6ft. wide, carrying
small veins and seams of green carbonate and grey ore. The country rock is, in
places, highly copper-stained for a considerable distance on each side of the for-
mation. During last 12 months 150 tons of ore, worth from 10 per cent. to 35 per
cent., has been raised. (I.M.R., 29-6-00.)
MİNING RECORDS.
A departmental report, dated August 27th, 1902, states—This mine was worked
years ago by a company; but for a considerable period it has either lain idle or been
worked by tributers. Several shafts and inclined tunnels have been sunk, but the
old shafts are not now accessible. The recent work done by tributers consist of
a shaft sunk 21ft. vertically and then 80ft. on the underlie, with a drive E. at the
bottom 12ft. long. Very little copper ore was obtained at this working, although
the country passed through was heavily stained with copper carbonates. A shaft
was in course of sinking, and at the time of inspection was 25ft. deep, following
small seams of rich copper ore, while at the W. workings a shaft had been put down
40ft. following a vein consisting of cuprite and chalcocite, with a little copper car-
bonate, from lin. to 8in. in thickness. Numerous other small pits and costeans
have been sunk; and in every instance copper ore has been met with. The copper-
bearing formation consists of clayslate containing strings, veins, and bunches of
cuprite and copper glance. Small veins, varying from din. to lin. in thickness,
cut across the clayslate formation at about right angles to its strike and underlie
down along the formation at a very flat angle ; in the neighborhood of these, bunches
of rich copper ore are met with. The thickness of this copper-bearing formation
has not been determined, but copper ore has been proved to occur for over 15ft.
The formation strikes W. 10° N., and underlies S. at an angle of about 80°. For
the first five months of 1902 about 17 tons of ore were raised and sent to the smelters
by the tributers. (27-8-02.) A little alluvial gold has been found in the adjacent
gullies. Operations are now being prosecuted more vigorously. (1907.)
MOUNT DECEPTION.- Between Beltana and Wirtaweena mines six mineral
sections were taken up for mining purposes. They yielded some fine specimens and
nothing more. (Held between 1860–9.)
MOUNT DESIRE.—In the neighborhood of this hill, which is situated about 13
miles S.E. of Mernmerna, on the Great Northern Railway, two mineral claims were
taken out. They were W. of the mount, at distance of 3 and 8 miles respectively.
Very little work was done upon them, though the mineral indications were con-
sidered good. (Date of prospecting, 1860-9.)
MOUNT EMILY MINE.—Situate 11 miles due S. from the Blinman and 5 miles
from the mount itself. It is near the top of a small conical hill. The work is repre-
sented by a small excavation opened in a calcareous, mullocky shale, which is
permeated by green carbonate and chloride, and contains scattered specks and small
seams of grey oxide of copper. There are also present irregular roundish lumps of
crystalline limestone, which, on being broken, show copper coloration throughout.
Resting on this deposit, and forming the top of the hill, is an impure limestone,
which apparently dips at an angle of 50° or 60° N. The cupriferous shale seems to
form an interstratified layer between limestone deposits. A bold outcrop of quartz
commences about 10 chains N.E. from the excavation, striking N. 20° E., and dips
nearly vertical. Copper stains and coatings show here and there, but the principal
ore enclosed is galena in thickly scattered specks, small patches, and occasionally in
veins. Two other outcrops are close at hand, but neither of them show copper
stains or lead-ore impregnation. The country between these reefs consists of in-
durated calcareous shales and slates, with interstratified bands of hard limestone;
the strike is nearly E. and W., dip N. at 50° to 60°. These rocks, judging from frag-
ments scattered on the surface, seem to be traversed in the vicinity of the mine by
small dykes of diorite greenstone; and about a mile S., on the slope of a range, is
a massive outcrop of the same rock. This should receive the attention of the pros-
pector, for the reason that in Victoria dykes of this rock are traversed by auriferous
quartz veins. Some of the richest mines in that colony are working on similar
dykes. (Ulrich, 1872.)
MOUNT EURO MINE.-Situated amongst high and rugged hills, 28 miles N.E.
from the Blinman. A heavy reef of quartz and ironstone carries strong green and
blue stains of copper, with occasional small pieces of ore; and in one place some
good specimens of grey oxide were found. No work has been done on this section.
(Austin, 1863.)
COPPÉŘ.
NI FITION Mitton. There inodules of copies wide
strike 200 N. "Oh, and nodules et outcrop of limest).-Situated 7
MOUNT FITTON MINE (also known as “ Billy's Springs Mine").--Situated 7 miles
N.W. of Mount Fitton. There is a large outcrop of limestone intermixed with
arenaceous sandstone, iron, and nodules of copper, galena, and impure cerusite.
It has a strike 20° N. of W., and is about 15ft. wide. The Inspector (1890)
reported a shaft 40ft. deep in the lode, and a drive to cut the footwall.
Sampling from the lode gave good returns of silver and lead. Further sinking
and testing were recommended. In December, 1897, it was stated by the owners
that one shaft had been sunk to a depth of 100ft. (timbered), which cut through
the lode at about 30ft. Ore from this lode assayed in 10 samples over 300zs. silver
per ton and 50 per cent. of lead, whilst a copper vein assayed 22ozs. silver per ton
and 32 per cent. copper. There is an outcrop of yellowish ore carrying carbonates
and grey copper ore. The Government Geologist, in February, 1899, reported that
there is a wide lode formation which has been worked to a depth of 56ft., and that
a shaft was sunk 100ft., when work ceased. The favorable character of the lode
at the 50ft. workings would lead to the expectation of improvement at depth.
A departmental report, furnished in April, 1904, says :-Lode material consists
of gossany, siliceous, argillaceous, and ferruginous matter, containing seams and
bunches of copper glance, carbonate of copper, and carbonates of zinc and lead,
with silver. The outcrop is exposed for a length of about 70ft., with a surface
thickness of from 10ft. to 15ft.; it strikes S. 65° E. Shafts have been sunk at
each end to 18ft. and 16ft., and connected by a drive at the bottom, which has
been extended E. from the E. shaft for 20ft. All this work is in lode matter. At
about 45ft. E., along the line of lode from these workings, a main vertical shaft
has been sunk to a depth of 100ft., and close timbered to within 6ft. of the bottom.
At 43ft. from the brace drives have been put in along the lode E. 25° S. for 27ft.,
and W. 25° N. for 11ft. In the E. drive the lode matter is exposed over 8ft.
wide, with neither wall visible ; it consists of gossany material, with a little quartz
and carbonate and a quantity of both decomposing and hard siliceous slate.
Similar lode matter is exposed in the W. drive, and at the face a crosscut W. has in
5ft. reached a vertical wall. From the bottom of the shaft a crosscut has been
made, N. 20° E., for 64ft. through limestone rock,without meeting any lode material.
A trench, 24ft. long, 13ft. deep, and 3ft. to 4ft. wide, has been excavated 30ft. to
54ft., entering along the lode from the main shaft. Good returns, particularly as
regards zinc, have been obtained from sample parcels recently treated, and two
samples taken from the dumps at the time of inspection assayed-No. 1, smithsonite,
malachite, oxide of antimony, with siliceous gangue; gold, trace; silver, 5ozs.
12dwts. per ton; copper, 10-2 per cent. ; zinc, 36.7 per cent. ; antimony, 7 per cent.
No. 2, smithsonite, malachite, and oxide of antimony ; gold, trace; silver, 2ozs.
per ton; copper, 6.5 per cent. ; zinc, 20.5 per cent. ; antimony, 1 per cent. This
is evidently a property which should be vigorously prospected, and is of special
interest owing to the amount of zinc contained, as shown by the above assays.
(George, 24-4-04.)
Two and a half tons, returning 42.7 per cent. zinc, have been recently treated.
(1907.)
MOUNT FITTON SOUTH.--Situate 21 miles S. from Billy's Springs. Mr. Harrison,
prospector, reported to the Mines Department (September, 1889) that he and his
mate had struck, at a depth of 47ft., a solid body of copper ore in a lode 4ft.
wide. Four small parcels had been sent away, averaging 48% per cent. Other
parcels sent for treatment by the E. and A. Copper Co., over 11 tons, gave 521 per
cent., and about 7 tons gave 42 per cent. The prospectors stated that they
have a large body of ore, but the great cost of transport retards development
of the mine. The Government Geologist reported in February, 1899, that the
strike of the lode is N. and S., and the inclination 53º E. The shaft has been sunk
to a depth of 60ft., following the dip of the lode. At the depth of 50ft. there is a
drive 30ft. long. There is no doubt about the existence of a rich shoot of ore, which
will probably continue downwards to a considerable depth, and the sinking of the
90
MINING RECORDS.
per cent.
151
......
121
shaft should be continued, and the lode proved by levels driven at suitable intervals
of depth. The tailings from the jigged ore showed on pan test fair prospects of gold,
and samples of tailings assayed gave the following results :-
Gold.
Silver.
Copper.
dwts. grs.
dwts. grs.
2 0
2 21
13.2
1 17
3 23
101
5 10
6 0
182
13
4 13
2 7
4 5
The Inspector of Mines reports--A shaft has been sunk to a depth of 70ft. on a
copper lode, which strikes N. and S., and underlies to the E. at an angle of 53º. The
lode formation is from 4ft. to 5ft. wide, and near the surface the solid ore vein is 12in.
thick, making larger as it continues down, until at the bottom, or 70ft. level, it is 4ft.
thick, consisting of green carbonates and grey ore. A bulk sample taken assayed 293
per cent. of copper. At the 50ft. level there is a small drive about 30ft. long, the ore
face still showing 3ft. wide. In other parts of the property shallow pits have been
opened on various lodes and veins, in every case exposing green carbonates and other
ores, so far not developed. There is no doubt the main shaft is sunk on a strong rich
shoot of ore, that will probably continue to some considerable depth, making, in
places, larger and smaller. Up to the end of April, 1899, nearly 100 tons of ore,
Living the high average of 48 per cent. of copper, had been sent to the smelters ; 18
to 20 tons of low-grade ore, worth concentration, were at grass. On the reserve
W. of and adjoining the mine a well, sunk to a depth of 60ft., yields a supply of
600galls. daily, which could doubtless be increased by sinking. (I.M.R., 1-8–99.)
Reporting in July, 1900, the Inspector says that work had been continuous
for the last 12 months, and consisted chiefly of raising ore from the main shaft,
which had been sunk to 112ft. on the lode underlie. The operations then were
confined to the 50ft. level, where ore of very high grade was being stoped ; the
ore vein ranges from a few inches to 2ft. thick, and the main shoot apparently
dips to the N. The shaft could not be examined below the 50ft. level, but it
was stated that the formation was from 3ft. to 4ft. wide, with veins and bunches
of good ore throughout. Similar-looking lode outcrops which occur on the property
should be opened up, but so far no work had been done to test them. (I.M.R.,
3–7–00.)
An examination in July, 1901, showed a considerable amount of work in progress
at the 25ft., 50ft., and 92ft. levels in the main shaft. The ore-bearing bodies have
been found to be much more extensive than had been anticipated, as on the
supposed walls being broken through, fresh copper-bearing veins were disclosed,
and at the 92ft. level the lode has been proved for 13ft., with neither hanging nor
foot wall disclosed. A drive N. along the lode extends for 63ft. from this level.
In the upper levels also the lode is much wider than had at first been thought.
Near the W. boundary of the property a shaft has been sunk 22ft, on a quartz
lode parallel to the main lode, and with an underlie to the E. of 56º ; it is about
2ft. thick and carries grey ore and green carbonate, and should be thoroughly
prospected. There are also four other lode outcrops on the lease which should
be prospected. (George, 5–7–01.)
In August, 1902, it is reported that the drive N. from the 92ft. level, being
met by an adit from the outside, communication with the surface on the side of
the hill has been made, the total distance being 251ft. Rich copper ore was followed
for 65ft. from the shaft, when the vein seemed to cut out, but between there and
the mouth of the tunnel copper stains are showing on both sides of the drive. Drives
have been extended and various stopes worked, but operations on the mine have
not been continuous. (George, 27-8-02.)
Further report, March, 1904. No work had been done in the mine since last
report, but a well had been sunk 50ft. in the south bank of the Hamilton Creek,
and a supply of 4,000galls. of good water per diem obtained, and a concentrating
1
COPPÉR.
ij
plant has been obtained by the company and was in course of erection. It is
proposed to start work on the dump, which is estimated to contain 1,600 tons of
ore, averaging 73 per cent. metallic copper. (George, 4–3–04.)
Returns for the six months ending December 31st, 1906, show that 200 tons of
ore, containing 6 tons llcwts. of copper, value £497 7s. 2d., had been raised.
MOUNT FITTON CONSOLIDATED.-Situated S. of and adjoining the Mount Fitton
South Mine. A small opening 3ft. deep has been made, showing strong copper
stains. Not enough work done for determination. Further prospecting recom-
mended. (I.M.R., 1-8-99.)
MOUNT GRIFFITHS MINE.—This venture adjoins the W. boundary of the Fifth
Creek Central, and a large amount of work has been done; but the Inspector of
Mines is of opinion that there is no prospect worth following, although in one gully
near the boundary a fair quantity of carbonate of copper has been opened up. Still,
the property is in a mineralised belt of country, and a drive to intersect the central
lode at 500ft. would fully prove it. (1889.)
MOUNT GUNSON COPPER MINE.—Situated about 90 miles N.W. from Port Augusta,
and 1 mile W. from Pernatty Lagoon. There are two lodes, bearing N.E. and S.W.,
and ranging from 6ft. to 18ft. in width. The ore consists of green and blue carbon-
ates and grey ore, containing about 26 per cent. of metal. The work done includes
five shafts from 10ft. to 25ft. deep and surface prospecting; and about 40 tons of
ore, averaging 20 per cent. copper, has been raised, besides 200 tons low-class ore
suitable for concentrating. This mine has been worked by a small syndicate,
but operations were suspended because of the expense of cartage and scarcity of
good water. The ore has been raised from an almost horizontal deposit, varying
from 1ft. to 3ft. thick. Some of the ore by assay gave 18ozs. silver. The veinstone
associated with the metallic minerali s quartz, and the country rock is sandstone
and slate. The mine was discovered about the year 1875.
Further finds of copper ore were made between the old mine and Pernatty Lagoon.
The Inspector of Mines, reporting August 4th, 1899, states that from the present
developments the copper-bearing formation has every appearance of a horizontal
deposit, but sufficient depth has not been attained to determine that point. At this
time the principal work was confined to block No. 1264, near the centre of which an
open cutting was being worked, 20ft. long by 12ft. wide, and an average depth of
10ft., the deepest point being 18ft. No clean or well-defined walls were visible.
The material sunk through was chiefly horizontal bands of green carbonates, from
6in. to 3ft. 6in. thick, with intermediate low-grade belts, and, at the deepest point,
ironstained kaolin, containing small seams of high-grade carbonates, grey ore being
visible in places. A sample taken from the bands of ore, from surface to bottom,
gave a return of 15per cent. copper. At shallow depths, from 2ft. to 16ft., a
considerable amount of work was formerly done in block 1244, exposing a large
quantity of green carbonate material, a sample from which returned 71 per cent.
This will probably not last, and further bands of good ore should be met with
deeper. In block 1291 the copper-bearing formation shows plainly on the surface
for a considerable length and width. About the centre a small shaft has been sunk
to the depth of 15ft., the ore body lying in horizontal bands composed of dolomite,
quartz, and iron, containing green carbonate and a little grey. ore; average return
4 per cent. copper. Throughout the various blocks a large number of cross trenches
and trial pits, from 2ft. to 5ft. deep, häve been sunk, and in almost every instance
more or less copper-bearing material is exposed, and generally, although the de-
velopmental work has been small, and so far extended only to shallow depths, a
large quantity of copper-carrying matter has been shown to exist, of which the
higher grade can be sent direct to the smelters and the lower, with suitable ma-
chinery, dressed to a standard, giving profitable and regular returns. It was stated
that during the previous six months 50 tons of 14 per cent. ore had been dispatched.
(I.M.R., 4-8-99.)
92
MINING RECORDS.
The Government Geologist having visited the property in July, 1900, and October,
1901, furnished the following report:—Locality, Pernatty Lagoon, 5 miles S.S.E
of Mount Gunson trig. hill.–At the old Mount Gunson Mine copper ore occurs
permeating beds of quartzose sandstone, lying approximately in a horizontal
position, to depths of from 5ft. to 15ft., as proved in open cuts and shallow tunnels.
The copper when in solution has been infiltrated into the sandstone beds, and it
has penetrated through the mass. The result is that the sandstone is highly
charged and generally colored green with carbonate, while the joints and cracks
are often filled with carbonate and copper glance. A considerable quantity of low-
grade ore is exposed in the cuttings, which extend over about į an acre. The
limits of copper-bearing rock are not yet determined either in depth or laterally.
At Brennan's workings, 30 chains W., shallow holes in a gully on about the
same level as at the old mine have proved the existence of what appears to be
the same copper-bearing stratum. At Brennan's shaft, 30 chains E., open
cuttings and a shaft 70ft. (?) deep show similar copper-bearing sandstone over-
lying a clay bed. A tunnel connecting these workings with the shaft has exposed
a soft copper-bearing gossany formation, which has the appearance of a flat lode.
An assay of some of this material taken by me returned a trace of gold and 123 per
cent. of copper. As dolomitic limestone is met with in the shaft below this level
the deposit may mark the junction of the dolomitic limestone and the sandstone.
E. of Brennan's shaft to the edge of Pernatty Lagoon numerous shallow
shafts have been sunk in dolomitic limestone, containing green carbonate of copper
and copper glance in small veins, disseminated in some places sparingly, in others
richly, through the rock. Baryta in small veins is sometimes found accompanying
the ore. The shafts or holes are sunk at places where the ore was noticed in the
dolomite, and, judging from the number of places which have been tried, it must
be rather widely distributed. No limits as to depth or extent have yet been de-
termined. The dolomitic limestone underlies the sandstone formation, and may
be the source from which the copper deposited in the sandstone was leached. It
is highly probable that the dolomite will be found to contain copper lodes, and
although this rock has only been proved copper-bearing to a depth of a few feet,
it will probably be found to extend to greater depths when tested. The same
remark applies to the sandstone formation. With regard to the area likely to
be copper-bearing, ore has been already found to occur for the whole distance
occupied by the mineral leases, viz., 2 miles in length. It most probably extends
downwards to a greater depth than has yet been tried. A systematic prospecting
by means of shallow bores would determine these points. The average ore is of
low grade, but at the same time rich ore can be picked out. Taken altogether,
the deposit is a remarkable one, because of it bedded character and the extent
of rock affected. With concentrating machinery of a suitable character, and
management on a large scale, very large returns of copper should be obtained.
(July 11th, 1900.)
On October 26th, 1901, this mine was again visited, at which time it was not
being worked. The copper-bearing quartzite and sandstone rock had been located
over a wider area, but no extensive and systematic mode of working the deposits
as a whole had then been attempted.
In 1905 the Mount Gunson Company expended a considerable sum in the erection
of a reverberatory smelter ; but mainly owing to the highly siliceous nature of the
ore and the excess of silica in the ironstone flux available, the smelting operations
were not successful. Some other means of dealing with these large bodies of low-
grade ore will probably be adopted.
MOUNT BAYLY.-Situated about 6 miles N. of Beltana, and i mile E. of the
railway line. Three shafts have been sunk to various depths, and various small
openings made in a soft clay formation about 30ft. wide, with, so far, no defined
walls, carrying more or less blue and green carbonates, in nodular form, throughout.
From No. 1 shaft, 86ft, deep, a drive has been made on the course of the formation
COPPER.
93
for 50ft. ; this exposes blue and green carbonate in places, but the bulk is not of high
value. No. 2 shaft is 60ft. deep, and about 70ft. of driving has been done; the
material raised has been treated by a small dressing plant, erected at some springs
away from the mine, but the result was not successful, partly in consequence
of the very tenacious nature of the clay formation through which the copper is
distributed being very difficult to deal with by the ordinary ore-dressing appliances.
No. 3 shaft is 63ft. deep, with a crosscut driven 30ft. at the bottom; this, in places,
shows small splashes of good copper ore, but taken in bulk is of poor quality. There
are several other openings, from 4ft. to 20ft, in depth, in most cases showing the
same class of material, the copper contents being of rather better value near the
surface than at the deeper levels; but it is evident that a special class of dressing
machinery will be required to obtain anything like a fair extraction. Three tons
of 8 per cent. ore and 7 tons of concentrates from the machinery, worth about
10 per cent., have been sent away. Bulk samples from the various workings assayed
as under :-
Bottom of No. 1 shaft ......
per cent.
No. 2 shaft ...
· No. 3 shaft, partly sorted ..
No. 3 shaft, bulk ......
Opening, 20ft. deep ........
(I.M.R., 16-8-00.)
ANO
.........................
LC
............
...........
...........................
more co
The surface shows a considerable quantity of sheddings from a large N. and S.
ironstone formation which runs through the property. For about 200yds. in width
copper traces can be seen, the better portion being on the E. side of the ironstone out-
crop. The workings consist of numerous small openings and several prospecting
shafts, ranging from 10ft. to 70ft. in depth; these nearly all expose small veins and
bunches of copper ore, but no true lode or vein has yet been found. Work was in
progress in an opening 10ft. deep, disclosing a horizontal formation 3ft. thick, on a
bed of ironstone; the formation contains a large quantity of lime, and also shows
blue and green carbonates, grey ore, and small portions of malachite. A sorted
sample assayed 53 per cent. ; below this a sample of black oxide of iron and limestone
gave 11 per cent. About 500yds. N. two shafts have been sunk 10ft. and 20ft. ; the
former, close to the ironstone, shows copper traces on the top, and should be continued
to at least 50ft., and then crosscut through the formation. The second is sunk on
a small vein of blue carbonate, which has continued almost vertical to the bottom;
this also should be continued. The country rock in both is soft sandstone and
kaolin, and is favorable for ore veins or copper deposits. To prospect the property
at the present workings, a tunnel should be driven from the E. side of the ridge,
passing through the ironstone formation; this would show whether a main lode
existed. A shaft should also be sunk from the top of the hill, keeping close to the
ironstone, and connecting with the tunnel ; this would pass through any horizontal
deposits existing above the tunnel, and would afford facilities for their inexpensive
working. The property is sufficiently promising to warrant the expenditure necessary
to test its value. Twelve tons of 18 per cent. to 20 per cent. ore have been sent
away. (I.M.R., 19–12–99.)
The Inspector of Mines made a further examination in July, 1900, and found
that a considerable amount of prospecting work had been done, and several parcels
of fair-grade ore sent away to the smelters. A tunnel had been driven 120ft. No
regular or defined lode had yet been struck, and the tunnel should be continued
further W., to intersect the principal metal-bearing strata. (I.M.R., 9–7–00.)
MOUNT LIVERPOOL MINE.-Situated about 26 miles to the N. of Port Lincoln.
According to Mr. Austin, some good ore was raised from it at different times, but
owing to the hardness of the ground work has been long discontinued. (Austin,
1863.)
94
MINING RECORDS.
MOUNT MCDONNELL.-Locality, Freeling Heights, N.E. from Yudnamutana.
There are four lodes, striking E. and W., only one being worked upon at present,
(1890.) Three shallow shafts have been put down, following the dip of the lode,
which is 9ft. wide, without walls, and contains oxide and carbonate of bismuth,
associated with carbonate of copper. Yield of bismuth, 19 per cent. to 60 per cent.,
and of copper, 20 per cent. (A. Frost.) The secretary stated that three bags of
ore weighing 4cwts. Iqr., which were forwarded through Messrs. Harrold Bros. to
the Royal Works, at Oberschelma, realised 500 marks, say equal to £24 10s. In
1890 the Inspector of Mines reported to the effect that this mine had been worked
at intervals for years for copper, there being a large lode formation of spar and
carbonate of copper in irregular blocks. The bismuth was found as a carbonate
near the surface, but became a sulphide a few feet down, and was distributed through-
out the lode formation to the extent of about 2 per cent., and with rough hand-
picking gave 33 per cent. of metallic bismuth, worth at that time 11s. per pound.
Mount MARY COPPER MINE.- Situation, Parachilna Pass. The Inspector of
Mines states that there is a N.E. and S.W. copper lode on section No. 11618, into
which several openings have been made, and a branch of high-class ore exposed.
No. 11666 has been prospected by a shaft and shallow tunnel. On No. 11619 a
tunnel driven 90ft. into a hill has cut a big lode, coursing N.N.E. On this a shallow
shaft has been sunk; several openings on the surface have revealed excellent pros-
pects. An open cutting above these workings exposes a fine lode of copper of
excellent grade. Hand picking can raise the average value of the ores to fully 35
per cent. Good supply of water and wood. Samples returned-(1), 41 per cent.
of copper ; (2), 38; (3), 353 and 4dwts. 17grs. gold per ton; and (4), 36 per cent.
and 4dwts. 12grs. of gold. (1889.)
Mount MULGA MINE.—Situated near Boolcoomata Station. The Government
Geologist reported (December, 1896) an examination, stating that there was an
extensive outcrop of baryta, extending N.W. and S.E. some 60 chains, and from
50ft. to 100ft. wide in places. It splits into veins at the ends, running through
micaceous and quartzose granite rock, with hornblendic and micaceous schist. A
shaft has been sunk on this outcrop, vertical for 15ft. or 20ft., and then underlying
to the N.E. The baryta in this shaft has copper pyrites and green carbonate dis-
seminated through it to the width of 4ft. or 5ft. in places. Six of the assays returned
traces of gold and copper, and one sample gave 6dwts. of gold and 8dwts. of silver
to the ton, with 19.4 per cent, of copper. The indications warrant driving on the
copper-bearing portions of the lode, and following it down to determine its character
more thoroughly.
MOUNT NOR-WEST.-A copper mine, E.N.E. of Kingston's Well, has been worked
by means of some shallow shafts, but the indications are slight. Green carbonate
of copper occurs in the joints of a quartzite band, striking N.W. through calcareous
and clay slate. (1883.) It was reported in 1896 by Captain Thomas Matthews
that malleable copper had been discovered on the property, and that very rich
grey and carbonate ore had been found on the surface. The ore carried a very
high percentage of copper.
MOUNT PERSEVERANCE (MEGAW'S CLAIMS).—Situated 4 miles N.N.W. from
Olary Railway Station. A large lode of quartz and ironstone traverses this property,
dipping to the E., enclosed in micaceous schists. The Inspector of Mines reported
a shaft sunk 20ft. on the hanging-wall of the lode, and N. of that several pits ex-
cavated. Assayed samples gave neither gold or silver, though it was alleged that
silver had been got. From a vein parallel to the main lode copper had been mined,
yielding 18 per cent. of copper. Claim worth prospecting for gold. (1899.)
MOUNT REMARKABLE MINE.-Copper ore was found here about the year 1846-7.
It was of fair quality, and some samples of it, together with a mineral supposed to
be emery, were sent to England. The lode was small and “ pinched," and the
ground very hard. Nothing worth the name of mining was done, and the claim
COPPER.
95
was abandoned. The mine is 175 miles distant from Adelaide. (Austin, 1863.)
This place was visited by the Inspector of Mines in March, 1904, who states
that the old workings consist of a tunnel, from 50ft. to 60ft. in length, and a shaft
or opening sunk about 20ft. ; from these some copper was extracted, but the quan-
tity could not be ascertained. The vein is small, and the enclosing rock horn-
blende. Two samples taken gave satisfactory returns. (I.M.R., 11-3-04.)
MOUNT ROSE MINE.—This is situated about 56 miles N.N.E. from the Blinman,
and 2 miles N. of Mount Rose, at the foot of a high spur. One main shaft and several
smaller ones have been sunk to a depth of 10 fathoms to 13 fathoms. Apparently
the copper ore occurs in two or three short pipe veins running close together or inter-
secting each other, and dipping, as a body, steeply W. or nearly vertical. The
surface outcrops of these veins seem to have consisted of large masses of gossan,
more or less thickly impregnated with malachite, and occasionally azurite. Of the
ore occurring in depth, a lot left near the main shaft indicates it to be an irregular
dense mixture of iron pyrites, copper pyrites, and impure copper glance, but the iron
pyrites predominates. A soft micaceous slaty shale appears to form the veinstone
in depth. The country in which the veins occur is composed of massive beds of
yellowish-grey arenaceous banded slates and slaty sandstones, which alternate with
thin bands of dense crystalline limestone and calcareous shale and sandstone, The
strike and dip of these rocks is indistinct close to the mine, whilst further off great
differences in strike and dip indicate a strong curve, or perhaps some disturbance in
the beds. Considering the nature of the ore and the relation of the veins to the
country, there is a good chance of the veins continuing in depth. There is, however,
one cause for apprehension, namely, that the iron pyrites, which is already very
abundant, might still more increase in depth, and thereby cause a serious deteriora-
tion in the quality of the ore. (Ulrich, 1872.)
Mr. E. F. Cook, of the E. and A. Copper Company, kindly furnishes the following
information from his recollection of the mine :-
No regular lode, I believe, was discovered, although large quantities of grey sulphurets and
black oxides were raised, and sent down for smelting at Port Adelaide. This ore was of a very
high percentage, the solid being sold at from 45 per cent. to 52 per cent, and the dredgy stuff
averaging from 32 per cent. to 35 per cent. The ore was discovered in patches, interspersed
throughout with what appeared to be sedimentary ground. Two shafts have been sunk, the
deepest being 33 fathoms, and drives have been put out in all directions, extending about
25 fathoms in an E. and W. direction, and about 15 fathoms in a N. and S. direction. The
greater part of the ground has been taken away to the 23-fathom level. In sinking between
the 23 and 33 level some solid leaders of mundic were cut through, and in a drive from the bottom
of the 33 two leaders of the same mineral with traces of black ore were found, and at the end of
the drive what appeared to be a solid lode. On picking into this it let down such a quantity of
water that the engine was unable to cope with the influx, and the mine was shortly afterwards
abandoned. (1886.)
in the lower portions was not, however, attempted on this occasion. Beyond
picking over the dump heaps and small desultory operations nothing much was done
till the property was taken over by the Northern Mining and Smelting Company
in 1903, when a smelter was erected, but mining work has not yet extended below
water-level. (24-4-04.)
: Up to February, 1906, the total amount of ore from this mine purchased by the
E. and A. Copper Company and the Wallaroo and Moonta Company was 5481 tons,
containing 1652 tons of copper of the net value of £8,655 18s. 4d. The mine is now
in work again, the water has been baled to the 125ft. level and flumed away from
the vicinity of the shaft. (March, 1907.)
MOUNT RUGGED, or PATAWARTA.-Situated 9 miles N.N.E. from the Blinman.
This claim contains several lodes, having blocks of ironstone protruding above the
surface, and showing green carbonate of copper and yellow ore. In addition to
good specimens of orz, bismuth of a high percentage has been found here. (Austin,
1863.)
96
MINING RECORDS.
MOUNT STUART MINE.—Situated 18 miles N.N.E. from the Blinman. In a
mass of rock running across a gully, containing stains of copper and a good vein of
ore, two shafts were sunk near the rocks, one on each side of the gully. There was
some ore extracted, and blue and green carbonates, but the general aspects were not
favorable for continuance of operations. One of the shafts was sunk to a depth of
10 fathoms. (Austin, 1863.)
MOUNTAIN OF LIGHT.— Vide S. A. COPPER CORPORATION, page 129.
MURNINNIE.—This property was held by the Bismuth and Copper Mining and
Patent Smelting Company. It was reported in July, 1866, that the mine contained
a large quantity of plumbago. The lode in the S. adit was stated to be from 6ft.
to 8ft. wide.' Situated on the W. shore of Spencer's Gulf, 6 miles inland, 64 miles
S. from Port Augusta, and 136 miles N. from Port Lincoln. There are five lodes
bearing N. and S., with little underlie. . In width they vary from 1ft. to 10ft., and
the ores they contain are bismuth, copper, nickel, silver, and cobalt. The per-
centage of bismuth varies from 18 to 79, copper 10 to 20. The country rocks con-
sist of quartz, ironstone, decomposed slate, and hard slate. Near the adit in the
gully there is a little granite. Six shafts have been sunk, one to the depth of 30
fathoms, and two drives have been put in a distance of about 100ft. each. About
1,000 tons of ore have been raised, which is stated to have been worth about £44
per ton in its natural state. The first indications of ore were found in a large block
on the surface. The lode was then followed down for 12 fathoms at an angle of
45°, and at that depth a pocket was found containing 60 tons of ore. The winze
below the pocket carried a lode 5ft. wide for a distance of 10 fathoms, then came a
shoot of about 40 tons. (1890.)
The Inspector of Mines visited the place and reported it was worked in the early
days of copper mining; said to contain both bismuth and copper, and for a long
period had remained unworked, until about the middle of 1900, when it was pur-
chased by an English company, work being started about three months afterwards.
It was found impossible to ascertain the amount of the original output of ore, but
during the nine months the new company had been working 15 tons of ore had been
sent to the smelters, carrying an average value of 10 per cent. copper, but no bismuth.
The principal workings, which are situated in a deep gorge, crossing the line of lode,
consist of two tunnels driven N. and S. on the course of the vein, and several
shafts or winzes, sunk to various depths, below the tunnel level, the deepest being
175ft. The S. tunnel has been driven about 160ft., and three winzes sunk,
disclosing the lode from 2ft. to 5ft. wide, composed of ferruginous matter, contain-
ing copper in bunches, of rather low value in bulk. The winzes, as they continue
down, prove the formation to be increasing in size, but, at the present level, not
improving in value. In the N. winze there is a strong lode, said to contain
plumbago, but the character of the material did not appear to be of the best quality.
The N. tunnel has been extended a little over 100ft. and here the material is
somewhat different, being more of a kaolinised nature, with splashes and nodules
of green carbonates, but in bulk of too low a value to be payable. Four winzes
have been sunk, ranging in depth from 30ft. to 125ft., the developments showing
the same unfavorable character as those previously mentioned ; but, the ground
being mainly of a soft friable nature, it is quite possible that if the winzes where con-
tinued to greater depths more satisfactory results might be obtained. Judging
by the present workings, the lode formation is persistent in its course, with fairly
well-defined walls, and a regular underlie of about 2 in 6, giving every facility
for cheap prospecting below the present levels by sinking one or more winzes in
each tunnel below the present depth, which, in this instance, is the best course to
adopt.
Sample taken from tunnel
........ C per, 2%; bismuth, nil
66 bottom of winze in tunnel
(I.M.R., 21-6-01.)
1%
:
66
ís
COPPER.
MOSLEY's COPPER MINE.—Situated about 10 miles N.E. from Moolooloo Station.
Work has been chiefly confined to blocks Nos. 2603, 1710, and 908. On 2603 a lode
formation from 1ft. to 4ft. wide has been worked by a small shaft to the depth of
40ft. ; it is composed of calcareous matter, containing splashes of green carbonate
of low grade in bulk, a sample of the ferruginous material giving a return of idwt.
gold and i per cent. copper. On the same block an opening has disclosed a second
formation, from 2ft. 6in. to 3ft. wide, and consisting of ferruginous .calcite, con-
taining gold and a small percentage of copper ; two samples taken the full width of
the vein returned, gold loz. 9dwts., copper i per cent., and gold loz. 14dwts.,
copper à per cent. per ton respectively, which is satisfactory and encouraging.
About 25ft. E. a small opening has disclosed a similar formation; sample taken gave
51 per cent. copper and a trace of gold. To the S. the same formation is better
defined, and contains green carbonate and bunches of malachite, a sorted sample
from one of which assayed 204 per cent. copper and 2dwts. gold per ton. On block
1710 two shafts about a chain apart have been sunk on a strong formation ; in the
first, which is down about 10ft., there are a few veins and splashes of copper-bearing
material, containing blue and green carbonates and azurite, from which a sample
of sorted ore assayed 74 per cent. copper per ton. The second has been sunk to
a depth of 40ft., showing copper-bearing material similar to the first for 10ft.;
also bunches of cobalt-bearing material. At the bottom a crosscut has been driven
E. about 18ft., without any satisfactory results. A sample of sorted ore taken
near the surface yielded 87 per cent. copper, and a sample previously tried for
cobalt returned 12 per cent. ; the quantity of the latter ore seems, at present, very
limited. Some considerable distance S.W. of this shaft a tunnel has been driven
20ft. on what is apparently the same lode, exposing a large formation, poor in quality,
a sample giving only 14 per cent. copper. On block 908 the principal work con-
sists of the surface being cleared from a copper-bearing material, 40ft. wide, having
more the appearance of a mass of country rock impregnated with nodules, seams,
and splashes of green carbonates, &c., than a lode; the quality of the ore is of
fair value, but the material taken in bulk is of low grade, probably not more than
this property he was impressed with the large extent of copper-bearing country, and
although the portions at present exposed are of low value in bulk, the indications
are, however, such as create the impression that lodes of better value will eventually
be discovered. With regard to the gold formation, as so little work has been done
at present, it is impossible to give much idea as to its extent or value, but, from
its general appearance and the satisfactory results of the samples tested, further
development is very desirable. (I.M.R., 27–3–01.)
MUTOOROO COPPER MINE.-Situated about 14 miles S.W. of Cockburn Railway
Station. The Inspector of Mines (Mr. Rosewarne) says the ore appears to be making
in lenticular deposits, some being of great extent. Large masses of intrusive rocks are
frequent, the point of contact being marked by ore of high grade. The surface over
thrée lodes has been opened, and oxidised copper ores of nearly every description are
found, including atacamite, azurite, malachite, chrysacolla, and cuprite. In depth
the ores change to chalcopyrite, erubescite, and chalcocite. At a depth of 140ft.
in Hamlyn's shaft yellow ore, intimately associated with iron pyrites, is found.
There has been a considerable quantity of work done, and the property has been
proved at the W. end of a mile from the N. workings. The quantity
of ore in sight and on the surface awaiting concentration is enormous-perhaps
not less than 11,000 tons. The ore can be dressed up to 35 to 40 per cent., and with
copper at £50 the mine could profitably employ a large number of hands. At a
later period (1890) he again examined the property, when a drive had been put in
at the 200ft. level, where the indications led to the expression of his opinion that
with further driving and sinking a higher grade ore would be met with. The lode
was settled and size unknown, but a width of 7ft. was exposed and no hanging-wall
in sight. The stopes in the upper levels in the N. end were looking exceedingly
98
MINING RECORDS.
TO
rich, and in one place would yield 15 tons of 40 per cent. ore per fathom. The
low-grade ore would average throughout 12 per cent., but at present no ore under
30 per cent. is sent away from the mine. There is an extensive mineral belt in the
locality, and one that will permit of permanent mining.
Captain Tregoweth, the mine manager, furnished the following particulars in
1890 :-
The area held is a mineral lease of 320 acres, and so far as developed there are three lodes;
strike N.N.E., with underlie generally 75º W.N.W.; width 3ft. to 20ft. Deepest shafts 227ft.,
210ft., 200ft., and several others; three vertical and three following the dip of the lode. Drives
N. and S. on course of lodes, 850ft.; crosscuts E. and W., 330ft. Matrix of ore, black
and brown oxide of iron, decomposed diorite and talcose rock, with iron pyrites ; country, clay.
slate and micaceous sandstone, with intrusive dykes of diorite; and the ores consist of various
rich oxides, grey ore, green and other carbonates, and native copper ; output 60 tons per month.
The directors have not made a call upon the shareholders since the formation of the company,
but have paid over £12,000 in dividends, and, though hindered by the low price of copper recently,
have done a great deal of exploratory work, and are now doing more than paying work.
ing expenses.
During the last three and a half years 2,517 tons of ore has been extracted,
averaging 6.58 per cent. (1899.)
The mine was worked for a considerable time on tribute ; but recently systematic
mining operations have been resumed.
A departmental report, July 9th, 1907, states :--The only work in progress on this
mine for some time past has been that done by tributers, and has mainly consisted
of the removal of easily accessible carbonate ores; but about six months ago the
Mutooroo Copper Corporation was formed and active developmental operations
started. The size and value of the ore bodies at the N. end were demonstrated by
the previous company, and the old air shaft, which is 230ft. deep, is now being cut
down to make into a main shaft. At the time of my visit 170ft. of this work had
been done, and on completion to 230ft. it is proposed to open out along the lode,
the value of winch is averaged at 3 per cent. to 5 per cent. copper and about 37 per
cent. sulphur. The water in this shaft contains 575grs. of copper per gallon; and,
by means of scrap iron in wooden launders and cement pits, a precipitation process
is in operation, which promises to furnish a good supply of copper.
S. from these workings the lode appears to be thrust to W. by a low hill of diorite;
but again, in the S. portion of the property, at least ja mile from the main shaft,
prospecting shafts have proved its continuity in the same line of strike, viz., N. 20°
E. and a dip to the N.W.75°, and its persistence in depth. Three shafts, about 300ft.
apart, are in progress ; in No. 1 the sulphide lode is reached at 108ft., and is being
opened out upon; No. 2, the lode is over 20ft. wide at 118ft. ; it consists of pyrites,
copper pyrites, and quartz, and a sample taken by me assayed 3.2 per cent. copper
and 39 per cent. sulphur; No. 3 is down 80ft., and is being continued on to the lode.
These successful operations in the S. part of the property have greatly enhanced
the value of the company's holding, as practically the existence of a new mine la
mile away from the original mine has been determined. Tributers in their search
for carbonates and oxides discovered this place, and they took out large quantities
of carbonate ore; but much remains, in addition to the large sulphide lode, the
presence of which in the deeper ground has been proved by the company's shafts.
There appear to be two lodes here about 80ft. apart, and the shafts referred to
have been sunk on the W. one. (D.R. (Gee), 2–7-07.)
MUTOOROO WEST.-Situated about 2 miles N.W. from the Mutooroo Mine.
The main shaft is 170ft. deep60ft. vertical, and the remainder on the underlie
of the lode, which is a very large body of sulphide ore, striking N.W. and dipping
steeply S.W. At 110ft. a crosscut 25ft. W. shows the lode to be 20ft. wide, and from
this level 110 tons of ore have been stoped and marketed, stated to contain 3 per
cent. to 4 per cent. copper and 20 per cent. to 30 per cent. sulphur. At 160ft. a
crosscut has been made 14ft. W. through solid sulphide ore. No. 2 shaft is situated
about 200ft. S. from the main shaft, and has so far been sunk 70ft. on the underlie
of the lode, which shows the same characteristics as in the main shaft. (D.R.
(Gee), 2–7-07.)
COPPER.
99
MUTOOROO WEST EXTENDED.—This adjoins the W. Mutooroo to the S., and a
prospecting shaft has been started to cut the lode. (D.R. (Gee), 2–7-07.)
MUTOOROO CONSOLS.-Adjoining to the W. and S. of the Mutooroo. Near the
S. boundary of the Mutooroo a shaft has been sunk 103ft. through schist and diorite,
and at 60ft. a crosscut made to the N.E. About 120yds. S. of this shaft another
one has been put down 45ft., and a crosscut 63° E. About 200yds. W. of S. of
No. 2 a third shaft is 80ft. deep—60ft. through schist and the remainder through
diorite and formation; at 72ft. a small vein of good green carbonate ore was struck,
and is now being driven on. (D.R. (Gee), 2–7-07.)
MUNJIBBIE (now known as the “ Wheal Isset”).-Situated on sections Nos. 12 and
13, hundred of Terowie. Here the lode strikes N. 16° W., and underlies at an angle
of 65° to the W.; it cuts across the strike of the country rocks at an angle of about
46°, and the outcrop can be traced on the surface, with occasional breaks, for over
a mile. It has been opened upon by costeans and shallow pits for about 8 chains,
is 4ft. to 8ft. in thickness, and consists of quartz, with calcspar, spathic iron, and
iron oxides, carrying seams of ferruginous copper ore, copper glance, and carbonates,
and is in two veins-one on the footwall and the other on the hanging-wall, separated
by a “horse” of country from 1ft. to 4ft. in thickness, composed of fractured clay-
slate, limestone, and soft argillaceous mullock. The footwall vein has only been cut
through in one place; it shows 3ft. thickness of quartz, &c., carrying small but
frequent patches of ferruginous copper ore, with copper carbonates throughout.
On the hanging-wall vein a shaft has been sunk 50ft. on the underlie. At 32ft. a
level has been put in 33ft. S. along the vein, the good portion of which ranges from
6in. to 18in., and at the bottom a drive 20ft. N., the rich portion of the vein averaging
1ft. No attempt has been made to crosscut and prove the footwall lode, and this
should be done from the 50ft. level. About 30 tons of ore have been sent away,
ranging from 10.6 per cent. to 21.9 per cent. (George, 17–7–01.)
Locality about 9 miles S.E. of Terowie. The holding consists of two. 40-acre
blocks, which have been prospected for a considerable length by numerous surface
openings and shafts, ranging from 15ft. to 117ft. in depth. The N. block has been
worked by cross-trenches, trial pits, and one shaft sunk to the depth of 57ft. The
lode formation is apparently from 2ft. to 3ft. wide, consisting of clayslate and
dolomite, copper-stained, and up to the present of little or no value. Improvement
may be found by further sinking, but there is little indication, and further surface
prospecting is advised, with the object of locating payable ore bodies, should they
exist, prior to incurring the expense of shaft sinking.
The S. block has been prospected on the surface for about 100yds. in length, in
each instance exposing lode material. At one point, near the centre of the block,
a considerable amount of work has been done, and apparently a fair quantity of
copper extracted from an open cutting and two inclined shafts sunk to the depth
of 105ft. and 117ft. respectively, the two latter being at the same level at the bottom.
There are several drives at different levels, each disclosing lode matter from 3ft. to
5ft. wide, consisting chiefly of clayslate containing an ore vein of a very bunchy
character, ranging from 2in. to 18in. wide, composed of green and blue carbonates,
also grey ore of good value. The enclosing walls are regular and well-defined,
giving every indication of continuing in depth; and it is advised that the shaft,
which is 117ft. from the surface, should be continued for 50ft. or 60ft. The ore
vein in the bottom appears to be larger and of better value than it has been for some
distance above, which is very encouraging and will warrant further explorations.
Previous to sinking, it would be advisable to drive S. at the present level a distance
of about 40ft. and connect with the second shaft; all workings would then be
thoroughly ventilated and greater facilities given for continuing the proposed
development and ore-raising operations. Sample taken from dressed ore returned
slightly over 19 per cent. copper. (I.M.R., 21-7-06.)
MULGA HILL.-Situated about 4 miles S.E. from the Queen Bee. A shaft 40ft.
deep, open workings, and pits extend for about 3 chains along an irregular copper-
stained formation, consisting mainly of micaceous ironstone, felspar, &c., in granitic
100
MINING RECORDS.
(pegmatite) rock. The bottom of the shaft could not be examined; but a sample
taken from the deepest part of the open workings assayed 4.6 per cent. copper.
(D.R. (Gee), 2–7–07.)
MOULE's CLAIM (formerly known as “ Pfitzner's Claim”).-Situated about 60 chains
S.S.W. of the Yudnamutana Mine. The lode consists of highly fractured quartzite,
containing micaceous iron along joints and in strings and veins, and irregularly
occurring veins and bunches of copper .glance and carbonates. It strikes about
N. 3° E., underlies W. at a high angle, and has a thickness at the shaft of 30ft. It
has not yet been cut through, and, except for a piece stoped out S. of the shaft,
has not been opened upon. A shaft is sunk 23ft. vertical and then 47ft. on the
underlie of 70°, following down on the footwall side of, but under the lode. At
42ft. from surface a drive has been put in N. 20° E. under the lode, and at the end
a crosscut was driven W. 6ft. into the lode, which is here heavily stained with copper
carbonate. At the same depth another drive extends S. 17° E. for 28ft. in soft
micaceous rock under the lode. The first 37ft. driven was along the footwall of
the lode, which contains bunches of grey copper ore and carbonates; the remainder
of the distance was through micaceous and argillaceous rock, soft and decomposed
and lightly stained with copper. At 62ft. from the surface another drive has been
made under the lode, in similar soft rock, for a distance of 31ft. S. 17° W. (25-4-04.)
NACKARA PROPRIETARY COMPANY (formerly known as “Robertson's Mine").-Thé
Government Geologist reports on February 16th, 1899 :-The locality of this mine
is section 13, hundred of Paratoo, 4 miles from Nackara Railway Station. There
is a well-defined lode, striking N. 8° to 10° W. and dipping W. at from 650 to 70°,
and traversing argillaceous and calcareous slates and sandstone,which it cuts through
at a high angle. The width of formation between walls runs from 2ft. to 4ft. The
copper-bearing portion is confined to the hanging-wall, on which it forms a lode
varying in thickness from 6in. to 12in.
The workings consist of five shafts and connecting trenches and stopes along the
lode for a distance of 400ft. From the shafts the lode has been stoped at intervals
along its course to a depth nowhere exceeding 30ft. At several places beneath
these workings copper ore (sulphide and carbonate) of fair percentage occurs.
Samples taken along the lode where ore was accessible were assayed by the Govern-
ment Assayer, with the following results :-Sample 1, veinstone, 7 per cent.
copper; sample 2, veinstone, Idwt. gold per ton; sample 3, veinstone, 171 per cent.
copper; sample 4, veinstone, gold a trace, silver 2ozs. 8dwts., 231 per cent, copper :
sample 5, veinstone, gold a trace, silver loz. 12dwts., 261 per cent. copper; sample
6, veinstone, 192 per cent. copper; sample 7, veinstone, traces of copper.
This lode, though small, has an appearance of permanency in depth. It is well
worth prospecting by winzes or inclined shafts, and by means of these the shoots
of ore could be followed down and afterwards stoped. The possibilities are that
richer and wider deposits would be found; but this prospecting is necessary before
going into a large expenditure for permanent work.
I regard this lode as one on which a few working miners should be able to raise
payable ore, at the same time prospecting the mine to deeper levels.
A year later the Inspector of Mines states :—The workings, which are considerable,
principally on block 1184, extend about 400ft. in length, and consist of sinking
small working shafts and stoping to the depth of from 40ft. to 50ft. The lode forma-
tion exposed is a little over 2ft. wide, the copper-bearing vein being from 6in. to
12in. thick, composed of siliceous matter, strongly associated with iron, containing
in places bunches and veins of green carbonate, grey ore, and red oxide of very
good grade. The ore at present (February, 1900) being stoped from the upper
workings yields over 40 per cent., but in other places the copper contents are less,
making the ore raised in bulk worth 20 per cent. Towards the N. end of the work-
ings the main shaft has been sunk to a depth of 150ft. on the underlie of the lode,
11 in 6; at the bottom, drives on the course of the lode have been made for 50ft.
and 20ft. ; the copper-bearing vein is of the same size as above, but at this point
COPPER.
101
the copper contents are much less, and, although it contains occasional bunches
of high-grade ore, yet in bulk it is not payable. By continuing the drives, probably
shoots of better-class ore may be met with, but the best form of prospecting develop-
ment would be to sink the main shaft to water-level, and beyond ; this will prove
whether the sinking of a main vertical shaft to the W. is warranted. Portions of
the ore near the bottom contain a little sulphide, showing that a change in the
character of the ore may be soon expected, and a probable increase in its value.
The lode from the surface is not large, but has proved consistent, regular, and
well-defined, with clean and unbroken walls, giving many indications of being a
true fissure vein, and persistent in depth ; the enclosing rock is clayslate, soft and
easily worked. Recently 13 tons of 17 per cent. ore have been sent away, and 10
tons of 20 per cent. are ready for transit. (I.M.R., 12–2–00.)
Again reporting, in September, 1900, the inspector states that the main shaft
had then been sunk to a depth of 220ft., a little below water-level. The lode main-
tains about the same size as in the upper workings, from 1ft. to 2ft., and contains
patches and small shoots of fair-grade copper ore, but taken in bulk is rather poor.
At the bottom of the shaft 33ft. of drives have been made. Five tons of ore from
the 170ft. level were treated at the Petersburg Government works, and gave a yield
of 5dwts. 8grs. of gold per ton. The lode material at the bottom is chiefly. iron-
stained quartz, containing a little copper, and traces of gold. Two drives were
then in progress at the 90ft. level; at the N. end the lode is small and poor,
and on the S. side the vein is about 15in. thick, 4in. on the footwall side being
of fair class ore. Although small, the general features and indications of the lode
point to a continuance in length and permanence in depth. At the bottom the lode
matter is very siliceous, and not favorable for large copper deposits, but appears
more promising for gold, as shown by the parcel treated from the 170ft. level.
Samples taken gave small returns of gold and copper. (I.M.R., 7–9–00.)
NALYAPPA (WILKAWAT). — Situate a little S. of Moonta Mine. This mining
adventure was undertaken early in the history of mining on Yorke Peninsula, in
the hope that the Moonta and Hamley lodes might be met with outside the S.W.
boundaries of these properties. A great deal of money was spent, and though some
of the anticipations formed were realised, the result did not induce the adventurers
to continue their outlay.
NAPOLEON MINE.—Situated in the neighborhood of Mount Craig, 79 miles from
Port Augusta. About 15 tons of ore were taken from this mine, but it has not been
worked of late years. The veinstone consists of carbonate of limestone and feldspar
containing a few specks of ore. (1867.)
NEATE'S COPPER MINE.—The Inspector of Mines reports as follows :- This mine
is situated 31 miles N.E. from Caltowie, on an outcrop of metamorphic rock. Green
carbonates can be traced along the surface for a considerable distance, and on this
line several costeaning pits have been sunk. At the E. end of the claim there is
some ironstone, which may be the back of a lode, and at the N. end in each pit
there is a fine show of carbonate of copper. Samples assayed 265 per cent. and 18
per cent. respectively. The lodes, which are in soft ground, might be developed
very cheaply, and are worth testing. (1890.)
NEPOWIE MINE.—Situate in the neighborhood of Wooltana. It has a copper
lode 18in. wide, containing green carbonates, red oxides, and grey ore. (Austin,
1863.) Very little work done.
NEVADA COPPER WORKINGS.—Locality, 2 miles E. from Walter's Well, and about
12 miles E.N.E. of Mount Lyndhurst Station. The Government Geologist reported
an examination in the latter part of 1896 :-No. 1, an underlie shaft, 50ft. or 60ft.
deep, angle 35° to 40° S., sunk on a formation partly lode and partly bedded, con-
sisting of carbonate and oxide of iron, calcspar, and copper ores. Commencing with
a width of ore lin. to 2in., the formation increases as followed down to 2ft. or 3ft.,
where it consists of copper pyrites, carbonate, copper glance, and iron oxide.
102
MINING RECORDS.
Merely prospecting work done up to that date; probably more bunches of ore
to be met with in following down the lode formation. Strike, W.S.W.; dip, 35°
to 40°; country rock, calcareous clayslate and limestone. No. 2 workings, situate
1 a mile E., consisted of an open cut in gossany ironstone, hematite, &c.; formå-
tion 3ft. thick at bottom, and probably would yield copper ore at a greater depth.
A few colors of gold visible in the gossan and ironstone. In this neighborhood
lumps of rich copper ore are found in the loamy surface soil, indicating the presence
of a copper lode, probably of value. Three samples of gossan and ironstone returned
gold, respectively loz. 15dwts., 7dwts. 14grs., and 7dwts. per ton.
New BURRA BURRA (formerly “ Warrawilka ”).—Situated 12 miles E. of Hawker.
A large quantity of copper has been sent away from the old workings. Shafts have
been sunk promiscuously in the highly-mineralised ground. These lodes are com-
posed principally of calcspar, in which are shoots of carbonate of copper, which
have been followed and picked out, so that it is (says the Inspector of Mines) only
in one or two places that there is any copper at all in sight. The ore is of fair
quality. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 shafts are all about 50ft. deep, whilst others appear to be
deeper. There are three tunnels. The ground is easily worked, and likely to con-
tain cupriferous deposits Properly worked, and a greater depth reached, the
mine should be remunerative. (1889.)
NEW YEAR.-Situated 4 miles W. of Beltana. Several prospecting pits have
been sunk in soft decomposed slate material, in most instances disclosing green
:
freely, has been exposed. About 2 chains S. of this a shaft has been sunk 40ft.,
showing small veins and pockets of ore to the bottom; this should be sunk another
20ft., to intersect the main lode, then crosscut W., to test it and the various other
formations running through the property. A sample of ore from the shaft gave
7 per cent. This is a fair prospecting venture, and should be further developed.
(I.M.R., 7–12–99.)
NEW YEAR'S GIFT.-Situated 4 miles from Tumby Bay. Originally worked by
open cutting and a shaft 90ft. deep. Operations in progress, September, 1899,
consited of repairing shaft at 60ft. level, previous to restarting work at the bottom.
The shaft is sunk on the lode, which at the surface is 2ft. wide; it contracts, but
opens out again at the 60ft. level, where it shows good green carbonates, grey ore,
and red oxide, and it was stated to be larger at the bottom. Two tons have been
sent away, yielding 154 per cent. of fine copper. Sample taken from a small vein
at 60ft. assayed 234 per cent. (I.M.R., 14-9-99.)
NILDOTTIE MINE.-Situated 23 miles E. from Blinman. On this property the
lode is not well defined. There is, however, a lode of galena which looks promising.
(Austin, 1863.)
NILPENA COPPER MINE.-Situation, near Parachilna Gap, Flinders Range, about
10 miles from the railway station. There are four lodes, of which only two are
worked; width, 10ft., and widening as depth is reached. Two shafts have been
sunk to a depth of 60ft., following the dip of the lode. An adit 130ft. and a level
30ft. have been driven. Ore, carbonate and grey and black oxide; assay, 264 per
cent. ;. containing rock, clayslate. The lodes crop up at the tops of high hills.
February, 1890, 62 per cent. ore was being raised. The lode in the bottom is widen-
ing out, and will probably make a.good-sized shoot of ore. The mine should prove
payable as development advances.
About 10 years later Inspector Matthews furnished the following report :-
Situated about 12 miles from Parachilna Railway Station. In block 1392 an
open cutting has exposed a lode formation 3ft. wide, composed of quartz and iron,
showing small splashes of green carbonate of no particular value. On this a
shaft has been sunk to a depth of about 130ft., passing through the formation
COPPER.
103
at 40ft.; from this driving and stoping have been done, but information con-
cerning the quantity and quality of the ore extracted was not available. The
material then exposed was of very low grade. On the slope of the hill, in block
1393, about 200ft. above the level of the creek, an open cut, 30ft. long and 12ft.
deep, has disclosed a formation of quartz, calcite, and iron, from 5ft. to 12ft.
wide, with small splashes of copper on the hanging-wall, and from the bottom of
the open cut a shaft has been sunk about 30ft. The bottom could not be
examined, but, so far as could be seen, the lode matter is of the same character
as the open cut. Some 100ft. below this a tunnel has been driven into the hill
nearly 200ft., with the object of connecting with the shaft when sunk deep enough;
if this were continued a short distance further it would test the lode value at
the deeper level. Through block No. 1391 the main lode is supposed to run,
and in various parts trial pits and open cuts have exposed a strong formation,
from 4ft. to 10ft. wide, composed of quartz, calcite, and iron, containing pockets
and bunches of green carbonate, of low grade in bulk. It was stated that
from one of the open cuttings several tons of fair-grade ore had been extracted,
but on the pocket being exhausted work was discontinued, without further pros-
pecting. Block 2427 is known as the “ Ladder Claim," and is situated about
14 miles distant. The workings consist of a short tunnel or drive into the side of
a cliff, standing about 400ft. above the creek level ; it is started on a ledge of rock,
about midway up, and discloses an almost horizontal formation, 15ft. thick, con-
sisting chiefly of iron gossan and quartz, with a strong capping of country rock
on the top. At the entrance a bunch of copper was obtained, green carbonates
being still exposed in places, but as the drive continued the copper contents became
less, until, in the present face, none can be seen. It is evident from the various
workings on this property that from time to time a fair quantity of copper has
been obtained, the better class ore occurring in bunches and pockets; and
for some time past the work done has been solely with the object of extracting
all payable ore, regardless of any development or search for fresh deposits, con-
sequently the workings are left with a very unfavorable appearance. Sample of
sorted ore taken from the dump, probably the last raised from the 30ft. shaft, block
1393, assayed 5 per cent. ; from entrance of tunnel, Ladder claim, 4 per cent..
(I.M.R., 16–7–00.)
NITSCHKE MINE (also known as “ Walton Hill Mine").-Situated 5 miles E. of
Freeling Railway Station, in the hundred of Nuriootpa. It was opened more than
30 years ago, and worked for a time, and subsequently about the year 1869. There
are numerous shafts, one of which is 200ft. deep. The veins have a strike N. 10° E.
The veinstone associated with the ore is calcareous spar; the rocks are crystalline
limestone, white marble, and talcose schist. (1886.) On three distinct lines of
lode a number of small shafts have been sunk; they range in depth from a few feet
to 200ft. The workings on the E. lode disclose a strong quartz and ironstone forma-
tion, appearing more of a favorable character for gold than copper, and the former
metal should be prospected for. The shaft was down 70ft., with a crosscut W. for
60ft. On the centre lode there are three shafts and several small openings; the
depth of the former could not be ascertained, but was estimated from 60ft. to 100ft.
In one of the openings, at a few feet from the surface, there is exposed a siliceous vein,
18in, thick, showing stains of green carbonates. On the W., and principal, formation
a considerable amount of work has been done. The main shaft was sunk to about
200ft., and it was stated that a drive had been made S. for 150ft. There are two lode
formations, 50ft. apart, ranging in size from 2ft. to 3ft.; the matrix is calcareous
spar, soft, and inexpensive to work, and of a favorable character for copper-
bearing; the enclosing rock is crystalline limestone. The ore is chiefly yellow,
portions being coated with black oxide ; it occurs in shoots, and gives an average
of 25 per cent. At the shallow depths it is principally blue and green carbonate.
Other work has been done, such as stoping from the 180ft. level to the surface,
proving the main shoot of ore to be 120ft. long, and from which a large quantity
104
MİNING RECORDS.
the inspector considered the property worthy of further development, and for
this purpose recommended that a shaft should be sunk E. of the present work-
ings, to intersect the lode at 300ft., which would leave fully 100ft. in depth of
unworked ground. This would be less costly, and better than repairing the old
workings. (I.M.R., 14-11-99.)
NOB COPPER MINE.-Situated about 41 miles N.N.E. from the Paratoo Railway
Station. The Government Geologist reported (1895) that there were here four or
five lode outcrops containing copper; strike, N. and S.; dip, about 48° to the W.;
country rock, clayslate and calcareous clayslate. They are true lodes, and five
shallow shafts are sunk on the underlie. No. 1 has a vein of gossan and iron ore,
with green carbonate of copper, varying in thickness from a few inches to a foot.
which has been sunk upon for 10ft. In No. 2 excavation, about 6ft, deep, an argil-
laceous gossany vein, stained with carbonate of copper, is exposed. No. 3 sinking
exhibits a gossany vein, 3in. to 6in, wide, carrying oxide and sulphide of copper
of fair percentage. A rough average sample returned 34 per cent. copper,
and a trace of gold. No. 4 excavation shows a well-defined vein of goossan and
ironstone, with oxide and sulphide of copper, varying in width from 3in. to 10in.';
strike, N. and S.; dip, 40° to 45° W.; has been sunk upon 18ft. or 20ft. following
the underlie. No. 5 shaft shows a similar vein to that last mentioned, containing
a fair percentage of copper. Samples from these shafts returned 52 per cent, and
404 per cent. of copper on assay, together with a trace of gold. No. 1 shaft
yielded ore returning 2dwts. of gold to the ton. These small veins have every
appearance of continuing down and increasing in size. The indications warrant
prospectors sinking to water-level and exploring by drives, the probability being
that larger deposits of copper ore will be met with.
NORTH-EAST MOONTA MINING COMPANY. A large company was formed under
this name to prospect in the mineralised country midway between Moonta and
Kadina, and, in the course of a great deal of costeaning work, the backs of two or
three lodes were opened. In one place a shaft was sunk to a depth of 20 fathoms
and a drive was put in; but, as the lode did not promise satisfactory results, and
the water required pumping machinery, that, and other trial shafts on some of the
20 or 30 sections held, was abandoned.
NORTHERN MONARCH (also known as “Easther's Claim”).-Situated in the
hundred of Cudlamudla. Four shafts were sunk, and drives were put in, but failed to
was that the picked ore bagged on the surface was worth only about 15 per cent.
Copper can be traced for a long distance on the surface on a N. and S. course.
NORTH POONA.—Situation, W. of Moonta and Wallaroo tramway, near the Poona
Mine. Costeaning revealed the back of a lode, upon which a shaft was sunk 17
fathoms. Black oxide was found, but not in payable quantities. Further sinking
exposed a well-defined lode 3ft. wide, in an easy channel of ground. Lack of capital
stopped all further operations.
NORTH RHINE MINE.-Situated about 10 miles from Angaston, on sections 563
and 570. Copper is found on the whole of the land, and one of the lodes is traced
through two sections. There are two lodes running nearly parallel in a N. and S.
direction, with a W. underlie of about 18in. in the fathom. The ores found near the
surface were blue and green carbonates. The E. lode was first opened, and about
20 tons of 20 per cent. ore sent to England; but the water soon increased, and an
enginc-shaft was sunk near the main, or Nicholls', lode, and a 70 horse-power
engine fixed. Another shaft was sunk near the engine shaft, and the lode was cut
at 20 fathoms, 4ft. wide, and composed of black ore, mundic, and spar. Sinking
was continued to the 30-fathom level, where the lode was found not to yield ore in
paying quantities. The shaft was then carried on to the 43-fathom level, where a
drive was made on the course of the lode for 70 fathoms. The lode here varies from
3ft. to 6ft. in width, but contained too large a proportion of mundic to allow of its
COPPER.
105
being worked to advantage. The engine shaft was sunk to a depth of 60 fathoms,
and another drive made for 50 fathoms, but the lode was not deemed payable,
although containing black sulphuret throughout. The mine was opened in 1849-50,
and was worked till 1851. From that date to 1859 it lay idle, but was reworked
from 1859 to 1862-3. (Austin, 1863.)
NORTH-EAST MATTA.-Situated near the Matta Matta, close by Kadina, sections
223 and 224, hundred of Wallaroo. According to the report of Mr. Mitchell, lately
mine manager of the Kurilla Mine, dated June 8th, 1888, two shafts were sunk on
this property to the depths respectively of 60ft. and 120ft. In the latter a lode has
been driven upon N. 24ft., and in the end it was 2ft. 6in. to 3ft. wide, and contained
first-class black oxides and a sulphide of copper mixed with iron pyrites and quartz.
He regarded the lode as a “ strong and permanent vein.”
A departmental report, dated September 30th, 1902, states that no work had been
done on the property for 11 years. At the time of inspection a little surface trench-
ing was in progress. (30–9-02.)
NUCCALEENA MINE.- Situated 13 miles N.W. from the Blinman. The open
workings indicate that the ore deposit is a true lode. It is in a flat curve, having
a mean strike of W. 20° N., and crossing the steep slope of a hill of medium height,
traverses the bed of the country. The strike of these is N. 45° W., with a N.E. dip
at an angle of about 33°. The underlie of the lode and its thickness near the
surface appear to have been very irregular. The rocks near the lode, in depth,
consist of hard blackish, thick-bedded, calcareous slate, but at the surface they are
yellowish-white, rather soft, and full of veins and small patches of brown iron ore
with green copper stains. The examination of the metallic and other minerals, as
seen in a large heap of ore, from above the water level, on the dressing floor, gave the
following result :-Ochreous gossan, enclosing massive patches and druses of acicular
crystals of atacamite, generally associated with some malachite and silicate of copper,
patches of tile ore, a few small veins and patches of red oxide of copper, and still
fewer specks of native copper. Mammillary brown iron ore and calcite appear
frequently in irregular cavities. From below the water-level, massive, coarsely
crystalline, spathic iron, full of specks, patches, and seams of copper pyrites, asso-
ciated with a little iron pyrites, quartz, crystalline, and in veins, occasionally white
calcite, imperfectly crystallised, in druse cavities. A piece of dense, white, heavy
spar, found near the lower workings, would also indicate the occurrence of this
mineral in that portion of the mine.
About 20 chains E., round the base of the hill which the lode traverses, a roomy
tunnel-now partially fallen in-has been driven from near the bottom of a gully
S. 23° N., i.e., about in the direction of the top of the hill. The strata penetrated
consist of alternating white, yellowish, and brownish-red flaggy slates, in part
concretionary, and quartz ore, and much stained and veined with brown iron ore.
At mouth of tunnel, and for some distance in, they are very friable, full of dentritic
markings, and contain scattered cavities, coated with calcite. Judging from a heap
of ore left at grass, of fair quality, and composed of the same minerals as those
just enumerated from above the water-level of the main workings, this tunnel must
have struck the continuation, or perhaps a new make, of the lode-a fact which
would indicate that the latter, though of rather short extent on the surface, lengthens
considerably in depth. Considering this in connection with the otherwise very
favorable character of the lode, more especially as regards quantity of ore and nature
of associated minerals, Professor Ulrich was of opinion that the mine had been too
hastily given up, and deserves another trial in depth; for the running out of the lode
in dip, which, it is said, led to the desertion, is most probably only a local contraction,
or may, perhaps, be due to a fault, and the search was conducted in the wrong
direction. (Ulrich, 1872.)
: An inspection was made in August, 1902, and the following information supplied :
- Latterly very little work has been done, except to break out what ore was left
exposed in the old workings. Several shafts and drives were sunk and driven, but
106
MINING RECORDS.
recently the timbers have been burnt, and the workings fallen in and mullocked up.
One of the old adits had been cleaned out, 64 tons of low-grade ore had been picked
from the dumps and sent away ; 31 tons were on the floors. (27-8-02.)
NEYLON'S CLAIM.—On sec. No. 87, hundred of Uroonda. A vein of calcspar
with quartz and micaceous iron, small nodules of copper glance, sulphide, oxi-
chloride, and carbonates strikes S. 8° E. and underlies W. nearly vertically, cutting
through almost horizontal alternating beds of limestone, clayslate, and highly
micaceous sandstone. A shaft has been sunk 12ft. vertical, and thence on the
underlie of the lode to a depth of about 90ft. S. from the shaft an open cut has been
made along the vein for a length of about 200ft., being 10ft. in deepest place. In
the shaft a drive for 12ft. S. has been made at 50ft. The vein averages Sin., but
the copper contents seem small. E. two small shafts have been sunk on similar
veins. (George, 24–4-04.)
NELSON AND WILLIAMS CLAIM.—Situated about 1 mile S.W. from Leslie's Well.
A network of small veins, carrying cuprite, malachite, and a little copper glance,
contained in soft clayslate and kaolin, which has been worked by numerous shallow
pits and costeans covering an area of about 1 an'acre of ground. No testing at depth
has so far been attempted. (George, 27–8–02.)
O'DONNELL'S CLAIMS.-Vide S.A. COPPER CORPORATION, page 130.
O’LOUGHLIN SYNDICATE.-Vide S.A. COPPER CORPORATION, page 131.
OLADDIE, HUNDRED OF, SEC. 25. — Situated about 10 miles from Orroroo,
in the Bendleby Ranges ; favorable for carrying mineral lodes. Describing this
venture as seen on a recent visit, the Mine Inspector states that there are several
outcrops of lodes crossing each other obliquely, and on the surface can be seen specks
of copper distributed through the limestone capping. A tunnel has been driven,
apparently on the hanging-wall of a large formation, about 2 per cent. of which is
copper. A picked sample selected by the inspector gaye 124 per cent. of copper
and ldwt. of gold per ton. The prospect suggests further development, and the
district as a whole is worthy of attention. (1889.)
Davill's No. 1.—Situated about 7 miles N.E. from Walloway Railway Station.
Here a large irregular, ill-defined and almost flat bed or formation consisting of
slate, hematite, ferruginous calcite, and barytes shows copper stains and small
veins and patches of green carbonate and copper pyrites. A tunnel was driven
some time ago from the N. side of the hill along and under the bed, and a shaft sunk
at the end. A 5-ton parcel from this place gave only 4 per cent. copper, and a
sample taken by me assayed 5 per cent. copper. On the E. side of the hill a tunnel
is being driven to intersect a vein from which 12cwts. of 36 per cent. ore was ob-
tained near the surface; and on section 24, adjoining, pits and excavations have
been made on small seams of ore. Good patches will doubtless be found here, and
are worth prospecting for, but no lode body has yet been met with. (D.R..
(Gee), 13-6-07.)
OLADDIE, HUNDRED OF, SEC. 45.— Locality, S. from Colliny Spring. There
are N. and S. veins of limestone, spathic iron, quartz, and iron oxide at intervals,
showing a little carbonate of copper; rocks, calcareous slates and limestone. No
indication of a defined lode or formation. A picked sample gave 8 per cent. copper.
It is unlikely that anything more than small pockets of ore will be found. (Govern-
ment Geologist, February, 1899.)
OLADDIE, HUNDRED OF, SEC. 159.—Davill's No. 2.- Situated about 11 miles
S.W. from No. 1. This is in rough country on the E. side of the hills fronting the
Oladdie Plain. A well-defined lode strikes N. and S., dips 70° W., and is exposed
by a shaft 28ft. deep on the underlie and an excayation near by. It consists of
a vein of ferruginous calcite, copper pyrites, and malachite from 6in. to 18in.
thick on the hanging-wall, then slate, carrying copper, 1ft., and a vein of 18in. on
the footwall similar to that on the hanging-wall, a sample from which, taken by me
assayed 23 per cent. copper. About 6 chains S. another shaft has been sunk, in
which the lode appears similar to the first one; a general sample from the spoil heap
here assayed 5 per cent. copper. The lode has been traced on the surface for more
COPPÈR.
104
than a mile; an outcrop about 4 chains N. of the first shaft shows about 8ft. wide.
It is weathered and copper-stained, and a surface sample across it gave 1.3 per
cent. copper.
So far only 11 tons of dressed ore have been marketed, and of this 1 ton realised
28 per cent. and ton 13 per cent. This is a well-defined lode which is very
promising, and should be vigorously prospected. (D.R. (Gee), 13-6-07.)
Old NOLL'S MINE.—This property adjoins the Daly Mine at the S.W. corner
of the section. It is on a hill of considerable elevation, and contains a fine deposit
of green carbonate and red and grey oxide of copper in a large reef of rocks running
for some distance along the top of the range. (Austin, 1863.) The Inspector of
Mines reported in 1890 that this venture adjoins the Sir Dominick on the S., and
was worked for a short time by a Ballarat company. They raised about 30 tons
of copper ore (at the time of his visit still lying on the ground). The quartzite and
country are similar to those on the Sir Dominick. The mine is in an almost in-
accessible region.
A report of an examination made in August, 1902, says that two men were at
work breaking out ore on the summit of the spur. No shafts or drives are required
here at present, as a considerable amount of rich copper ore can be obtained from
the outcrop forming the back of a high spur. It strikes E. 27° S., and carries
irregular veins, strings and bunches of cuprite, chalcocite, malachite, azurite,
atacamite, and ferruginous copper ore. During the first five months of 1902 about
5 tons of rich ore were raised and sent to the smelters. (George, 27-8-02.)
ONKAPARINGA COPPER MINE.—This is situated on the Echunga Goldfields.
There is no indication of copper at the surface, but a well-defined quartz reef with
pyrites strikes N. and S., with a dip of 30° W. It is in sandy micaceous slate of the
same dip, and underlies false-bedded micaceous sandstone and grit. This reef was
originally prospected for gold. A shaft 30ft. deep was put down alongside the reef,
and a tunnel was driven in the side of the hill to within a few feet of the shaft, at
about 20ft. from the surface. In connecting the drive with a tunnel the present
(1884) holders of the mine struck a mullocky copper lode, which makes and leaves
the reef at 18ft. from the surface, running vertically down. The minerals contained
in the lode are crystalline quartz, pyrites, chalcopyrite, native copper. chalcocite,
malachite, and azurite. Two miles E., on a hill, is a lode formation on a quartz
reef containing copper stains and small cystals of atacamite. (Covt. Geologist.)
ORALDANA MINE.—Situated about 51 miles W. of Wooltana Station. The copper
ore occurs as an impregnation in a ferruginous quartz-pebble conglomerate. This
covers an area of several square chains, and from it rise two craggy, highly silicified,
irregular masses of from 8ft. to 12ft. high, and standing about 21 chains apart.
These outcrops, as well as the mass between, show abundant copper stains and
coatings in every joint and crevice. They also contain small pockets filled with
soft white arenaceous clay, through which little nodular concretions of malachite
are scantily distributed. On being broken the softer parts of the rocks show specks
and thin seams of grey oxide of copper, whilst the larger malachite nodules often
contain this ore in the centre.
The cupriferous outcrop forms part of a very thick deposit of similar, though
softer, conglomerate, which alternates in close vicinity with hard micaceous slates
-the line of boundary of the two lodes, i.e., their strike N. and S. being clearly,
indicated on the surface by the rich. brown soil of the conglomerate contrasting
strongly with the greyish one of the slate. The latter alternates on the top of the
opposite range (W.) with bands of hard siliceous limestone, and the top of the range
is composed of thick beds of quartzite, the dip of their strata being W. at an angle:
of about 30°. The ore-bearing conglomerate mass looks, no doubt, very poor.
and has therefore only been indifferently prospected by a few shallow excavations;
but, considering its highly fractured character and the ease with which it could be
quarried into from the steep slope of the hillside, a further trial right into it, and
more especially along the boundary of the slate, would not be expensive, and might
possibly lead to the discovery of some better pockets of ore. (Ulrich, 1872.)
Log
MİNİNG RECORDS.
: ORATUNGA MINE.-There is a good lode averaging about 12ft. in width, and
containing very fair ore. Shafts have been sunk on the lode, varying in depth from
6 fathoms to 15 fathoms, and ore was obtained in each, nearly 100 tons being raised.
At a depth of about 12 or 13 fathoms a peculiar slide seemed to have taken
place in the lode, and a floor came in, having a slope of about 25°. This was followed
down until the miners were stopped by water. In another place about 20 tons
of 30 per cent, ore were raised from a counter of the lode, and a shaft sunk with a
view of cutting the lode at 18 fathoms or 20 fathoms, but this was also stopped by
water. (Austin, 1863.)
This property lies on the S. slope of a low range about 12 miles N.W. from the
Blinman Mine. The ore deposit represents a so-called pipe vein, 12ft. to 14ft. in
width and from 6ft. to 8ft. thick, with well-defined walls, dipping E. at an angle
of about 60°. Brown, much cleaved, flaggy slates alternate with greyish-white
argillaceous ores. The strike is N. 5° W., and the dip in that direction is somewhat
steeper than the slatebeds, which strike N. 40° E., and show a N.W. dip of 15° to
irregular veins, and fine druses of acicular crystals of malachite. There are oc-
casionally similar druses of aragonite associated with it. In depth the ore changes
to coarsely crystalline chalybite (carbonate of iron) full of small patches and seams
of copper pyrites, and generally associated with quartz. The stoppage of the mine
is said to have been caused by the deposit being faulted in depth by a slide, and
that the search for it became too expensive. (Ulrich, 1872.)
Five shafts have been sunk, two vertical and three following the dip of the lode,
which contains green malachite and copper pyrites. In the N. portion of the mine
the lode is composed of chalybeate and spathic iron and copper pyrites. The mine
was worked in former years, and it is believed large qauntities of copper could yet
be obtained from it. (Captain Doble, Blinman, 1890.)
The Inspector of Mines examined this property in March, 1901, and reports
that, with the exception of sorting over the old dumps and waste material, it has
not been worked for many years. The vein contains, near the surface, green car-
bonates and small portions of malachite in veins and patches, and, judging from
the material on the surface, these have given place to chiefly carbonate of iron
containing bunches and seams of copper pyrites. During the time the mine was
worked a fair amount of copper must have been extracted, as several men have
been employed in dressing ore from the old dumps. (I.M.R., 25–3–01.)
O'DONOGHUE'S CASTLE.-Situated 7 miles from Balcanoona Head Station, on a
steep rugged hill rising about 200ft. above the plain level, giving every facility for
working by tunnels. The lode outcrop is a large formation on the top of the hill,
strike being about N. and S. At the S. end the outcrop rises several feet above the
surface, and at the N. end the surface formation indicates the presence of two lodes
some short distance apart, but until further prospected it is impossible to determine
that point. Almost all the workings are .confined to block No. 255, and consist
of surface openings, two tunnels and drives for a short distance on the course of
the lode. The S. workings, in the form of an open cut, situated near the
hill top, show the lode formation 21ft. wide, with löft. of intrusive rock in the
centre, the best copper-bearing portion being on the W. side. The E.
portion also contains copper, but of slightly less value. As the workings continue
Ñ. the intrusive rock will probably disappear, leaving the formation slightly
smaller, but more solid and compact. Continuing N., little or nothing has been
done beyond some small cross trenches, proving the lode to be continuous for a con-
siderable distance. No. 1 tunnel, which is toward the N. end, has been driven
80ft., and the lode on the E. portion intersected, proving the formation to
be 5ft. wide, with 2ft. of copper-bearing material on the footwall, and at the time
of inspection was looking very well indeed, the ore being blue and green carbonates,
with azurite of very good grade. No. 2 tunnél is driven at about the centre of
the hill, a distance of 232ft., being a vertical depth of 130ft., but considerably more
COPPER.
109
on the lode underlie. At this point the lode is from 2ft. to 4ft, wide, containing,
on the footwall side, from 18in. to 2ft. of fair-grade material, composed of green
carbonates, grey ore, and sulphides, occurring in bunches, strongly associated
with iron. From the tunnel a drive, about 6ft., shows the same class of ore vein.
A drive has also been made S. 55ft. ; in the face the lode has contracted, but
the hanging-wall is clean and well defined. Probably, if the drive were continued
some short distance further, the lode would again open out to its usual size, surface
indications pointing to that conclusion. As the tunnel is driven in a portion of
the hill which is disturbed and broken on the surface, the same break will probably
continue in the lode to a considerable depth below the tunnel level, the ore vein
making larger both N. and S. from this point. To further prospect and develop
this property, it would be advisable to extend the S. drive a further distance of
about 80ft., when it would then be underneath the large outcrop exposed in the
open cut on the surface, and from which a quantity of fair-grade ore has been
dispatched to the smelters ; also continue the N. drive, and sink winzes to prove
the lode to a deeper level, at the most favorable points. The manager stated
that recently there had been raised and sold to the E. & A. Copper Company a
little over 66 tons of ore, yielding an average value of £5 14s. per ton. No allow-
ance was made for gold, silver, or cobalt; 30 tons carried a little over 2 per cent.
of the latter, and the average ore contains from 2oz. to 8oz. of silver, and from
ldwt. to 2dwts. of gold per ton. Samples were taken, and gave the following copper
results :-
Copper.
Bulk sample, open cut ......
153 per cent.
.....
15
21
ci
-
................
2
.............
- No. 1 tunnel, dressed ore ......
No. 2 tunnel (first), dressed ore .....
" (second), dressed ore ..
21]
(third), not dressed................ 171
These may be considered very satisfactory, and fully warrant expenditure in further
development of the property. (I.M.R., 28–6–00.)
The low price of copper and the cost of cartage made it impossible to carry on
operations at a profit. A departmental report dated August 27th, 1902, states
that the mine was then practically abandoned. It has recently been again taken
up. (1907.)
O.K. COPPER MINE.—Situated at the N. end of Lake Torrens, and about 21 miles
E. from Yarra-wurta Hill. Workings consist of two shafts, about 25ft. deep each,
and various shallow pits and costeans. No defined lode. Small irregular joints..
in the country rock, containing argillaceous matter, iron gossan, rock fragments,
and bunches of copper glance, ferruginous copper ore, and copper carbonates.
About 40 tons of 54 per cent. ore have been disposed of. (George, 21-1-04.)
PARABARANA MINE.-Situated at Parabarana Creek, 84 miles E. of Farina, and
about 2 miles S.E. of Parabarana Hill. It has three distinct lodes, two running
N. and S. and one E. and W., and in all of them blue and green carbonates have
been found. The mine has been worked recently, and a shaft is down to about
200ft. It is now stated there are seven distinct lodes, and that a large quantity
of ore fit for concentration is accessible. It is alleged also that gold to a high assay
has been found in the ores. Mr. Cullingworth (1899) states that the copper value
of the ore is from 10 per cent. to 12 per cent., and that a good body of ore is in a
3ft. lode at the bottom of the deepest shaft, carrying on an average 8 per cent. to
10 per cent. for copper.
Inspector Matthews reports :—The principal workings are on the E. side of
the range, in block 349. The lode outcrops strongly, and in one part is fully
30ft. wide, containing bunches and veins of green carbonate and grey ore; here
the work done has consisted simply in breaking down the outcrop and making
110
MINING RECORDS
an open cutting, from 6ft. to 8ft. deep, and from this a considerable quantity of
high-grade ore has been obtained. About į a mile S. of the large outcrop
there are several small openings on the line of lode, and one shaft sunk to a depth
of 200ft, on the lode underlie. At a depth of 30ft. a fair quantity of high-grade
ore was obtained, but apparently at this point the rich copper disappeared, and
gave place to iron gossan of low value. The width here has not been determined,
but it is evidently large, and for the first 30ft. below the 150ft. level the lode con-
tracted to about 12in. Underneath, and to the bottom, the formation has opened
out to 4ft. thick, containing bunches and splashes of good-looking green carbonate,
seeming to improve in depth. N. of the outcrop there is a large mass of decom-
posed copper-stained material, known as the Green Hill, which, although not in
a direct line, is doubtless the same formation as that exposed in the other work-
ings. This has been opened out upon in places by trial pits, which show copper
stains throughout, with here and there small specks of grey ore, not at present of
high enough grade to be valuable, but still sufficient to warrant further prospecting
by driving a tunnel through the formation from an open cutting at the foot of the
hill. On the opposite side a vertical shaft has been sunk 70ft. or 80ft., apparently
in country rock. The property is extensive, and has been prospected in various
other places. Concentrating machinery was in course of erection at the time of
the inspector's visit. Samples taken from the workings where ore was being raised
for treatment assayed 9 per cent. and 101 per cent. (I.M.R., 6–7–00.)
In August, 1902, it was reported that no developmental work was in progress.
Six tributers were engaged in stoping out ore from the old workings. Lee's underlie
shaft was sunk 210ft. ; at 200ft. a drive has been put in along the lode for 25ft.
S.W., and the lode had already been stoped out for that length and a height of 10ft.
This shaft was sunk in the country rock below the footwall, and only touched the
lode in two places above the 200ft. level. The veinstone consists of silieeous iron-
stone, gossan, and a little quartz, with copper glance, ferruginous copper ore, tile
ore, and copper carbonates; it varies in thickness at the 200ft. level from 1ft. to
3ft. Strike S. 65º W. and underlies N.W. at about 25° About 4 chains S.W. from
Lee's shaft a drive has been put in about 40ft. ; at the start of this an outcrop of
siliceous ironstone, with calcite, cuprite, malachite, ferruginous copper ore, and iron
oxides, of considerable thickness, was cut through; beyond this the drive was
all in country rock. N.E. from Lee's shaft and close alongside it three other shafts
were sunk, one vertical 80ft. deep, and two inclined-40ft. and 30ft. About 20
chains N.W. from Lee's shaft two inclined shafts have been sunk 12ft. apart to the
depths of 30ft. and 60ft. ; in the bottom of the 30ft. shaft a small bunch of copper
glance is showing. The 60ft. shaft, from surface down to 40ft., is about 12ft. wide,
where a bunch of ore has been stoped out. Small pockets of copper carbonates,
associated with kaolin and cupriferous gossan, are still visible, although no defined
lode exists in these shafts. Ābout 25 chains N.E. from Lee's shaft an outcrop of
ferruginous calcite occurs, which carries small splashes and strings of copper glance
and cuprite; it has been opened upon to a limited extent by quarrying, and several
tons of veinstone from it have been treated at the concentrating plant. At the
Green Hill a tunnel has been driven 50ft. from the approach and at the face a small
seam of copper carbonates is exposed. The outcrop here consists of quartz and
argillaceous material of considerable thickness and stained more or less heavily
with green carbonate. It strikes N. 80° E. and underlies N. at a very low angle.
At Windy Creek a shaft 50ft. deep, and several smaller shafts, pits, and costeans
have been sunk to shallow depths on quartz lodes carrying copper glance and car-
bonates in small quantity, and also on copper-stained heads and joints in the country
rock.
Near Parabarana Spring a small crushing and concentrating plant was roughly
erected and a few tons of ore treated, when the company ceased operations. About
20 tons of high-grade ore was raised between January 1st and May 30th, 1902.
(Departmental report (George), 27–8–02.)
COPPER.
111
**The mine was abandoned by the company and the machinery removed. The
ground is now again held, and returns from the claimholder show that from June
1st, 1905, to December 31st, 1906, 66 tons 7cwts. of ore, worth £1,128, had been
marketed.
PARAMATTA MINE.—This mine, situated a little N. of Moonta, was worked for
many years, with a fair yield; but the country became so hard and working so
difficult and expensive, as compared with results obtained, that operations were
suspended, and the mine has not been worked now for some years. The deepest
shaft was 500ft. This mine, together with the Wheal Hughes and Wheal James,
has been acquired by a company, and will be worked as one property, (1899.)
In February, 1901, the Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H. Matthews) reports that
the new company had restarted operations some 12 or 18 months before. The
main work of the old company consisted of four shafts, from 252ft. to 432ft. deep,
with drives, stopes, and winzes, from which a considerable quantity of copper
ore had been extracted. The ore-bearing ground proved to be about 400ft. in
length, and the average width of lode about 6ft. Since the new company has re-
sumed work, machinery, consisting of winding and pumping engines, air compressers,
concentrating plant, &c., have been erected. Underground work consists of sink-
ing the main shaft from 432ft. to 522ft., and N. and S. drives, about 30ft.
each; the lode averages about 6ft. wide, is well defined, with every appearance
of continuity in depth. At the deepest point (bottom of the shaft) the copper con-
tents are about 3 per cent. Face of the N. drive shows considerable quantity
of iron pyrites, making the ore poor, but, from indications, better class ore will be
shortly encountered. The S. drive exposes about 4 per cent. ore throughout.
Two winzes have been sunk on the course of the lode, N. and S. of the main
shaft, at the 432ft. level, N. winze down 54ft., lower portion in poor ore; S.
winze, 90ft. level, with S. bottom drive through fair quality ore. Stoping
has been in progress, and a considerable quantity of fair-grade material is available
in the upper workings. The inspector recommends that the winzes should be
connected with the drives at the 522ft. level; that the main shaft should be con-
tinued for another 100ft.; drives made at that level, and connected by winzes
with the workings at 522ft. level ; and that the ore from the upper levels should
only be treated in conjunction with that from the new workings. (I.M.R., 1–2–01.)
In April, 1902, the inspector reports vigorous operations in progress generally,
and that the main shaft has been carried down to a depth of 606ft.—84ft. below
the 522ft. level—the development in the last 48ft. being of an important nature,
the lode at the bottom showing fully 9ft. wide, and being worth from 10 per cent.
to 13 per cent. The inspector emphasises the necessity of continuing the sinking
of this shaft for at least another 100ft., and carrying out his previous recommenda-
tions. (I.M.R., 4-4-02.) During the year 1903, 20,646 tons of average 4 per
cent. ore were raised from this mine; it is now being worked in conjunction with
the Yelta, where a blast matting furnace and other machinery have been erected.
Returns show that from January 1st, 1904, to June 30th, 1907, 2,770 tons
of copper have been produced. The depth of the deepest shaft is 1,239ft., and
400 men were employed.
PARARA MINE.-This was a working near Ardrossan, on Yorke Peninsula, where
the surface indications were very promising. After sinking a shaft and driving for
some time the adventurers ceased working, the available capital having been ex-
hausted. (1899 edition.)
In July, 1906, the Inspector of Mines reports :—This property is situated on a
small rise about 2 miles N.W. of Ardrossan. It was worked in the early days, and
it is stated that a fair quantity of high-grade ore was extracted; but at that time,
the value of copper being low and the transit charges high, all operations were dis-
continued and, so far as could be ascertained, the mine has been unworked until
recently, when a small syndicate took possession. As the original workings were
:
112
MINING RECORDS.
full of water they could not be examined, but from the last report of the manager
(T. Tregoweth), dated September 23rd, 1874, it appears that the main shaft has
been sunk to the depth of 180ft., and drives opened out at the bottom and 120ft.
levels. A winze was sunk from the latter to the former and crosscuts driven dis-
closing solid lode 20ft. wide, consisting of calcareous spar, quartz, schorl, and mundic,
with veins of rich yellow ore running through it. For the future working he advises
the further sinking of the main shaft, and driving to open up the lode at the present
level, to stope the ground N. of the shaft, believed to be payable ; and in conclusion
says, “I can truly say that the lodes at the deepest level are quite calculated to
establish the opinion I have before expressed that the 40-fathom level will open up
rich lodes of yellow ore. I may add that this is the opinion of every practical man
who has seen them."
Recent operations have been confined chiefly to the sinking of an inclined shaft
to the depth of 80ft., continuing in the lode the full depth ; this has exposed lode
formation apparently from 8ft. to 10ft. wide, striking slightly E. of N., consisting
principally of quartz strongly associated with iron and a little manganese, containing
throughout streaks and bunches of grey ore and green carbonates, with smaller
portions of molybdenite, having, generally, a very favorable appearance. Six
returned slightly over 31 per cent. copper and 8dwts. gold per ton, and at present
in the ore dumps there are from 8 to 10 tons waiting treatment; samples from
the firsts returned 46 per cent. and Idwt. gold per ton, and a small parcel of seconds
yielded 23 per cent. copper and 7dwts. gold per ton. W. of the lode there are
indications of other parallel formations, so far only opened up by small shallow
cross trenches, which could be cheaply tested.
To further develop and prospect this property it would at first be advisable to
confine all operations to opening up the main shaft, by timbering the portions re-
quired, erecting a horse whim or whip, and unwatering the deeper levels ; which,
so far as could be ascertained, can be done with the appliances suggested. The
lode is of a favorable character, containing the various classes of ore that usually
continue in depth, and, judging from the old records, will fully warrant the expendi-
ture required to test its value. (I.M.R., 2–7–06.)
A further report in April, 1907, states that the principal work done since the
previous report consists in sinking a main shaft to the depth of 120ft. and connect-
ing it with the old workings from the original shaft a short distance to the N. So
far as the drives and stopes at this point could be examined the lode appears to be
from 15ft. to 20ft. wide, principally of quartz strongly associated with iron and
containing bunches and streaks of high-grade material-chiefly carbonates and
grey ore, associated with smaller portions of azurite and malachite. These ore
bunches do not appear to be confined to any particular part of the lode, but occur
in the most erratic manner, making it necessary to extract the full width of the lode
and sort the higher grade from the lower. Towards the S. end of the drive or
workings a crosscut has been made, exposing the formation 20ft. wide. The lode
at this point is of rather low value; the main ore shoot apparently dipping S., has
passed beneath the workings, but would be again intersected in the drive under-
neath. W. of the main lode, which strikes slightly E. of N., there are indications
of other parallel formations which have so far received no trial beyond being opened
up by a few small cross trenches, and can be further prospected at a very small
expense. Recently 17 tons of the average value of 26 per cent. have been marketed.
A further parcel on the dressing floor, waiting transit, assayed, firsts, 32.5 per cent.,
seconds, 15.7 per cent. On my previous visit I suggested timbering up and un-
watering the old main shaft; but as the holders thought this work beyond their
means and have sunk a new shaft, I would suggest that the sinking of the latter
be continued. The lode is of a favorable character, containing the various classes
of ore that usually continue in depth, and, judging from the old mine records, will
fully warrant the expenditure required to prove its value. (I.M.R., 29-4-07.)
COPPER.
113
-
PARATOO COPPER MINE.—On section 135, hundred of Paratoo, 24 miles from
Paratoo Railway Siding. This mine is described by the Inspector of Mines as
situated in a locality favorable for cupriferous lodes. Small outcrops of manganic iron
run E. and W., showing copper. Picked pieces of copper ore from this outcrop assay
as much as 62 per cent. metallic copper. Two shafts sunk 70ft. are connected by
a drive. The bunches of ore are very irregular, but the sinking has not yet reached
settled country, so the value of the mineral deposit has never been ascertained.
The sinking is easy. (1889.)
PORT LINCOLN MINE.--Situated 5 miles from Tumby Bay. A fair quantity of
good ore was raised from this mine at different times, but the hardness of the ground
was an obstacle to its being profitably worked. (Austin, 1863.) Several shafts
were sunk, but the influx of water was very considerable. The property comprises
705 acres, in nine adjoining sections, taken up by a company formed in 1861. Its
prospectus stated that 300 tons of ore averaging between 25 per cent. and 30 per
cent. had been raised by the prospectors who commenced the mine.
The Chief Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H. Matthews) reports (August, 1907) :-
The property comprises 400 acres, being portion of 700 acres of freehold land held
by the previous company, which was worked from 1849 to 1851, when the mine
suspended operations in consequence of the men leaving for the Victorian gold-
fields, and others not being obtainable. Nothing further was done until 1872,
when the main shaft was partially unwatered to procure samples of the lode matter,
which were forwarded to England for examination. In September, 1905, the mine
was inspected by a representative of a strong English company, and the property
was, I have been informed, floated in England with a working capital of £90,000.
The developments have disclosed two principal formations, known as the N. and
S. lodes, being approximately 5,000ft. apart, each striking about E. and W., slightly
underlying N., and from the appearance of the old workings above the 80ft. level
must have yielded a considerable quantity of lode matter containing a fair amount
of copper, the higher-grade material apparently making in short lenticular blocks
dipping E., with low-grade material both above and below trending in the same
direction. With one exception all the development work at present in progress
is being continued in or from the old workings, and consist of enlarging, timbering,
and deepening shafts, extending drives, winzes, and other work, such as the erection
of the various poppet-heads, machinery, and other appliances.
South Lode.-Painter's shaft has been enlarged from the surface down, securely
timbered, and sunk to the depth of 150ft. At 128ft. from the surface the shaft
passed through the lode matter entering footwall country rock, proving the ore-
bearing material to be underlying N. about ift. in 8ft. It is decided to continue
the sinking another 7ft., then crosscut N. until the lode has been passed through.
At the 60ft. level prévious workings extending E. from the shaft have exposed a
portion of the lode 5ft. wide, disclosing in places blue and green carbonates of copper,
with lesser quantities of chalcocite. At this point the lode formation on the surface
appears to be very broken, and is of considerable width; but until the contemplated
crosscut at the 157ft. level is accomplished its actual width and value must remain
undetermined.
East Shaft.—This is sunk 22 chains E. of Painter's shaft, apparently on the same
line of lode. The present depth is 60ft. from the surface. The width of the forma-
tion is not known, and consists principally of quartz and hornblende schists inter-
mixed. The material in places shows small splashes of yellow ore, but up to the
present no development of any importance has been disclosed. It is intended to
continue sinking to the depth of 120ft., then crosscut through the lode at the same
level as the crosscut in Painter's shaft.
Winze.--About 750ft. W. of Painter's shaft a tunnel has been driven from the
N. side of the hill, intersecting the same lode at 300ft. ; a drive then extended W.
on the course of the lode 150ft. The present company have now sunk an underlie
winze from the bottom of the drive 60ft., disclosing siliceous lode matter 3ft. 6in,
-
-
114
MINING RECORDS.
wide, containing, for about 15in. thick, ore of good average value on the footwall
side. Two samples—one bulk, the other sorted-gave a return of 4.6 per cent.
and 24.8 per cent. of copper respectively. The remaining portion of the lode is
at present of rather low value, but may improve as the winze is continued, which
at present has a very favorable appearance.
North Lode : Engine Shaft.-—Present depth is 200ft, on the lode underlie, with
drives opened out at the 40ft., 100ft., and 200ft. levels.
Forty-feet Level.--At this point the lode has been worked for about 50ft. in length,
and stoped from that level to near the surface by the former company or tributers,
and from which, I was informed, a fair quantity of high-grade material was ex-
tracted. From this level a winze has also been sunk to the depth of 60ft., exposing
siliceous lode matter from 5ft. to 6ft. wide, the copper contents being of fair value,
occurring in veins and splashes throughout the matrix. This, apparently, is one
of the lenticular ore-bearing blocks that occur at various points in the lodes dipping
E. at an angle of about 45°.
One Hundred feet-Level. This drive has been advanced E. 60ft. The lode, where
cut through, is from 16ft. to 19ft. wide, consisting of hard siliceous matter in places
containing small splashes of yellow ore, but at present is of little or no value beyond
showing the presence of that metal.
Two Hundred-feet Level.-Drive at this point has been extended E. 45ft. from
crosscut, Lode and character of the material is similar in every respect to the
level above. Each of these drives is being continued, with the object of intersect-
ing the ore body mentioned as existing in the winze at the 40ft. level.
· Whim Shaft.—This is some short distance E. of the engine shaft on the same
line of lode, and is said to have reached the depth of 120ft., and a quantity of high-
grade material previously extracted, but in consequence of the water standing to
within 20ft. of the surface it could not be examined. Preparations to unwater
this portion of the mine are now in progress by the erection of a new poppet-head
and air winch.
The principal mine equipment consists as follows :-Three multitubular boilers,
16ft. long by 5ft. 6in. diameter; Rand-drill air compressors, 14 by 22in. stroke;
pair horizontal air compressors, 18 by 3ft. stroke; screw-cutting lathe, 12ft. bed
centre. Painter's shaft-Coupled horizontal winze type winding engine, complete.
Engine shaft-Pair horizontal coupled winze type winding engines, complete;
Cornish boiler, 23ft. long by 5ft. 6in. diameter; steam pump, capacity 3,207galls.
per hour; Hope rockbreaker, 16in. jaws, the whole being securely housed and
protected.
| Buildings. These comprise engine-houses, manager's residence, offices, store-
rooms, assay laboratory, and workmen's buildings, all constructed in the most neat
and substantial manner
Future Developments.-Further to develop this property it would be advisable to
carry out the works indicated, namely, on the S. lode, crosscut through the forma-
tion in Painter's shaft at the 157ft. level, also continue the winze mentioned as
being sunk 750ft. W. of Painter's shaft, and crosscut through the formation in the
60ft. shaft situated E. of Painter's workings. The N. lode should be further ex-
plored by continuing the drives E. at the 100ft. and 200ft. levels in the engine
shaft to ascertain if the ore body at the 40ft. level will reach that depth or other-
wise. From my examination of the present workings, it is evident the copper
contents of the ore exposed in bulk are of rather low value; but, until the suggested
development work is accomplished, it would be premature to form an opinion of
the actual value of the mine, which possibly may improve as the works progress.
Men Employed.-Number of men employed ranges from 85 to 100. (I.M.R.,
23-8-07.)
PARINGA MINE.- This property is in the neighborhood of the Bremer and
Kanmantoo mines, 36 miles from Adelaide. About 900 tons of ore, it is said, were
raised by tributers in the early days, who ceased work when they came to the water-
COPPER.
115
level. The Inspector of Mines, reporting on December 21st, 1899, states that until
recently the mine had been abandoned for many years ; consequently the lower
levels in the old workings are full of water and could not be examined, but many
portions of the lode are exposed, and the recent workings have opened up a portion
of the ground to the depth of 70ft. The locality is very convenient, being close
to the railway line, from which a siding could be constructed at a very small expense.
The mine is situated in a series of rocky elevations, almost surrounding a small
valley, through which runs the Paringa Creek. The main formation is close to
the railway line, on a spur of the range rising abruptly to the height of 70ft. above
the level of the creek; through the centre of this the main lode strikes E. and
W., and has been worked to various depths for fully 100yds. in length, and towards
the E. end for about 3 chains in width. Judging from the workings, and
portions of the lode which can be seen, it varies from 2ft. to 6ft. in width, and on
each side there are other parallel veins or lode formations, on which a large amount
of work has been done, and a quantity of copper ore extracted, the higher grade
occurring chiefly in veins, pipes, and chimneys, principally where quartz veins
cross the metal-bearing strata. At the foot of the rise the present main shaft
has been sunk to the depth of 70ft., the lode in the bottom being composed of mica
schist, containing black oxide and yellow ore. A sample taken gave a return of
5dwts. gold and 104 per cent. copper. A little above the bottom, a drive is in
progress to unwater a portion of the old workings. A sample taken from various
portions of the face gave 31 per cent. From the small amount of work accom-
plished at this particular point, it is difficult to determine the exact width of the
lode, either in the shaft or drive, but it is apparently fully 3ft. wide. About 200yds.
N.W. there is a second lode formation, from 4ft. to 6ft. wide, containing green car-
bonates and grey ore; it is being worked by tributers, and returning ore of 16 per
cent. to 18 per cent. value. The better grade ore occurs here, as in the other work-
ings, where the quartz veins cross the ore bodies. A sample of azurite, malachite,
and copper glance taken from about 20ft. from the surface assayed 154 per cent.
The Giant's Grave lode, which is W. of the old engine shaft, has been worked for
a considerable length, and, according to old records furnished, to a denth of 240ft.
The total output for the mine for the 13 years prior to 1886 was, s, far as could
be gathered, over £25,000 in value. From old surface operations there is evidence
of other lodes and veins traversing the property, but, in most instances, owing to
the water, they could not be examined. Previous to deciding on the best mode
of reopening the mine, it would be advisable to enlarge and sink the present shaft
to sufficient depth to unwater the workings of the main lode, which has every
appearance of being permanent and continuous, and further explorations are fully
warranted. (I.M.R., 21–12–99.)
In a further report it is stated :—The property comprises 173 acres of freehold
land, situated 21 miles from Callington Railway Station, the line in one portion pass-
ing through the holding. The rugged portions of the property are traversed by
a large number of lodes, veins, and leaders, almost all more or less copper-bearing,
the enclosing rocks being chiefly schist, sandstone, and garnet rock. The lodes
contain blue and green carbonates, grey ore, and, occasionally, red oxide ; in
some places the former gives place to the water-level to yellow and black ore,
which occurs in veins and bunches; the lodes and veins strike in various
directions, some E. and W., others N. and S. Towards the E. end of the work-
ings, Turner's shaft has been sunk to the depth of 77ft. At the time of the inspec-
tor's visit it was difficult to ascertain the width of the lode in the shaft bottom,
but it was apparently from 5ft. to 6ft. thick, containing bunches and veins of black
oxide and yellow ore of a very promising nature. Giant's Grave lode is about
10 chains E. of Turner's shaft. On the E. side of the range other lode forma-
tions exist, supposed to be the continuation of the Kanmantoo line. Towards
this a tunnel has been driven 200ft., passing through the lode at 136ft. ; drives
have been extended N, and S., and winzes sunk, bụt the greatest portion
116
MINING RECORDS.
of the workings have fallen in; only small pillars of the lode can be seen, containing
a little ore, but nothing of much importance in sight. Mining operations are at
present confined to a shaft 40ft. deep, about 2 chains N. of Turner's shaft. The
formation, which is very siliceous, is from 4ft. to 5ft. wide, containing carbonates,
grey ore, and small seams of red oxide, of good value. There are about 5 tons
of dressed ore on the surface, and since the present syndicate resumed work over
49 tons of ore, giving an average value of a little over 18 per cent. of copper, have
been raised and forwarded to market. For the future development of the W.
portion of the mine, Turner's shaft should be enlarged and sunk to the depth of 200ft.,
then crosscut slightly W. of N.; this would intersect almost all the veins and
lodes from which large quantities of ore have been previously obtained. To reopen
the E. portion of the mine, such as the Giant's Grave and other lodes in the
vicinity, the main shaft, which is said to be 240ft. deep, should be cleared out,
timbered where required, and put in proper order, or a new one sunk further
N., some short distance from the old engine-house. These works will require a
fair amount of capital, but the past returns and general outlook of the property
will justify the outlay as a fair mining venture, with every reasonable chance of
success. Samples of dressed ore returned 33 per cent. and 29 per cent. copper
respectively. (I.M.R., 17-9-00.)
PAULL'S CONSOLIDATED (formerly known as the “Friend Copper Mine").-
Locality, about 14 miles N. of Burr Well, on Burr or Finke Creek, Mount Lyndhurst
district. The Government Geologist examined it early in 1897, and his report
stated that shallow shafts had been sunk at intervals, and cuttings made for 50 or
60 chains along the outcrop, which runs in an E. and W. direction on the S. flank
of a long range. At the W. end small veins of rich copper glance occur in claystone
and sandy clayslate. The main shaft had been sunk 40ft. through vertical claystone,
in the bedding of which there is a thin vein of copper glance and carbonate of copper,
lin. to jin. thick, accompanied by a band of copper-bearing claystone 6in. to 8in.
thick, with thin bands of copper glance, and copper ore is seen in the surrounding
country rock. These have every appearance of going to a depth. E. of this shaft
is an open cut made in the vertical strata of flaggy slate and claystone, in which
occur bedded veins of copper glance and red oxide of copper, with sometimes native
copper. Ribbon-like bands of copper glance interlaminate the slate, and are dis-
tributed through it. Further E. calcareous claystone is stained with carbonate of
copper, and shows copper glance. Shaft No. 1, on the centre block, 12ft. deep,
shows that claystone is penetrated by copper ore for a width of about 7ft., and
contains thin interbedded veins of copper glance and red oxide, with cross veins.
Further E. surface prospecting had exposed copper-bearing slate, with small veins
of copper ore. The general strike of the copper-bearing rock is E. and W., con-
formably with the country rock, claystones and sandy clayslates. The ores are very
rich in copper; the lode formation is not large, but will probably continue to a
considerable depth, and a payable mine is likely to be developed by systematic
prospecting. Return to end of December showed that the deepest shaft was 72ft.;
average value of ore, 10 per cent. for copper. (1899 edition.)
Near the end of 1899 the Inspector of Mines reported :—Situated on a strong
and continuous range, rising 150ft. above the level of the surrounding country,
the lode, which strikes E. and W. and underlies to the S., can be traced the full
length of the property by outcrops and surface trenches, which are opened out in
various places along the line, proving it to be continuous. For about 20 chains in
length numerous shafts have been sunk, ranging from 15ft. to 100ft. in depth,
proving the lode formation to be from 2ft. to 10ft. wide, containing green carbonates
and grey ore, which occur throughout the matrix in streaks and narrow veins.
The shaft in which work was in progress at the time of the inspector's visit had
been sunk 54ft., the lode formation being from 4ft. to 5ft. wide, containing fair-
grade ore to the depth of 30ft., sample giving 22 per cent. copper. Beneath this,
and until within a few feet of the bottom, the material is poorer, and contains a
COPÞÉR.
117
large percentage of iron. Near the bottom the ground is again changing to the
previous copper-bearing material. The inspector noticed the peculiar formation
of bands of ironstone gossan, at various points, crossing the lode material, and
where these appear the lode is of poor quality, and continues so until the
white clayslate is again intersected, when the grade becomes higher. It was in-
tended to continue this shaft to the 150ft. level before driving, which is the proper
course to adopt for development purposes. There appeared to be a large quantity
of lode material, portions of which could be hand-dressed up to 20 per cent. and
25 per cent., and the remainder, with the aid of proper appliances, can be made
payable. From time to time a large quantity of ore of high value has been extracted,
and a quantity of seconds on the surface will eventually pay for treatment. Sample
taken from the shaft gave 22 per cent., and from the workings further W. 231 per
cent. (I.M.R., 21-11-99.)
Vanadium ore, in the form of yellowish-green stains and coatings in the joints
and crevices of the copper-bearing slate rock and in small vughs and crevices in the
copper ore, has been found here in 12 different places along the lode for a distance
of , a mile. So far it has not been obtained deeper than 18ft. (G.G., 21-4-04.)
A further report from Inspector Matthews, dated September 30th, 1906, states :-
This property is located about 27 miles from Leigh Creek. The workings consist
of a large number of shafts, open cuttings, and trial pits, the former ranging from
20ft. to 300ft. in depth, extending on the line of lode fully į mile in length, with
drives, crosscuts, and winzes opened out at various points. The lode strikes about
N.E. and S.W., with a S. underlie of 30°. Enclosed within clean and unbroken
walls, the formation principally consists of claystone and ferruginous matter
containing ore veins and seams of ore of various descriptions ; near the surface being
chiefly green carbonates, in the form of what is locally known as ribbon ore ; towards
the deeper workings this has given place to grey ore and red oxide, associated with
a considerable quantity of iron. Main shaft.- This is an inclined shaft sunk to a
depth of 300ft., with drives and stopes opened out at the 90ft., 150ft., 200ft., and
257ft. levels. At the 250ft. level a drive has been extended E. on the course of the
lode 190ft., the lode formation being from 1ft. to 5ft. wide, containing ore of very
fair value in seams and bunches. 200ft. level.–At this point a drive has been
made 60ft. E. through the usual class material, being apparently on a parallel
shoot, and has been worked for 14ft. wide. The filling up of portions of the
depleted stopes is now in progress, to enable stoping to be continued from the level
upward. In this portion of the mine a considerable amount of work has been
accomplished. The W. drive has been advanced 318ft., the lode matter being of
low value, except towards the W. end, where the drive has apparently penetrated
one of the ore shoots exposed in the workings above. At 248ft. W. of the shaft
the lode matter has been proved to be 18ft. wide, containing veins and seams of
ore ranging from lin. to 4in. At the 90ft. level preparations are being made to
stope towards the surface. At this point the lode matter will average 6ft. wide,
and from general appearances should give fair values. The machinery consists
of a winding and pumping plant combined, and a concentrating plant consisting
of Cornish horizontal boiler, rock-breaker, crushing rolls, one May's five-compart-
ment jig, elevator, grinder, and May's patent vanner. The whole plant, with one
or two exceptions, to which the manager is directing special attention, appears to
be working well ; but, owing to the character of the material treated, it is difficult
to obtain a very close extraction. Possibly it would be advisable, when the ore is
being broken, to sort and dispatch direct to the smelters the veins and bunches
of high-grade ore that are frequently encountered, and from the remainder separate,
so far as possible, at a reasonable expense, the waste material from the fine and
lower-grade matter; the former would then be utilised for filling the depleted stopes,
and the latter sent to the mill for treatment. This would lessen the quantity of
material passing through the mill; but, as the loss is at least 2 per cent. on each
ton treated, it becomes a question if the average returns would not be of greater
.
118
MINING RECORDS.
value by decreasing the total loss in the tailings on each week's operations. At
present there is a considerable amount of dead work in progress which will soon be
completed, when, without any or little additional cost, the output can be increased.
The further sinking of the main shaft should then be continued, as the bottom
workings give indications of approaching the sulphide zone; and by sinking another
100ft. probably the W. shoot of ore would be exploited, and the anticipated change
encountered. Notwithstanding the ore shoots being some distance apart, they
have been persistent in their courses towards the deeper levels, and I see no reason
why they should not continue. Samples taken at various points give the follow-
ing results :-No. 1 W. drive, 150ft. level, formation 14ft wide, ore veins from lin.
to 4in., 9.1 per cent.; No. 2 E. drive, 150ft. level, ore vein, 26.5 per cent. ; No.
3 E. drive, 250ft. level, ore vein 8in. wide, 10.2 per cent. ; No. 4 Ē. drive, 250ft.
level, iron and ferruginous clay, 1-2 per cent.; No. 5 E. drive, small seam tried for
vanadium, nil ; No. 6, tailings after passing through concentrating plant, 2 per
cent. (I.M.R., 30-9-06.)
Owing to the loss in the concentration of this ore, operations were suspended.
(1907.)
PAULL'S NORTH EXTENDED.-Situated about 3 miles N.W. from Paull's Consoli-
dated Mine. An open cut has been made 45ft. long from the approach, and near the
face a shaft has been sunk 15ft. below the floor of the cut, and at the bottom of
the shaft a drive extends N. 55° W. for 72ft. These workings disclose a kaolinised
sandstone, which carries interstratified seams of copper glance and carbonate,
associated with quartz, varying from a mere thread to Sin. in thickness. In one
place, where a small crosscut has been put in, these small veins, with a little prill
and copper stains, are visible in the sandstone for a thickness of 15ft. About 4
chains E. from the main workings a vertical shaft has been sunk 30ft., to cut the
copper-bearing country. Two and a quarter tons recently sent away returned
36 per cent. of copper. (George, 27–8–02.)
PINNACLES (Mount Fitton District).-Situated about 3 miles S.W. of the Fitton
South Mine. Portion of the lode outcrops several feet above the surface, the foot-
wall side being strongly stained with green carbonate of copper. An underlie shaft
has been sunk to the depth of 70ft., on the footwall side; the vein of ore is from
6in. to 18in. wide, and consists chiefly of grey ore and carbonates. An average
sample taken from the shaft bottom, where the lode is 15in. wide, gave a return of
26 per cent. At the 40ft. level a short drive has been put in to the N. The ore
vein in the face is sin, wide, and of very good quality. Up to the time of inspection,
11 tons of 29 per cent. ore had been sent to the smelters, and there were 10 tons
remaining in the ore dump worth concentration. Trial pits and cross trenches
have been made for some distance along the line of lode, and in each instance en-
couraging prospects of carbonates exposed, which should be prospected while ore
is being raised from the deeper shaft. (I.M.R., 2–8–99.)
PINNACLES (Yudnamutana).-Two shafts have been sunk 140ft. and 40ft.,
following the lode on the underlie ; also several small pits and costeans on the lode
and in other places on the claim, where copper ore and stains are visible. The
main shaft, 140ft., is inclined at an angle of about 48º. From 70ft. upwards to
within 15ft. of the surface the lode has been stoped out for a length of 30ft., and
the ground secured. Below the 70ft. level the lode is well-defined and regular, and
varies from 1ft. to 3ft. in thickness. It is poor in copper, but carries a vein of copper
glance and carbonates from Jin. to 6in. thick, which appears to be improving in
size at the bottom of the shaft. No. 2 shaft, 40ft. deep, is about 2 chains N.E.
from the main shaft. The lode varies in it from 1ft. to 3ft. 6in. wide, and consists
of quartz, gossan, and argillaceous matter, carrying small seams of grey ore. At
the bottom, what appears to be a smooth hanging-wall is showing. No footwall
has been disclosed. The lode strikes N. 50° E., and underlies S.E. at an angle of
48º. (George, 27-8-02.)
COPPER.
119
A later report states that a drive had been put in at 25ft. from the surface and
some stoping done. A shaft, 20ft., had been sunk on a small vein of quartz and
gossan, containing small bunches of low-grade ferruginous copper and carbonate.
The mine was unworked. (4-3-04.)
It is now held, in conjunction with the Yudnamutana, by the Union Copper Mining
Company. (1907.)
PEELBOX'S CLAIM.—Situated about 10 chains W. from Depot Springs. An open
cut 20ft. long, 5ft. deep, and a pit 6ft. deep from the bottom, disclose a siliceous
formation carrying seams and bunches of high-grade copper ore with carbonate and
a little ruby oxide. Sufficient work has not been done to determine the course and
thickness of the formation. A few tons of ore had been sent away. (27–8–02.).
PERNATTY LAGOON (Gunyah).-Held by Messrs. Young. About 2 miles N. of Mount
Gunson Mine and E. of Mount Gunson Hill, in an arm of Pernatty Lagoon. The
workings have been opened on the lagoon bed a few chains from the shore, about'
50ft. below the tops of the low hills surrounding. They extend over about a mile
in length E. and W., have a greatest width of about 4 chains, and consist of a large
number of shallow pits and excavations. Owing to wet weather at the time of in-
spection the holes were full of water and the surface of the lagoon boggy, but the
spoil heaps showed that more or less copper ore had been obtained in all of them
from horizontal beds resting on the underlying sandstone rock. Examination of
an unwatered hole showed that the surface immediately under a few inches of mud
consists of 14in. of ferruginous sandstone, carrying green carbonates ; beneath this
is about 4 ft. of grit, irregular portions of which are heavily charged with grey
copper ore, a sample taken assaying 25.5 per cent. copper. The bottom is red
sandstone of uneven surface, and carries pockets and layers of grey ore. Sample
from the bottom assayed 18.6 per cent., and a portion from a large sample obtained
from a hole in the E. portion of the workings assayed 50-6 per cent. copper. Small
veins of green carbonate also traverse the sandstone in places. About 60 tons
of ore averaging 16 per cent. have been sent to market, and from 55 heaps near
the dressing-floor, from which the best ore had been picked, a general sample as-
sayed 8.1 per cent. It is very evident that at this place there exists a large, valuable,
and easily-worked deposit of copper ore, and the probabilities are that, outside of
the lagoon bed already prospected, further discoveries will be made. Moreover,
it is possible that other deposits exist beneath the sandstone, and this should be
tested by sinking. (D.R. (Gee), 11–7–06.)
PINE POINT (PHILLIPS').- The property known as Phillips' Copper Show is
located at Pine Point, about 8 miles S. of Ardrossan. The workings consist of one
shaft sunk to the depth of 40ft, and a small tunnel driven in the side of the cliff
about 15ft., slightly above high-water mark, with winze sunk from the latter to
about 20ft. in depth, disclosing copper-bearing material for about 15ft. wide. The
material consists of country rock in places containing small nodules of green car-
bonates of copper of no particular value beyond giving an indication of the presence
of that metal. Sample taken from the green carbonates picked out yielded slightly
over 8 per cent. copper. Future prospecting in this locality should consist in
trying to locate the ore-bearing material in more elevated ground, and not, as at
present, on the foreshore just above high-water mark, where, if at any time should
developments prove favorable, a strong influx of water might be encountered
that would probably cause the suspension of all operations. (I.M.R., 30-4-07.)
PINE POINT (LEASE 1935).—This property comprises 40 acres, extending for about
three-quarters of a mile in length, situated on the foreshore in the vicinity of Pine
Point, 8 miles S. of Ardrossan. From the high-water mark the cliff rises abruptly
to the height of about 50ft., exposing large and almost unlimited clay deposits of
various shades and quality, free from deleterious matter, and highly suitable for
the manufacture of pottery, tiles, and other articles of that description. The
material shows for some considerable length, and can be extracted at the least pos-
sible cost, by simply quarrying from the cliff face, and delivered in small ketches
120
MINING RECORDS.
or lighters suitable for dispatching the material to the various manufacturing works
or for export to any of the other States. Continuing on the beach, almost
the full length of the property, there are large blocks of brown hematite iron,
giving every indication of a large iron deposit striking parallel with the sea coast in
that vicinity, which is possibly overlain by alluvial, as is shown by a narrow gorge
or washout that has occurred in one portion of the cliff, exposing ironstone of con-
siderable width. Samples taken from this and several of the large blocks mentioned
returned from 47 per cent. to 58 per cent. of iron. In various parts. there are also
indications of copper. A little work has been done towards the S. end of the lease,
exposing ferruginous rocks in places, highly copper-stained with streaks of green
carbonates. Samples of the latter returned slightly over 3 per cent. copper. With
the object of further testing this property, a small and inexpensive tunnel might
be driven from the face of the cliff. This would thoroughly test the property as
to the existence of any additional iron or copper deposits that may be overlain
with clay or other matter. In regard to the clay deposit, it is evidently a valuable
proposition that, with anything like a reasonable market, would become highly
remunerative. (I.M.R., 30-4-07.)
PINDELPANA.-Situated on the Paralana Range, W. from the Yudnamutana
Mine. Ironstone rocks impregnated with copper, both green carbonate and grey
ore, the lode running nearly E. and W. for 70yds. or 80yds., and varying in width
on the surface from 2ft. to 6ft. The geological appearance of the ground is singular,
the following substances being all found within a few rods :--Ironstone, granite,
rock, greenstone, disintegrated quartz rock, felspar, limestone, micaceous schist,
and some beautiful small crystals of quartz. (Austin, 1863.)
- POONA.--This mine is situated very near to the Moonta Mine, and its discovery
was due to the exposure of a lode by the excavation of a rather deep cutting on the
Moonta and Wallaroo tramway. It was regarded as a very promising mine, and
sent away a considerable quantity of marketable ore. It was one of the very many
small mines that ceased work during the depression in the copper market in the '70
decade. The Inspector of Mines, in his report in December, 1890, described this
mine as situated adjoining the Paramatta Mine, and the property as consisting of
240 acres. There were two shafts, one said to be 120ft. and the other 228ft. deep,
on the course of the lode. The spoil heap exhibits quartzite, felspar, and porphyry.
A sample from the heap gave 271 per cent. for copper. It is purposed to work this
property in conjunction with a number of other mines in its vicinity. (February,
1899.) Afterwards called the “ Poona and Mattapara.”
Previous to shutting down, in 1870, a large quantity of fair-grade ore was ex-
tracted, work having been in progress for some years. In the Poona portion, which
adjoins the Paramatta, two shafts have been sunk, one on each side of the railway
line, the main, or W., shaft being 228ft., and the other 120ft. in depth, both on the
line of lode, which trends E. and W. Judging from the large quantity of waste
material on the surface, a considerable amount of driving and stoping must have
been done prior to suspension. It was stated, and on very good authority, that
in the workings of each shaft there are two parallel lodes, about 50ft. apart, each
containing good ore in the bottom levels, the S. one being generally the
better, and ranging from 2ft. to 12ft. in width, the ore dumps and waste material
are chiefly quartzite and felspar, with green carbonates, grey ore, and malleable
copper distributed throughout. About 6 chains E. of the workings a shaft has
been recently sunk to a depth of 85ft., passing through the N. vein, 2ft. 6in.
wide, but at this point it is only copper-stained. This shaft should be continued
until the second vein, which has always proved the more valuable, is intersected.
Towards the E. end of the property, known as the Mattapara, and apparently
on the same line of lode, a shaft has been sunk 100ft. deep. The lode formation is
siliceous, with a larger proportion of iron and fragments of yellow ore, but the shaft
is not yet deep enough to cut the main ore bodies. To reopen the old workings
on the Poona, the inspector recommends that a main shaft be sunk, some distance
COPPER.
121
the shoot
N. and
the depth dip S.
W. and slightly to the N. of the old one, to the depth of at least 320ft. This
would leave about 100ft. of unexplored ground, and be directly underneath the
main shoots of ore. A large quantity of waste material, containing more or less
copper, is on the surface, and would probably pay to sort and dress. The rail-
way passes through the property, and provision has been made for a siding when
required. It may be regarded as a fair legitimate mining venture, and, with the
necessary amount of capital, has every reasonable chance of success. (I.M.R.,
17-7-00.)
PREAMIMMA MINE.This mine is situated about 6 miles N.E. from Callington,
and was opened in 1854. Some good ore, chiefly carbonates, was raised, but the
lode being lost, the mine was abandoned. It was reopened for a short time about
the year 1862, and the engine shaft was sunk to a depth of 47 fathoms. Some
black ore was found, but not in paying quantities. Mundic was met with throughout
the workings, and also some muriate of copper. (Austin, 1863.)
In 1899 Mr. G. W. Sudholz restarted operations on this property. The Inspector
of Mines, reporting in October, 1901, states that the outcrop on the surface N.
of the present workings shows copper, stains for a considerable width, and is
apparently the commencement of the shoot of ore worked by the previous
companies. It strikes N. and S., with a W. underlie, the main ore body
appearing to dip S. S. and W. of the lode outcrop the main shaft has been sunk
to the depth of 300ft., entering the lode formation, from 12ft. to 14ft. wide, com-
posed of micaceous slate, sandstone, quartz, and a vein of arsenic ore, from lft.
to 2ft. wide on the footwall. The balance of the lode also contains some arsenic
and copper stains, chiefly on the hanging-wall portion. From this point a drive
extends 150ft. At 100ft., where the lode has apparently faulted, stoping has
been done for about 25ft. in height. At the same level a drive has been made a
few feet S., but is at present in country rock. This should be continued until
the lode is pierced, then driven S. with the object of cutting the shoot of copper
ore first worked from the surface, should it continue down. There are other old
workings above the level, of which no detail examination could be made. Samples
of the ore raised from the stopes gave on assay :-
Arsenic vein, fine grained .......... 45 per cent. arsenic
Arsenical pyrites and quartz ....... 18
coarse grained ..... 31 - bdwts. gold
These show that the lode is valuable for arsenic, but poor otherwise. Winding
and concentrating plants have been erected on the mine, the concentrates being
disposed of at arsenic value only. (I.M.R., 26-10-01.)
: Mr. Sudholz forwarded 300 tons of 40 per cent. ore, which realised £7 10s. per
ton in England. A sudden drop in the price of arsenic caused operations to be
discontinued. He states that there is abundance of high-grade arsenic ore in
this mine.
Operations have been recently resumed here and returns for the 12 months
ended June 30th, 1907, show that 552 tons of 9 per cent. copper ore have been
treated, and also 4 tons of 38 per cent. arsenic ore raised.
PREMIER COPPER MINE.—This mine is situated about 11 miles from New
Luxemburg and from the Mingary and Queen Bee gold mines. A vertical
shaft has been put down, and (says the Inspector of Mines) at about 11 fathoms
it reached a very heavily mineralised country, with thin veins of sulphides inter-
lacing in all directions. The indications are very favorable, and it is considered
an excellent prospect. The lode sunk upon is said to carry silver in small quantities.
(1889).
· PRINCE ALFRED MINE.-Situated 28 miles N.E. from Carrieton Railway Station.
The ore deposit is very interesting on account of its presenting a fine example
of the so-called bedded or layer lode, i.e., it lies both in strike and dip between
the strata-grey flaggy clayslate. The strike is variable, being N. 14° E. for
<
.
122
MINING RECORDS.
120ft., N. 9° E. for 100ft., N. 22° W. for 95ft., and N. 10° E. for about 150ft., and
dips W. 45° to 50°. It has been traced for nearly 20 chains in length, showing,
as far as exposed, a thickness varying from 3ft. to above 20ft. The deposit
consists of a confused accumulation of large and small masses of clayslate connected
and traversed by veins of calcite. Through this mass malachite is thickly distri-
buted in seams, coatings, and irregular patches, associated with brown iron ore.
Towards and below the water-level, at about 20 fathoms, the green carbonate and
brown iron ore give way to a dense impregnation, fine veins and massive aggrega-
tions of copper pyrites, but slightly intermixed with iron pyrites, and occasionally
associated with small particles of spathic iron and white calcite. In one place the
lode is very rich, and is taken out for nearly 20ft. in width. The distribution of
the copper ore is not uniform, but varies in richness throughout the workings.
(Ulrich). Three shafts were sunk in different places on the property, but only one
at the principal workings. Large stopes were opened out from the surface down
to about 20 fathoms. The greatest depth of any shaft was about 40 fathoms on
the underlie, and the water-level was reached at 150ft. Drives were put in for
some hundreds of feet. The mine stopped work in 1872. In 1889 limited opera-
tions were in progress, the main effort being apparently to make the mine pay its
own expenses. The prospect was very encouraging, and deserved a liberal expendi-
ture of capital, according to the Inspector of Mines, who visited this property (1889),
and, in his report upon it, says that “ working as it is at present, under difficulties,
on a small scale, and with primitive raising appliances, the mine pays excellently ;
with a plant capable of dealing with a large quantity of ore it would pay handsomely
and become an important undertaking." The lode is a very large one, ranging
from 12ft. to 20ft., and through the whole matrix there are veins of very rich ore
distributed irregularly. The course of the lode is N. 10° E., with a dip W. at an
angle of 45°; it can be traced for a mile, and has been opened on the N.
boundary, where a small but compact lode of high-grade copper ore is shown. In
February, 1899, the Government Geologist reported having again examined this
property, and describes the lode as being of a bedded character, associated with
spathic iron in veins, and calcspar and brecciated rock; and copper is distributed
irregularly through the whole mass. He describes the shafts, but the workings
being under water, personal examination was impossible ; but he was of opinion
that the lode was a strong and permanent one, justifying systematic and exhaustive
exploration at deep levels, and the employment of systematic methods of mining.
A report in October, 1901, states that the mine had been unwatered, and that
work was in progress at the 170ft. level in the main shaft, where the lode attains
a thickness of 30ft. and consists of calcareous slate traversed by innumerable small
irregular veins and bunches of calcite ; through this formation copper pyrites and
a little mundic is plentifully disseminated in bunches and small veins, principally in
the calcite. Below the 170ft. level the lode appears to be faulted. Machinery,
including a concentrating plant, has been erected. The ore is very suitable for
concentration, a sample of the tailings from the jigs gave a return of 0.7 per cent.
copper only. (George, 18-10-01.)
During the first six months of 1902, 1,608 tons of crude ore were put through the
concentrators, producing 207 tons of 24 per cent. concentrates. Operations have
continued to date, and returns have been satisfactory. (1907.)
PRINCESS ROYAL MINE.—The discovery of this mine preceded that of the Burra,
which it adjoins, and which was found shortly afterwards.
The original property holding of the company was the S. half of the Burra Special
Survey, of 20,000 acres. Working was commenced nearly at the same time as the
Burra, and with considerable success, a large quantity of ore averaging over 27 per
cent. being raised and shipped to England, one parcel being over 29 per cent. Opera-
tions were carried on until the year 1851, when water was cut at about 30 fathoms;
and the capital of the company being expended, as well as the proceeds of the ore,
the shareholders determined to abandon the mine and sell their freehold of 10,000
COPÞÉR.
123
acres. This realised £9,000, the total proceeds of the ore raised were over £7,000,
and the concern ultimately paid a dividend of about thirteen shillings in the pound
on the original cost and outlay. The opinion is expressed that this mine may yet
prove to be of considerable value. (Austin, 1863.)
QUEEN BEE MINE.—Situate at New Luxemburg, adjoining the Lux Gold
Mine. The reefs run parallel and N.E. about 800ft., and attain a width of 7ft.
or 8ft. in places. The Inspector of Mines reported that the rocks of the locality
are metamorphic and intrusive, and it is probable that besides the eruptive
granite, dioritic dykes will be found in sinking. The geological structure of the
country is very similar to that of the Barrier, and shows a continuation of the same
formation. The reefs are situated near the boundary of the granite and meta-
morphic rocks and slate, and the formation is similar to that in the Yudnamutana
and Neales River districts, where gold has been found. The quartz lodes in this
locality are largely developed and permanent in appearance, and a low average
yield of gold will pay better than a high average where the reefs are small. He also
reported, as a result of a later visit to this mine, that on a strong outcrop of quartz
three shafts had been sunk, and samples panned off showed excellent prospects.
The reef carried bunches of carbonate of copper, and free gold could be seen in the
stone. The average width of the reef was 3ft. 6in., with a dip of lft. in 22ft. Samples
selected by the Inspector gave an average of 1 lozs. of gold per ton. Samples taken
on a second visit, and assayed by the Government Assayer, gave (1) copper 354 per
cent., gold 16grs.; (2) copper 271 per cent., gold 2dwts. 6grs. ; (3) copper 18 per
cent., gold 10dwts. 10grs.; and (4) copper 37 per cent., gold 4dwts. 2grs. During
1893 another visit of inspection was paid. Ore was being raised and bagged, the
last parcel sent assaying in bulk loz. 10dwts. gold and 9ozs, silver per ton, with
321 per cent. of copper. In 1897 the Government Geologist examined the mine
and reported that there was a well-defined lode about 3ft. wide, at a depth of
270ft., which carried gold and copper. His report was to the effect that at the
200ft. level there is a quartz lode, varying in thickness from 3ft. to 4ft., containing
in places rich shoots of copper ore, and also very promising for gold. There was
every prospect of making it a payable copper mine if developed properly.
RAMSAY's Show.—Situated to the W. of Pernatty Lagoon. In some low hills
here a pit has been made through sandy ground, and at a depth of 8ft. a flat cal-
careous formation 2ft. thick, carrying green carbonate ore, is exposed-1 ton
8cwt. of ore dressed from this was worth 13 per cent. copper. This formation
could probably be worked better from lower down the hill. Ramsay also had a
claim, now purchased by the Mount Gunson Company, on the lagoon bed to the
E. of those held by Messrs. Young, from a shallow excavation on which he sent away
2 tons of 15 per cent. sulphide ore. (D.R. (Gee), 11-7-06.)
RAPID Bay.—Vide YATTAGOLINGA, page 155.
REEDY CREEK.-Vide KITTICOOLA, page 70.
RAWNSLEY'S BLUFF MINE.-Situated about 14 miles E. of Mernmerna (Great
Northern Railway), and S.W. of the Bluff itself. A strong reef of ironstone shows
on the surface for 250yds. or 300yds., and contains some good stones of green car-
bonate of copper. (Austin, 1863.)
RHONDDA MINE.-Situated on section 48, 4 miles N. from Carrieton. Worked
many years ago for a brief period only, leaving no record of results. Strike of
lode E. and W., dip 33° S. The workings, which are now in a dangerous condition,
have followed the inclination of the lode 180ft. ; it appears to be only a few inches
thick. Two men were fossicking, and the ore obtained was of poor quality. (Govern-
ment Geologist, February, 1899.)
RHYNIE MINE.-Situated 4 miles W. from Riverton. A copper mine having
rich indications was worked here by Messrs. Nickolls Bros. in 1867.
RED HILL MINE (also known as “ Bock and Broadbent's ").-Situated 36 miles
N.E. of Carrieton, and 8 miles E. of the Prince Alfred Mine. The locality is a low
line of ridges, chiefly covered by alluvial, which overlays the lode formations. The
workings comprise a number of small shafts, cross trenches, and trial pits, ranging
124
MINING RECORDS.
from 4ft. to 100ft. in depth, extending from point to point fully j a mile in length,
and exposing the formation from 1ft. to 6ft, in width, striking N.E., with an E.
underlie of about 2 in 6. Towards the S. end of the property a shaft has been sunk
50ft. on the underlie, exposing lode matter the full depth, but at the present level
being broken and disturbed, containing bunches of blue and green carbonates of
copper and grey ore. The size of the formation at this point is not yet determined,
but is exposed for fully 6ft. in width. About 6 chains N. the deepest shaft has been
carried down to the depth of 100ft., or slightly below water-level. So far as could
be seen, the ore vein continues down very regularly, being from 1ft. to 2ft. in width.
At the bottom, or below water-level, it was stated that the lode is from 2ft. 6in. to
3ft. thick. The ore dumps show the material to be associated with blue and green
carbonates, and bunches of porous ironstone. At 50ft. from surface a small cross-
cut was driven in the hanging-wall side from 8ft. to 10ft., the country rock being
soft clayslate, with splashes and nodules of chiefly green carbonates, which doubtless
have filtered from the lode. Fifty feet further N. an open cut, 2 ft. long by 10ft.
deep, has exposed lode matter 2ft. wide, containing large blocks of green carbonates,
associated with grey ore and iron gossan. About 150yds. N. of the open cut a shaft
has been sunk to the depth of 70ft., the lode being well-defined, ranging from 18in.
to 3ft. in width, containing small veins and streaks of copper-bearing material ; the
country rock is also copper-stained for several feet in the hanging-wall side. The
footwall up to the present has not been explored. The most N. workings on the
line of lode are 6 chains still further N., and have been worked to the depth of
12ft., the formation being 2ft. wide, showing, in places, bunches of green carbonates.
Towards the N. portion of the property an open cut, 25ft. long by 8ft, deep,
has disclosed a strong ironstone formation considerably W. of the main lode,
from 2ft. to 4ft. wide, showing here and there blue and green carbonate stains.
Sorted samples gave, it was stated, a return of 5 per cent. copper. The same for-
mation is exposed at the S. end of the property, but little has been done
to prove its value. A little over 5 chains E. of the main lode a second ironstone
formation is exposed, about 4ft. wide, apparently underlying W., and will, from
present appearances, junction in a reasonable depth with the main lode or copper-
bearing vein. To further prospect and develop this property it would be advisable
to ascertain the proper underlie of the two formations, and then sink a main vertical
shaft to intersect the lode at the point where the junction takes place, which would
be some considerable depth below water-level. The prospect is a fair one, and
the indications favorable. Up to the present there have been dispatched 10 tons
of ore, which returned an average value of 231 per cent., and about 5 tons at grass
of about equal value. (I.M.R., 29–5–00.)
REYNOLDS, HUNDRED OF, SEC. 1904.--About 15 miles from Hallett. A vein
outcrop striking N. and S. can be traced for a considerable distance on the surface,
and has been prospected for copper and gold by an open cut 20ft. long from 3ft. to
12ft. deep, and one shaft 15ft. deep. The vein is 2ft. 6in. wide near the surface,
containing blue and green carbonates, which give place at the bottom, where the
vein is contracted, to more siliceous material ; the stone carries a little gold. En-
closing rock hard and difficult to work. Shaft should be continued for another
30ft., in order to test persistence and value of vein. Best assays obtained from
samples taken were, copper 8 per cent., and gold 5dwts. (I.M.R., 12-5-04.)
REYNOLDS, HUNDRED OF, SEC. 183.-An opening 15ft. long and 5ft. deep has
been made on a vein formation striking N. and S.; it is about 2ft. 6in, wide, and is
composed chiefly of siliceous matter, containing, near the surface, blue and green
carbonates, strongly associated with red oxide of iron; it also carries a little gold,
which at times can be seen in the stone. Towards the bottom the copper contents
decrease, and the indications for gold seem more favorable. An underlie shaft
should be sunk to a depth of 5 ft. in order to test approximate quantity and value
of contained metal. Two samples taken from the open cut assayed - No. 1, small
parcel, 4dwts. gold, 1 per cent. copper ; No. 2, large parcel, ldwt. gold, 18 per cent.
copper. (I.M.R., 12–5–04.)
COPPER.
125
LI
RED OXIDE.-Situated about 3 miles S.W. of Mount Lyndhurst Mine. One shaft
has been sunk to the depth of 16ft. on the footwall of a lode composed of ferruginous
matter, containing small seams of red oxide of copper and grey ore, giving an
average of 8 per cent. Very little work has been done, and the ground should be
tested at the deeper levels. (I.M.R., 4-8-99.)
ROBINSON'S.—Situated about 23 miles N. of Port Augusta. The lode outcrop,
which strikes N.E., can be traced for a considerable distance on the side of a hill,
which stands at an elevation of 200ft, above the level of the plain. A shaft has
been sunk on the underlie, 45° E., for about 40ft., disclosing the lode formation
from 8ft. to 10ft. wide, containing green carbonate, so far of very low grade, which,
being impregnated all through the matrix, is difficult to dress or sort to a fair grade.
Towards the bottom the lode has a steeper dip, and may possibly improve in value;
this can only be ascertained by sinking the shaft deeper. About 200ft. N. of the
shaft the hill dips very abruptly, and the outcrop is well defined, showing green
carbonate and small spots of grey ore. No work has been done here, and it would
be advisable to drive a tunnel S. on the course of the lode, keeping on the hanging-
wall side, which apparently contains the best ore; this would leave about 110ft.
of backs, and if proved payable, a second tunnel could be driven, almost at the
creek level, for working the deeper ground. Sample from bottom of shaft assayed
4 per cent., one from 20ft. from bottom, 2 per cent., and one from the proposed
tunnel site gave 117 per cent., which is very encouraging. (I.M.R., 19–12–99.)
REACHEL LEASE.-Section 187, hundred of Hawker, about 12 miles W. of Franklin
Harbor. The work done consists of two small trial pits, 4ft. and 8ft. deep; the
latter has exposed about 4ft. wide of lode material, in places containing green car-
bonate of copper, assaying 61 per cent. This is considered very encouraging, and
prospecting at a depth is recommended. (I.M.R., 14–9–99.)
RICHARDSON'S W. CLAIM, IRONSTONE LAGOON.--About a mile S.W. from
the Sweet Nell, on the E. side of a small creek running N. and S., there are exposed
small veins of green carbonate dipping into the hill at a flat angle. From surface
workings Mr. Richardson obtained a ton of 13 per cent. ore, and the ground should
be further prospected. (D.R. (Gee), 18–7–06.)
ROYAL MINING COMPANY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.—This company purchased 720
acres of land, chiefly in the neighborhood of Kapunda, at a cost of £1,500, but no
important discoveries were made. (December, 1846.) Amalgamated with the
Emu Flats Association, June, 1850.
Ryan's COPPER CLAIM.—The Inspector of Mines visited this claim, situated in
the hundred of Uroonda, in 1889, and states that two small shafts had been sunk
on the underlie of a copper lode, which dips at an angle of 30°, the size of the branch
varying from 4in. to 12in. It is enclosed in talcose schist, and would be inexpen-
sive to work. The ore went up to 45 per cent., and the mine looked very
promising.
SALTIA COPPER AND COAL MINE.—Situated about 1 mile N.W. from Saltia Railway
Station. The Inspector of Mines reported in 1892: Shallow shafts, and trenches
sunk in a small crystalline limestone vein copper-stained, which is enclosed in
argillaceous slates. Of no value. A pit was sunk 12ft. on a small fluccan vein,
where coal was alleged to have been discovered. The Inspector reported very
unfavorably of the whole affair, as being worthless.
SCHMIDT'S MINE.-Situated near Mattawarangala Creek and 2 miles E. from
the well. The cap of a quartz lode containing copper has been removed by means
of an open cut, a drive, and a shaft 12ft. deep. The lode varies from 2ft. to 3ft. 6in.
wide, and contains low-percentage copper ore. The dip of the lode is very slight,
making this an easy venture to prospect below the present excavations. This the
Government Geologist considers would be worth doing. (Februray, 1899.)
126
MINING RECORDS.
Scott's CREEK (Cherry Gardens).—Situated about 18 miles from Adelaide, on
the side of a steep but not very high hill, on the surface of which, in ironstone rock,
some strong stains of copper were found, and a shaft was sunk. The ore was chiefly
grey oxide, mixed with a little green and blue carbonate. The lode was small, but
regular and well defined ; at the depth of 5 fathoms there was but little ore, the
lode being chiefly composed of gossan. The lode is nearly a downright one, having
but little underlie. (Austin, 1863.).
SIR DOMINICK MINE.—This property adjoins the Daly Mine, about 51 miles
E.N.E. from the Yudnamutana Mine. The range rises to a height of 400ft., and
its crest consists of an immense rugged mass of ferruginous, highly fractured quart-
zite, forming a nearly perpendicular wall of over 100ft. in thickness, with larger and
smaller bulges from 50ft. to 70ft, in height. This mass runs from its most N. and
highest point first E. 35° S. for á length of 16 chains; here it turns due E. for about
9 chains and makes then, whilst gradually decreasing in height, a sharp turn in a
flat curve due N. for another 10 chains, where it abruptly terminates in a bold bluff
close to the creek. Nearly all throughout the first portion of 16 chains it shows
not only abundant copper stains and coatings in joints and hollows, but contains
also numerous larger and smaller pockets, filled with a white arenaceous clay,
thickly copper-stained, and sometimes enclosing small, solid nodules of malachite
and azurite, which, on being broken, exhibit occasionally red oxide of copper in
the centre. Similar nodules occur also thinly scattered through the surface detritus,
at the base of the mass. There exists besides, in this portion of the quartzite wall,
a number of small caves, some quite empty, but others partially filled with similar
clay and copper ore as the above pockets—a fact which clearly indicates that all
represent pockets from which the cupriferous clay has either wholly or partially
been removed by denudation. On account of this mode of occurrence of copper
ore in it, and also because it appears to lie within the strike of the rocks, this portion
of the quartzite mass bears a strong resemblance to the quartzite layer of the
Daly Mine; and although the ore contents of the pockets, as exhibited on the
surface, are not as rich as in the latter, still there exists some likelihood of improve-
ment towards the centre of the mass. Proper prospecting of the latter might not
go unrewarded. The other portion of this immense outcrop, which curves across
the strike of the country, shows hardly any copper stains, and apparently represents
traceable right through it. Rugged massive protrusions, consisting most probably
also of quartzite, are visible on nearly every one of the bare precipitous mountains
rising towards the S. and W.; and in the creek, S. beyond the quartzite wall, lie
blocks of pure micaceous iron ore, some tons in weight; and, at one place, there
is an outcrop of a fine lode of this ore from 4ft. to 5ft. in thickness. The rocks
generally are of metamorphic character, presenting mica-schist, hornblende-schist,
satiny and spotted slates—the same varieties as observed near the Yudnamutana
Mines; and, as pebbles of hornblende rock are occasionally seen in the creeks, there
can be no doubt that this rock occurs likewise here and there, in small bosses or
dykes, and lies, perhaps, in mass pretty close beneath the surface. (Ulrich, 1872.)
In 1890 the. Inspector of Mines reported upon this property, mentioning that it
had been worked 14 years previously. He noted small veins and nodules of blue
and green carbonate of copper running through and intermingled with soft rock.
A considerable amount of useless work had been done, as, for example, a tunnel
driven 142ft. about 40ft. below the crown of the hill. This tunnel cut through a
formation fully 60ft. wide. A shaft has been holed into the tunnel at 60ft. Car-
bonate of copper in small quantity runs through the whole width of the lode. A
shaft was sunk 50ft. W. on the hanging-wall of a parallel lode. Lower down the
hill another tunnel was driven 155ft. In the opinion of the Inspector this should
have been continued, as the property is a good one, wanting capital for development.
Later reports show that, 80 far, very little further work has been done at this
place.
COPPER.
127
SLATY Rock MINE.- Locality, section 35, Cudlamudla. A calespar lode, con-
taining an appreciable percentage of grey copper ore and carbonate, with occasionally
red oxide, strikes N. 42° W. for 500ft., the thickness of the lode varying from a
few inches to 5ft. The deepest shaft is 33ft., and passed through 3ft. 6in. of lode.
There is a good prospect of payable copper being found by following down the shoots
of ore. (Government Geologist, 1899.)
SLIDING ROCK MINE.—Situated 14 miles from Beltana Railway Station, on the
S. side of Sliding Rocķ Creek, at the base of a hill of medium height, composed of
hard limestone. The main ore deposit is a lode varying from 18in. to 10ft. wide.
Its course is tortuous, and has a mean strike of N. 20° E., and with an E. underlie
of 3ft. in the fathom. It traverses the beds of the country, which strike W. 20° N.,
and dip S. at an angle of about 60°. The walls, which are fairly well defined, con-
sist on the E. side of a blackish aluminous shale, resting against a hard bar or reef
of impure brown iron ore; and on the W. one of soft sandy concretionary light-
colored shale, which near the surface is more or less thickly stained with blue and
green carbonate of copper and brown iron ore. The existence of the ironstone reef
in the E. wall is of great value to the mine, for the reason that it dams back a
seemingly great accumulation of water in the rocks behind. At the surface the
ore consists of rather earthy and not very rich-looking carbonates ; but it changes
in depth to an association of red oxide of copper, native copper, green and some
blue carbonates, in a soft, clayey, partly ferruginous matrix. The red oxide occurs
frequently in large crystalline, granular, and vein-like masses; the native copper
in pure crystallised masses, occasionally several cubic inches in size; and the
carbonate-mostly malachite-forms veins and druses in connection with the
former. Beneath the water-level traces only have as yet been discovered of black
sulphide of copper ore. About the middle of the length of lode opened, the latter
is traversed, without being faulted, by a crosscourse of 13ft. in width, and striking
W. 17° N. This crosscourse carries ore similar to that of the main lode, and has
been followed for several fathoms towards the W. The limestone, of which the
hill is composed, is greyish-black, micro-crystalline, hard and tough, and, according
to chemical analysis, contains a large percentage of magnesia, some silica, and car-
bonaceous matter. (Ulrich, 1872.)
In November, 1899, the Inspector of Mines furnished the following report :-
The main lode, which varies in size from 2ft. to 10ft., is very erratic in its course,
. apparently following the base of the hills, and has been traced for a considerable
distance, the outcrops in places exposing more or less blue and green carbonates;
the strike is N. 20° E., with an E. underlie of 2 in 6. The W. wall is fairly well
defined, and near the surface is composed of soft friable material, stained with green
carbonates and iron. On the W. side, and towards the N. end of the outcrop, there
UU
in the various forms of red oxide, carbonates, malachite, and native copper crystal-
lised in veins and bunches throughout the matrix. The enclosing rock is chiefly
hard crystalline limestone, which crops strongly above the surface at various points.
The clay deposit has been worked by shafts and an open cut. The deepest, or main
shaft, has been sunk to the depth of 210ft., levels driven to various lengths at 90ft.
150ft., and 200ft., and the ground stoped from 150ft. to the surface. It was stated
that the bottom level was still intact, the lode formation having the same appearance
as above, and containing high-grade copper. The open cut, which has been worked
in the clay formation or deposit, is about 100ft. long, 60ft. wide, and 30ft. deep.
The face exposes a large quantity of material, containing copper of various kinds,
chiefly carbonates, which should pay for concentration, and as work is continued
other rich ore bodies may be reasonably expected. The inspector was informed
that the mine commenced vigorous work in 1871, and suspended operations in
1876. The returns during that time show that about £100,000 worth of copper
had been raised and disposed of; a large proportion of it was in the form of native
128
MINING RECORDS.
copper. The reason given for the suspension of operations was the large influx
of water, in connection with the soft friable lode matter, and the need of appliances
to cope with it. At the time of the inspector's visit (November, 1899) the mine
was being restarted. A main shaft, 14ft. by 6ft. in the clear, was in progress ;
à double-cylinder pumping engine and the necessary pumping appliances, with
18 in. diameter pumps, and a large double-cylinder winding engine, with poppet
heads 60ft. high, were to be erected, also a small steam winch, to enable sinking
to be continued during the erection of the larger machinery. The mine is regarded
as a legitimate mining venture, and this machinery, when completed, should enable
it to be reopened and thoroughly developed. (I.M.R., 7-11–99.)
In March, 1901, the inspector further reports that, since his last visit, a large pump-
ing engine, winding plant, and other appliances have been erected. The main shaft
has reached a depth of 361ft., substantially timbered, centred in three compart-
ments, and ladder-road fixed from top to bottom. At the 310ft. level a chamber
has been opened, and a crosscut, which is apparently crossing the lode in a diagonal
direction, has been made for 87ft., being in lode matter the full length; this, if
continued, will be 130ft. below tủe old workings. The lode material is of a very
unusual character, being composed of fine-grained argillaceous sandstone, con-
taining native copper, which occurs in fine grains, thin streaks, and at times in more
massive form. Eight bulk samples from various points of the crosscut along its
entire length assayed from 1 per cent. to 24 per cent. copper; the samples were
taken roughly in bulk, and when examined prior to assay no metal could be seen,
and no doubt, with a moderate judicious sorting of the material as raised, which
is always necessary when dealing with such large ore bodies, much higher results
would be obtained. The material is friable, and when thoroughly drained from
water will be inexpensive to work; it is a very favorable combination for treat-
ment or concentration, and when the drive reaches the point under the old workings
more massive native copper will doubtless be encountered. (I.M.R., 29–3–01.)
before the pump was placed in position. Operations were then suspended.
In 1906 the property was taken over by the Tasmanian Copper Company.
A report in August, 1907, states—The principal work carried on at present is
at the new shaft, which is about 3 chains N.E. from the old workings. The shaft
is equipped with up-to-date machinery, viz., one pair of 12in. first-motion winding
engines, one Cornish lift 18in. in column (capacity 30,000galls. per hour), one steam
pump (placed in the shaft to be used when there is anything required to be done
to the lift). Steam for pump and engines is supplied from two Cornish boilers.
The only work carried on in the shaft is driving W. at 235ft. level for the purpose
of tapping the old workings, which are full of water to within 54ft. of the surface.
This is a critical undertaking, but with the care taken at present by the management
I think it will be a success. The drive is in 72ft., and is well timbered with 10in.
insets, with 3in. thick laths on top, bottom, and both sides. Three bore holes of
from 25ft. to 30ft. long and 2in. in diameter are kept in advance of the drive for
safety. There are 40 men employed on the mine, and most probably, when the
water is out of the old workings, as many more men will be required. (I.M.R.
(Jones), 22–8–07.)
SCOTT'S CLAIMS.—Situated 1 mile E. of Mount Coffin. Prospecting has been
done by a number of surface openings, which expose lode material containing green
carbonates of rather low grade; there is also an ironstone formation, unworked,
the outcrops of which show green carbonate and a little malachite. In another
part of the property there is a strong ironstone outcrop 5ft. wide, containing copper
of various kinds; no work has been done on it beyond an opening 4ft. deep. The
prospects are encouraging, and the ground should be tested by the sinking of trial
shafts at the points where the copper-bearing material is most freely exposed on
the surface. (I.M.R., 21-1-00.)
COPPER
129
SIMMONS' CLAIM.—Situated about 1 mile N. 30° E. from Boolooroo Gold Diggings.
A vertical shaft has been sunk 60ft, on a vein of clean copper glance, which varies
from lin. to 6in. in thickness. It strikes N. 35° W. and dips vertically. About
70ft. S.W. from this shaft another shaft has been sunk 30ft., and at the bottom a
drive S.E. was in progress. The country rocks are clay slate. (George, 27-8-02.)
STONE'S CLAIM.-Situated about 1 mile S.E. from Depot Springs. An inclined
pit, 20ft. deep, and about 8ft. wide, with a trench at surface 20ft. long and 10ft.
wide, discloses interstratified veins of specular iron which carry small bunches of
copper glance and ferruginous copper ore. The veins strike N. 20° E., and underlie
S.E. at an angle of about 25º. About 63 tons of first-class copper ore was obtained
from these workings; the veins are small. N.W. about 8 chains an irregular
inclined tunnel has been driven on what appears to be an interstratified lode forma-
tion about 3ft. thick, which carries irregular veins and seams of siliceous ironstone
with bunches of grey copper ore, ferruginous ore, and a litle cuprite. A shaft has
been sunk 35ft., and various shallow pits and costeans made. Nothing of impor-
tance disclosed. (George, 27-8-02.)
THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COPPER CORPORATION.—A later development of The
gamation of various properties near Leigh Creek, viz., Cutaway, Mountain of Light,
O'Donnell's claims, Holmes' claims, and some undeveloped adjoining claims. Ex-
tensive machinery was erected, but, for various technical reasons, the efforts of the
corporation to economically concentrate the local copper-bearing material were not
successful, and in 1903 the property was taken over by Mr. C. H. Hakendorf, who
removed the bulk of the machinery, and formed part of the properties into a syndi-
cate called the O'Loughlin Syndicate. Information concerning the properties in
detail is given herewith, from the reports of the Inspector of Mines, of various dates.
(Taken over by Tasmanian Copper Co., and smelter in course of erection, 1907.).
The Mountain of Light.—Situated 2 miles S.E. from Leigh Creek. The pro-
perty was being worked by two shafts, 100ft. apart, each sunk to 70ft., water-
level. The lode formation has been worked on the surface by open cutting, and
is from 8ft. to 10ft. wide, making larger in depth. At the 70ft. level, crosscuts,
drives, and stopes are being worked in a wide body of lode matter, composed of
soft clay slate and kaolinised material, containing seams, veins, and nodules of
good ore, chiefly in patches, and in the form of green carbonates and small pockets,
of black oxide, associated with iron. The lode matter is very suitable for con-
centration. From time to time a considerable quantity of 20 per cent. ore has
been sent away. To work the property to advantage, a main shaft should be
sunk, and proper appliances obtained to cope with the quantity of water which will
doubtless be met with at the 100ft. level, and which will be of great assistance in the
ore-dressing. The property is a large one, and the prospects very fair for future.
development. (I.M.R., 16-11-99.)
The Cutaway Mine.-Situated about 2 miles S.E. from Leigh Creek. Towards the
N. end an open cut has been made about 50ft. long and 15ft. deep. This exposes
the lode formation from 12ft. to 14ft. wide, containing green carbonates, in bulk
of very low grade, but capable of being dressed by hand-sorting up to 8 per cent.
or 9 per cent., and by machinery to a much higher standard. The country rock'
is principally clay slate, with sandstone ridges, and in places there are ironstone
outcrops, on which little or no work had been done, and their value therefore not
ascertained. Towards the S. end, adjoining the Mountain of Light, the
formation is smaller, averaging about 3ft. wide, the strike being N.E., with an
E. underlie. It has been worked for fully 100yds. long, by open cutting and
a series of small shafts, to a depth of 50ft. The lode material is a soft friable matter,
enclosed in good walls, and containing seams and veins of copper ore, chiefly green
carbonates. The stuff as raised gave an average value of 5 per cent. ; there was
then being dispatched a little over 20 tons per week to the concentrating plant,
where it is dressed to from 18 per cent. to 25 per cent., still leaving about 3 per,
130
MINING RECORDS.
cent. in the tailings; this loss could be avoided by proper dressing appliances.
For future development a good main shaft should be sunk to the E. of the present
workings; this would probably intersect other veins of ore, and also provide water
for working the mine." (I.M.Ř., 15–11–99.)
On a second examination, made in June, 1900, the Inspector of Mines reports
that the main shaft is down to the depth of 110ft. on the lode underlie, which is
water-level. The lode at the bottom is the full width of the shaft, and carries
from 3 per cent. to 5 per cent. of copper. At the 80ft. level there is a brown iron-
stained seam from 2ft. to 5ft. wide, with small seams, veins, and nodules of green
carbonate and red oxide; this seems to be the main lode formation, and bears
E. and W. From it crosscuts have been driven N. and S. for a distance of 100ft.,
80ft. of which is through soft decomposed slate, easily worked and in places
showing copper streaks and bunches. At the same level (80ft.), drives have been
extended on the course of the lode for a distance of 350ft., all showing the same
class of material, and probably of similar value. The property is being worked
by a company, in conjunction with Holmes' and O'Donnell's claims. (I.M.R.,
29–6–00.)
: O'Donnell's Claims.-Situated about 1 mile S.E. from Leigh Creek. The
workings consist of a large number of surface openings and shallow shafts sunk
on the line of lode or ore deposit; these have exposed copper-bearing material about
60ft. wide, chiefly green carbonates, with a little grey ore. The strike is N. and
S., with various cross veins, from 1ft. to 3ft. wide, intersecting the main for-
mation. A parcel of ore recently dispatched returned 7 per cent., and other parcels
of dressed ore gave an average value of 14 per cent. The lode matter is overlain
with loose kaolinised material to the depth of from 2ft. to 5ft. The lode capping
is apparently hard, solid, and well defined; as so little work was done, its exact
width or extent could not be determined, but, from surface appearances, the ore
body is judged to be very large. About 90yds. E. of the lode formation a fair-
sized shaft was being sunk, partly to supply the mine with water, and also to crosscut
for the lode at various depths. The surface was also being removed from the
lode capping, preparatory to the mine being worked by the open-cut system, and
machinery erected. (I.M.R., 15–11–99.)
The Inspector of Mines, after revisiting the property in June, 1900, reports that
a main shaft, 10 ft. by 4ft. in the clear, had been sunk to 112ft. ; this it was
anticipated would pass through the lode in another 500ft. A little above the
100ft. level a crosscut W. was in progress, then in 140ft. from the shaft; it was
expected to intersect the lode in another 60ft. Foundations for a winding engine
were being constructed, and it was intended to erect a large ore-dressing plant,
of sufficient capacity to deal with the Cutaway, Holmes', and these blocks, which
were all then held by the one company. (I.M.R., 2–7–00.)
Holmes' Claim.—Situated 21 miles S. E. of Leigh Creek, adjoining the Mountain
of Light on the S. A soft sandstone and clay slate ridge is impregnated with
carbonate of copper, in the form of small nodules, but no work had been done to
test its value. N. of this two shafts have been sunk to the depths of 17ft, and
33ft., but nothing of importance struck in either. It is a fair venture, and worth
prospecting, and should be developed in that portion where the green carbonate
shows most freely on the surface. (I.M.R., 12–1–00.)
The Inspector of Mines, revisiting in June, 1900, says that an open cut has been
made through the formation, showing it to be fully 70ft. wide, the ore-bearing
veins being on the foot and hanging walls, one showing splashes and veins of green
carbonate and grey ore for over 15ft. in width, and the other from 2ft. to 3ft. wide,
containing in places ore of very fair value. The central part of the formation
is almost barren; the depth of the cutting is 20ft., and the width at the top 30ft. A
large quantity of ore had been raised for treatment. Held by a company, in con-
junction with O'Donnell's claims and the Cutaway. (I.M.R., 2–7–00.)
COPPER.
131
South Australian Copper Corporation. In November, 1900, the Inspector of
Mines reports :--The property consists of a number of mineral holdings situated
from 1 mile to 2 miles E. of Leigh Creek. On O'Donnell's block a main shaft, 10ft.
6in. by 4ft., has been sunk to water-level, 112ft., and at this point a crosscut towards
the lode formation, a distance of about 100ft., was in progress, when, owing to the
strong influx of water, all underground work was discontinued, and operations
confined to the erection of the complete and extensive plant of machinery now
in progress, and expected to be in working order by the end of next January. The
work of development at the Cutaway block is being continued by driving on the
course of the lode at the 96ft. level, there being now fully 700ft. of driving from
face to face. The material is the usual kaolinised gritty matter, containing blue
and green carbonates of fair value, occurring in streaks and bunches, also grey
ore and red oxide. A main shaft, now 70ft., is being sunk, and machinery erected
for winding purposes, some considerable distance W. of the main workings; it
is intended to carry this down to a depth sufficient to drain the various levels.
The work in Holmes' block is continued by an open cutting, from 12ft. to 14ft.
wide, the matrix being a coarse gritty sandstone, with veins and splashes of good
green carbonate ore throughout. A tunnel was also in progress, now in 43ft.,
and as the country rock at that point is copper-stained, the copper-bearing for-
mation is doubtless near. (I.M.R., 6-11-00.)
O'Loughlin Syndicate.-- This property comprises the Mountain of Light,
Cutaway South, and three other blocks, the whole being a portion of the land
previously held by the Copper Corporation, and has been recently acquired by this
syndicate. Twenty-three men are employed, and the syndicate has forwarded
to market over 200 tons of 20 per cent. copper ore. Present operations are con-
fined principally to driving, and stoping ore from the 60ft. level upwards. The
workings have disclosed an enormous formation, both in width and length, of
kaolinised gritty matter, containing more or less green carbonates all through,
at times occurring in bands or streaks and other large bunches of high-class ore,
in nodular form. In the lower portions of the workings, near water-level, some
of the stopes and winzes have exposed veins of black ore, from a few inches to 4ft.
thick, copper contents ranging from 5 per cent. to 14 per cent. To cut the for-
mation at depth a main shaft was sunk by the Copper Corporation 147ft., and
a crosscut driven towards the formation for 170ft., the last 20ft. being in low-grade
vein matter; the footwall of the formation had not been reached when work
was suspended, and therefore its width and value at that point had not been ascer-
tained. This crosscut should be resumed until through the copper-bearing matter,
then, at the most favorable points, drives made each way on its course ; also the
sinking of the main shaft should be continued, as the formation would probably
be intersected in another 100ft. (I.M.R., 15–2–04.)
SOUTH CREEK COPPER MINE (first opened in the early eighties).—Situated about
4 miles N. from the Burr Well, on a large creek. It has been worked on three lodes.
Two of these to the S. are parallel lodes 3ft. apart, in a calcite reef, with well-defined
walls. These dip 82° S., and are easily traced for some distance on the surface.
The ore in this lode consists of green carbonates in kaolinised slate. It was worked
to about 70ft., when the water-level was struck, and operations were discontinued.
An official report in January, 1905, states that the mine was being worked by
the original holder. The lode matter exposed in the old workings consists of kao-
linised and ferruginous argillaceous material, fairly rich in prills of green carbonate.
It strikes N. 20° E., and underlies W. at from 15° to 20°. An inclined tunnel was
driven, following the underlie of the lode for a distance of 90ft., and the ore stoped
out on each side to surface for a total length of about 3 chains, and varying up to
4ft. in thickness. At 120ft. W. from the tunnel a vertical shaft has been recently
sunk to a depth of 47ft., where it met with the lode matter ; a drive was made N.
60° E. for 45ft. to connect with the stopes worked from the tunnel. The lode here
is ill-defined, and consists of argillaceous and ferruginous matter carrying green
132
MINING RECORDS.
carbonate and a little impure black oxide, occurring in small bunches connected
by seams of ferruginous matter. At about 7 chains N.E. from these workings a
pit, 10ft. deep, discloses a lode of quartz and ferruginous calcite which contains
bunches of copper carbonates, oxidising copper, sulphides, and ferruginous copper
ore; it strikes N. 10° E., and underlies W. at an angle of 40°; the full thickness
of the lode is not disclosed, but it shows in the pit 4jft. About į a mile N.W. from
these workings, and on the bank of South Creek, several nearly vertical veins of
calcite strike E. and W., cutting through beds of clay and calcareous slates. On
two of these veins shafts have been sunk to depths of 20ft. and 73ft. ; water occurs
in the latter at 35ft. from surface. The calcite contains bunches of ferruginous
copper ore, copper and iron pyrites, and copper carbonate with gossan in the
vughs ; the veins are persistent in strike, and vary in thickness from 2ft. 4in. to
3ft. A little ore had been raised and dressed to 20 per cent. (George, 26–1–05.)
The operations continue, and returns to the end of June, 1907, are satisfactory.
SWEET NELL MINE.—Situated on the N. portion of Ironstone Lagoon, 1 miles
from the Monalena tank, and about 72 miles from Port Augusta. The workings
are along the W. edge of a N. and S. peninsula jutting into the lagoon and about
10 chains wide, the surface being about 15ft. above the bed of the lagoon. A shaft
sunk about the middle and near the S. end passed through rubble for 3ft., then 6ft.
of solid dolomite, succeeded by a 3ft. bed of soft argillaceous gypseous material,
in which the copper ore occurs ; below this the shaft was continued for 32ft., making
47ft. in all, through dark-red sandstone--the country rock of the district,which
outcrops in various places near the edge of the lagoon. Drives, or tunnels, made
from the W. side form numerous galleries in the formation under the dolomite,
extending for about 230ft. E.; the dolomite bed seems to have a slight dip towards
the N.E. The copper ore is mainly green carbonate in pockets, seams, and strings
for about a foot in thickness along the top of the soft argillaceous bed; it is also,
in places, attached to the dolomite roof, and can be seen almost everywhere through-
out the drives. In a drive from the S. end the band containing the copper is 16in.
below the roof and is lft. thick. On the E. side copper also shows in various open-
ings made, but not much work has been done here so far, operations having been
mainly concentrated on the W. side. About 20 chains from the workings N. along
the W. side a drive has been made 150ft. E.; copper ore shows in small seams all
the way, and the bottom of the drive is in soft purple slate. S. from this a pocket
containing a few tons of rich ore was found in the bank, and further S. an ironstone
and slate bed carrying copper ore has been prospected to a certain extent.
Average samples of the ore (a high-grade green carbonate, malachite) taken from
along the drives assayed-No. 1, 23.9 per cent. copper ; No. 2, 23.8 per cent. ; 50
tons hand-dressed up to 30 per cent. have been sent to market.
At the S. end there seems a large area from which ore can be obtained without
much difficulty by the present method of working, during which it is possible that
a lode going down may be found, and at the N. end, where copper ore occurs in
association with ironstone and slate, further prospecting is fully justified, and may
lead to important results. (D.R. (Gee), 11-7-06.)
SIR JENKIN COLES'S PROPERTY.-Situated about } a mile E. of Kapunda. Pre-
viously worked about 20 years ago, by sinking a few shafts, now filled with debris ;
their depth could not be ascertained, nor to what extent work had been carried out,
though, judging from the dump, probably very little. The present workings are
confined to two openings on separate veins, about 40yds. apart. The N. vein is
from 12in. to 18in. wide, the matrix being chiefly dense iron, with splashes of green
and blue carbonate, of low grade in bulk, but, in consequence of its fluxing quality,
should command the highest price per unit. On the S. vein there is an opening
from 8ft. to 10ft. deep, disclosing a formation 15in. wide, containing blue and green
carbonates associated with iron, but not to the same extent as the N. vein ; it is of a
more promising nature, and should be prospected by, in the first place, continuing
the surface workings W., with the object of proving whether the vein increases
COPPER.
133
in size or junctions with a N. and S. lode, as possibly these veins may be
offshoots from such a lode at present hidden by the alluvial; then, at the most
favorable point, sink a small prospecting shaft on the underlie of the vein. The
same system of prospecting should be adopted with the N. vein. Each has
a fair prospect, worthy of a trial, and the copper raised would assist in the expense
of development. The enclosing rock is slate of a favorable character, portions
being highly stained with green carbonate. (I.M.R., 21-11-99.)
SIMMS AND BRADLEY'S.—Mineral claim 1433, situated 5 miles from Cleve, and
33 miles from Franklin Harbor. A strong ferruginous outcrop, from 4ft. to 8ft.
wide, containing bunches of blue and green carbonates of copper, has been worked
by an open cut to the depth of 15ft. On the W. side a shaft has been sunk 40ft.,
and a short crosscut driven E., passing through the lode formation, which at this
point is chiefly composed of clay and fine quartz. From the open cut there have
been raised and dispatched 22 tons of ore worth 10 per cent. copper. The character
of the material is also favorable for gold, but a sample taken for that metal gave no
results. (I.M.R., 14–9–99.)
SOUTH DEVON.—This mine, situated between the Duryea and the Doora, not
far from the Wallaroo Mines, had two lodes, which were discovered by costeaning.
A shaft was sunk on the S. lode to the depth of 22 fathoms, and a crosscut was
driven to the parallel lode, which was from 2ft. to 3ft. wide, and carried a little
yellow ore. A good deal of work was done, but nothing has been heard of the mine
since the depression in the price of copper occurred. (1899 edition.) :
South DOORA.—Held by a prospecting syndicate, formed to search for a continua-
tion of the Doora lode. It was reported that a large quantity of excellent copper
was at one time raised from this mine.
show of ironstone and gossan.
SOUTH KAPUNDA MINING COMPANY.-Established 1850, and its property was
situated between the Kapunda and North Kapunda Mines. It appears to have
stopped working in 1854.
SOUTH MOONTA.—This claim was about 2 miles S. from Moonta Mine, and the
adventurers essayed the discovery in their three sections of the continuation of its
lodes. They costeaned to a depth of 30ft., and in two places got very favorable
indications. The small local company soon exhausted its capital and operations
ceased.
SPRING CREEK MINE.—Situated 35 miles from Port Augusta and 11 miles N.
from Melrose, on the N. flank of Mount Remarkable. A small drive of about 2
fathoms has been made about 120ft. above the level of the creek, into the hill, and
shows several veins of red oxide from lin. to 6in. in thickness. A reef of rocks
running up the face of the hill contains numerous stains of copper. On breaking
off pieces of rock where these stains occur, ore is almost invariably found ; in some
cases blue and green carbonates, but more frequently red oxide and ruby ore, and
sometimes a little native copper. (Austin, 1863.)
Located about 6 miles from Wilmington, on the bank of Spring Creek. Lode
croppings can be traced for a considerable distance running diagonally across a
line of high irregular hills, bordering the watercourse. One portion is of con-
siderable width, showing copper stains freely, and, where broken, good copper ore,
principally as blue and green carbonates and red oxide, can be seen. The chief
workings consist of a tunnel and a main shaft; the former has been driven from
the foot of the hill and intersects the lode, 6ft. wide, beneath the widest portion
of the outcrop. Veins of ore branch off in various directions, and a number of
irregular drives have been made on them from the tunnel, and also stopes have
been worked from that level towards the surface. The ore apparently occurred
in shoots and bunches, and consisted of green carbonates, grey ore, and red
oxide, strongly associated with iron. A winze was being sunk below the tunnel-
level on a strong body of ore over 6ft. wide. Three bulk samples gave 4 per
134
. MINING RECORDS.
cent., 58 per cent., and 64 per cent. copper per ton respectively, with traces of
gold. Several other places on the mine show branches and portions of ore body
that would pay to extract by contract, and doubtless others will be discovered.
It was stated that the main shaft had been sunk to a depth of 132ft., and at the
bottom a crosscut towards the lode driven for 30ft., and, as the pumping appliances
were unable to cope with the influx of water, work was discontinued. This was in
1874. Little or no work has been done since, and in consequence of the water in
the mine detail examination could not be made. (I.M.R., 15-11-01.)
Situated on Spring Creek, about 7 miles S from Wilmington. This mine was
originally opened in the early days, when a considerable amount of copper ore was
raised, and a smelter was erected on the Melrose Road, a few miles to the E. Un-
fortunately, however, no records concerning the smelting operations are now
available. A tunnel was driven in from the W. side of the hill, from which by
drives and stopes a considerable amount of ore was worked ; and a main shaft was
sunk about 140ft. deep. The influx of water proved too great for the then holders.
Work was abandoned in 1874, and since that time very little has been done. The
valley to the W. of the mine, on the course of Spring Creek, was formerly occupied
by a swamp; but about 10 years ago a flood cut a large channel through it, with
the result that the country became better drained, and it is stated that the water-
level in the shaft fell 20ft. Work is now in progress between the old water-level
and the present one.
The property is now held by a Wilmington syndicate, and at about 160ft, along
the tunnel a winze has been sunk about 20ft. on a large ore body which appears
to strike N.E. and S.W. and dip S.E. This has been driven on for 40ft. S.W., and
is 5ft. 6in. wide at the N.E. end (bottom of winze), and at the S.W. end it shows
15ft. wide, but the wall on the W. side has not yet been reached. It consists of
siliceous ironstone and ferruginous quartz, carrying in veins, seams, and pockets
blue and green carbonate, red oxide, grey ore, &c. A general sample taken across
the S.W. face assayed 8 per cent. copper, and one across the N.E. face 4.9 per cent.
copper. Patches of native copper are found throughout, some of them being re-
markable in size and beauty as specimens. The lower old workings are still un-
explored, on account of the water. The country rocks are argillaceous slate and
sandstone. The syndicate has already sent to market 70 tons of ore worth from
5 per cent. to 15 per cent. The present operations disclose a large quantity of
similar ore available, which could be readily hand-dressed up to a much higher
percentage.
The place appears to me to offer every encouragement for systematic and vigorous
prospecting and development, as from the class of ores seen and the extent and
persistent nature of the ore-carrying material above, there is every reason to an-
ticipate that large and strong ore bodies will be found below water-level, and the
reopening and exploitation of this mine on economical and careful lines may be
regarded as a very promising mining venture. (D.R. (Gee), 12–6–07.)
STAINBANK'S MINE.- This prospect is situated on private lands at Fifth Creek,
and the ground is composed of clay slate, and sandstone, traversed by numerous
quartz and iron reefs. A tunnel driven into the hill 250ft. has intersected a small
mullocky reef, from which samples give on assay gold, silver, and copper in small
quantity. The mine is within an auriferous belt of country. (Inspector of Mines,
1889.) (Vide also FIFTH CREEK CENTRAL, page 54.)
STANLEY MINE.—This mine is situated 4 miles E. from Yudnamutana, and lies in a
low hilly district or basin, surrounded by high ranges. The country consists of
metamorphic slates and sandstones, which strike W. 15° to 20° N., and dip S. at
angles varying from 60° to 85º. There are four separate lodes much resembling one
another in mineral character. The one nearest the Daly Mine lies on a low range
and crosses micaceous slate. It is from 2ft. to 4ft. thick, and at the surface is com-
posed of gossan, beneath which succeeds slaty and clayey mullock, with argillaceous
-
135
co
COPPER.
veins, and also patches and veins of quartz and calcite. Judging from some speci-
mens left on the surface, the ore seems to consist of concretionary lumps and irregular
veins of malachite and azurite. Some of the gossan ore, on chemical examination,
showed very faint traces of bismuth. The length of the vein appears from the
workings to be only about one and a half chains, its strike N. 30° W., and its underlie
W. 30° S., at an angle of 55º. The walls are not well defined. About the centre
of its length it makes a sharp turn W. 30° N. for about 6ft. The workings are-
a deep underlie shaft communicating with a vertical one sunk to the depth of 30ft.,
where it strikes the underlie of the lode. Another vertical shaft, about 50ft. deep,
lies in a gully in the line of the strike of the lode, and about 5 chains N. of the underlie
shaft, but neither traces of lode stone, nor even copper stains, are observable in the
spoil heaps around it. The second lode lies about 12 chains E. of the first one.
The ore occurring in depth consists of brown iron ore, enclosing patches of copper
pyrites, iron pyrites, malachite, and azurite. The workings consist of a short
trench and an underlie shaft apparently 55ft. deep. Judging from these the ore
seems only to extend for about 15ft. in strike. The strike of the lode is W. 30° N.,
and it dips S. 30° W. at an angle of about 65°. Its hanging-wall is well defined,
and is represented by a strong reef of quartzite. The footwall is less regular, and
consists of micaceous slate. The third lode lies about 11 chains S.E. of the fore-
going one, and much higher up the range. The ore enclosed in the outcrop is of a
far superior quality to that of the others, consisting of veins and solid lumps of
malachite, azurite, and tile ore, embedded in cupriferous brown iron ore. Both
the carbonates appear also frequently crystallised in cavities. The presence of
could be found, notwithstanding that it had been reported to have occurred in
large quantities. The workings consist of underlie shafts—one apparently 60ft.
in depth-and shallow excavations on either side. In a distance of not more than
1} chains the lode showed great irregularity of strike and dip; the former being
in the mean W. 15° N.; the latter, according to the main underlie shaft, 80º; in a
shallow excavation on E. end, about 45° S. The thickness of the lode varies from
2ft. in the W. to above 8ft, in the E. workings. The fourth lode is similar in character
to the third lode. Its features, more especially conformity in strike and dip, indicate
that it and the foregoing ones are “makes” of the same great lode, the fissure of
which is closed, or perhaps only indistinct on the surface between. The workings
comprise a small excavation on E. side, and close to the gully, and a tunnel of about
1 chain in length driven into the hill opposite. At the opening of the tunnel there
is a rugged protrusion of quartzite, traversed by quartz veins. (Ulrich, 1872.)
The Inspector of Mines examined this mine in October, 1890, and reported that it
had not been worked since 1874. Several old shafts had been sunk on the course
of the lode, which strikes E. and W., one to a depth of 80ft., and a considerable
quantity of copper must have been obtained. The N. shaft is down 60ft., where
the lode is about 4ft. wide, carrying a small quantity of blue and green carbonates.
The matrix of the lode is calcite and soft clayey slate, with jumbled veins of iron-
stone and quartz. On the N. line of lode a shaft had been put down 72ft., and close
to it a shaft had been driven 80ft. into a low hill, and the lode had been stripped to
the surface, evidently with a good yield of copper ore. Numerous lodes traverse
the property, of a kindly nature, and 20 tons of bismuth raised from a depth of
40ft. on the S. lode realised £120 per ton. (1890.)
STRATHALBYN MINES.—Situate near the township. They were originally opened
by private enterprise about the year 1848. Some good copper ore was raised and
smelted on the property. They were subsequently sold to an English company,
who made preparations apparently with the intention of carrying on operations
on an extensive scale, but this they never did, and the copper lodes, for the working
of which they originally purchased the property, have remained almost, if not
entirely, untouched, the water not even having been pumped out. On another
section a lode of silver-lead has been opened, and several hundred tons of ore sent
136
MINING RECORDS.
to England. In one place, about 18 fathoms below the surface; a splendid lode 18ft.
wide of solid galena is exposed, and this lode having been traced for about 30
fathoms, it is estimated that fully 2,000 tons of ore can be taken out. The ore con-
tains about 184 per cent. of lead and 16ļozs. of silver to the ton. The shaft is sunk
about 30 fathoms, and in the bottom the galena is improving, and it is also impreg-
nated with yellow copper ore. (Austin, 1863.)
TASMANIAN COPPER COMPANY.-Vide BLINMAN, page 31.
TEATREE COPPER MINE.-The Inspector of Mines reported an examination of
this property, situated 4 miles from Arrowie Station, in September, 1889. A fine
outcrop of copper-stained ironstone can be traced for a mile on a course S. 20° E.,
dip E. 20°. A shaft was sunk 20ft. on a lode formation of 3ft., which carries low-
grade ore. The cost of cartage and low price of copper make this a second-rate
prospect.
TEROWIE (Ten miles S. of).-Claims held by Messrs. C. R. Goode and H. Price,
about 1] miles S. of the Wheal Issett Mine. The N. block shows for a considerable
width a large belt of metal-bearing country, which has at various times been worked
for copper. Two shafts have been sunk, 25ft. and 37ft., and a large number of
surface openings and trial pits, extending fully 100yds. in width, in almost every
instance disclosing small seams and veins of blue and green carbonates, with, in
places, pockets of grey ore, principally calcareous. The vein-matter being small
and the ground hard, work has been confined to surface and shallow levels, no
prospecting at depth having been attempted. The S. block is apparently on the
same level as the Wheal Issett. A shaft in progress had reached a depth of 22ft.,
exposing a stony iron gossan formation, two samples from which failed to disclose
the presence of any metal. Towards the S. end of the block an opening 10ft. deep
shows a similar formation 4ft. wide, apparently strong and well defined, but giving
little or no indication of containing any metal beyond iron.
The N. block has the most favorable appearance for prospecting, there being
numerous copper-bearing veins, which may improve in depth. (I.M.R., 21–7–06.)
TIDDY WIDDY.—This was the name of a venture not far from Ardrossan and
the Parara Mine, Yorke Peninsula, which was regarded as having very good pros-
pects. It was abandoned because of lack of capital. (1873.)
TRESEVEAN MINING COMPANY.—Held a lease from the Britannia Mining Com-
pany, at Bremer. Stopped working in 1851. In July, 1896, there was a brief
resumption of work here on tribute, but no information has been received as to
results.
TRURO MINE. — This property, situated about 6 miles from Kadina, in the neighbor-
hood of the Cornwall Mine, was taken up as a prospecting venture, but was long ago
abandoned, no results adequate to the outlay having been obtained. (1873.)
TUMBY MINE.—This mine is 8 or 9 miles N. from Tumby Bay, Spencer Gulf.
The lode is 3ft. 6in. wide, and consists of blue and green carbonates, gossan, and
spar. Two shafts were sunk, one to a depth of 9 fathoms and one to 7ft. Date of
TRINITY.—About 24 miles S. of the Mutooroo. It was originally prospected
by H. C. Crocker, in 1887, and a shaft sunk to water-level, 130ft., where oxidised
ore of good quality gave place to sulphide. The lode formation is about 6ft. wide,
with a strike of S.E. and N.W. and a dip N.E. Since 1899 four shafts have been
sunk, Wood's shaft (the deepest) being 168ft. on the underlie through carbonate
and oxide ores to the bottom, where sulphide came in. This shaft is connected
with Taylor's shaft of equal depth, and the ground between them stoped. Allan-
son's shaft is 68ft. deep. The ore from this shaft was mainly carbonate ; and good
ore was also obtained from Johnston's shaft, 90ft. deep. Stoping is now in progress,
and a sample of the ore being raised, consisting of ferruginous quartz, malachite,
and copper glance, assayed 27.3 per cent. For the past eight years the property
has been worked by a local syndicate, and 457 tons of 19.62 per cent. ore sent to
market. (D.R. (Gee), 2–7–07.)
COPPËR.
137
TRINITY SOUTH (GERMAN HILL).—Three miles S. from Mutooroo. There are
some shallow old workings here and a shaft in progress, now down about 20ft., in
a formation consisting mainly of copper-stained quartz, the width of which is not
yet clearly defined. It appears to strike E.N.E. and dip N. A general sample,
composed of quartz, mica, and malachite, assayed 10.1 per cent. copper. (D.R.
(Gee), 2–7-07.)
TRENOWDEN'S CLAIM.—Half a mile W. of Trinity Dam. There are a number
of shallow old workings here, where small, non-persistent veins of carbonate have
been “gouged," and a little of the same sort of work is now in progress. (D.R.
(Gee, 2–7–07.)
TOWER HILL MINE.—This property lies between Tower Hill and the Avondale
Mine, and is about 25 miles S.E. from Farina. The lode is bin. to 8in. wide, with
no defined walls. As it goes down it is improved in bulk by the addition of small
leaders, and is dipping 30° to 56° E., whilst the rocks, which are calcareous slates,
dip 75° N. The workings consist of an underlie shaft of about 60ft. in depth, and
from there the lode has been followed by a drive for 40ft. without any apparent
change. The ore consists of chalcocite, with stains of malachite, and a little chalco-
pyrite and atacamite. About 20ft. S. of the lode is a well-defined reef of calcite,
with copper stains. It is probable that this will junction with the lode lower down,
when it will assume a more definite character. (1884.)
TUNGKILLO.-Vide KITTICOOLA, page 70.
UKAPARINGA.—In March, 1889, the Inspector of Mines reported on this property,
which is situated about a mile and a half from Williamstown, and was first worked
in 1850, under the name of the Wheal Friendship. He says that copper ore, raised
in limited quantities, produced as high as 45 per cent., but the general bulk was
of low quality. In later years it has been worked at different periods by parties
of tributers, but is now idle. There are two lodes, one N. 10° E., the other N.E.,
with probability of conjunction at S. end of the claim. An adit level cut the
N. lode at a depth of 100ft., and it was proved by a winze to a further depth of 95ft.
The lode formation is very poor in copper, but is bunchy, averaging not more than
4 per cent. ore, which could be dressed up to 35 per cent. In the bottom the bulk
of the lode is white quartz, traversed by small veins of good ore. There is a large
quantity of ground opened up ready for stoping. On the S. end of the claim a
tunnel has been driven 200ft. hillwards, intersecting both lodes. In the end the
N.E. lode is fully 12ft. wide, with regular, well-defined walls, carrying a fair per-
centage of yellow ore. There is, the Inspector says, some probability of gold being
found in this mine.
ULOOLOO COPPER MINE.—Situated 3 miles E. from the Ulooloo Railway Station,
in a mineralised belt of country bounded on the S. by a high range of granitic and
gneissic rocks. The Inspector of Mines reported that creeks run E. from the range
which give auriferous indications. A few feet S. of a strong outcrop of iron a vertical
shaft has been sunk 180ft., and a crosscut thence intersected the iron lode, 18ft.
thick. The country is congenial for stratified deposits of copper—in fact copper is
distributed in slugs on the surface for 200ft., and the ground, composed of quartz,
hornblende, feldspar, and carbonate of lime, has nodules of green and blue car-
bonates interspersed, besides here and there red oxide of copper. There are two
other outcrops on the property, one of quartz and the other of iron, which have not
yet been tested. The nature of the ground makes the work of exploration compara-
tively inexpensive. (1889.)
UMBERATANA.--The Inspector of Mines reported that this claim is on the
mineralised range of hills that contain the Yudnamutana, Daly, Stanley, and
Wheal Turner mines, and is situated about 3 miles N. of the latter. No work has
been done, but there is a lode carrying carbonate of copper, which can be traced
through the claims. (1889.) In 1890 the following information was the result
of a later inspection :- A large outcrop of quartzite, very much fractured and
end to end. There is a parallel lode E., on which a shaft 30ft. deep had been sunk,
138
MINING RECORDS.
from which 6 tons of marketable ore had been raised. A tunnel driven down near
the foot of the hill to intersect the two lodes would in all probability repay the out-
lay.
UROONDA COPPER MINE.-See Ryan's, page 125.
VESEY'S CLAIM.— This is situated about 10 or 12 miles N.E. from Nuccaleena.
There is a well-defined lode running nearly through the section containing rich ore,
green carbonate and grey oxide; and some of the latter is said to contain 70 per
cent. of copper. The country consists of clayslate and pipeclay. But little
work done. (Austin, 1863.)
VICTORY MINE.-Situated 17 miles E. from Leigh's Creek, on the top of a hill
about 80ft. high, composed of quartzite, dipping to the S. The lode runs N. and
S., and dips E. 68° ; it is from 9in. to 4ft. in width; has a well-defined footwall,
but no hanging-wall. The ore consists of chalcocite with malachite, atacamite,
dark oxides, and sulphides. It runs in a shoot to the N. 45°, from 30ft. to 40ft.
long and 20in. wide. The mine has been worked to a depth of 170ft. by an underlie
shaft without striking water. The lode has twice pinched out and made again.
Three shafts have been sunk, and drives to the extent of 100ft. made on the course
of the lode. Three hundred tons of ore have been sent away during the last year
or two, averaging, it is said, about 31 per cent. (1884.) The mine was not working
in 1887. The Government Geologist reported the results of his examination at the
latter end of 1896. He stated that this was an old mine, having been at work
previously in 1884. The strike of the lode is from N. and S. to N. 10° W., with
an underlie 70° to the E., cutting across the strike of the strata, which consists
of quartzite, metamorphic sandstone, and indurated claystone. The lode is better
defined at the lower levels than nearer the surface, but its width is small. Three
which had been left unworked, and which was not very well defined. The shoot
of ore is short, and it should be followed down and worked at a greater depth.
Gossan from this mine on assay returned a trace of gold, and silver at the rate of
5ozs. 5dwts. per ton.
The Inspector of Mines reports concerning this property :-It has been worked
by four shafts, extending for a distance of 5 chains in length, the deepest is 126ft.,
and shows the lode formation, which strikes a little to the W. of N., 10° to 13°, and
underlies 70° to the N., to be from 2ft. to 4ft. in width, containing green carbonates
and grey ore. The hanging-wall is good, but the footwall is very much broken.
A considerable amount of driving and stoping has been done from the main level
to the surface, and a large quantity of ore extracted. Below the main level a winze
was in progress, the depth then being 26ft., and in the bottom the lode is fully
4ft. wide, containing splashes and bunches of ore all through. About the centre
of the formation there is a vein of grey ore, apparently just making, being 9in. thick,
and yielding from a sample taken 39 per cent. This is regarded as an important
development, coming from a depth of 152ft. To facilitate the working of this ore-
body the main shaft, which is equipped with a horse whim, should be sunk at least
another 50ft., and a drive connected with the winze. It was stated that 200 tons,
giving an average of 28 per cent., had been dispatched to the smelters. The output
could, with little trouble, be rapidly increased. (I.M.R., 21-11-99.)
Again reporting, in July, 1900, the inspector says since his previous visit work
has been continuous, and 70 tons of ore had been raised, varying in value from
111 per cent. to 44 per cent. Operations have been continued to 180ft., or a little
below water-level, and the work then in hand consisted of stoping at about 20ft.
from the bottom, the formation being about 4ft. wide, containing veins and pockets
of grey ore and copper glance, some portions being very rich, and when sorted
averaging 25 per cent. A sample taken of the copper glance assayed 6ozs. 10dwts.
silver and 513 per cent. copper. The inspector's favorable opinion of the mine
is confirmed, and the further sinking of the shaft is still urged, not only with the
object of developing the property at the deeper levels, but also to facilitate its
working. (I.M.R., 7–7-00.)
COPPER.
139
Owing to the presence of arsenic in the ore, satisfactory smelting arrangements
could not be made with the local companies, and therefore, for some time past, little
work has been done on the mine beyond that of a few tributers and picking over
the dumps. In 1907 the mine was taken over by the Tasmanian Copper Company.
VOCAVOCANA.— This mine, situated W. from Apex Hill, has a well-defined N. and
S. lode, and good grey ore has been raised from it. The lode shows for about 200yds.
on the surface. (1860–69.)
VICKERY'S CLAIM.-W. of and adjoining the Warra Warra Mine. A shaft has
been sunk 15ft., showing a vein of green carbonates 8in. thick, from which 2 tons
of fair-grade ore have been obtained. The country rock is kaolinised, and has a
very promising appearance for the occurrence of veins and deposits of rich ore.
The shaft should be sunk much deeper, and the mineral-bearing strata crosscut
at the lower levels. The ground being soft, work should not be expensive. (I.M.R.,
17–11–99.)
VULCAN.—This was a claim taken up about 6 miles S.E. from the Wallaroo Mines.
In costeaning a nice deposit of ore was found, and prospecting shafts were sunk,
but the lode from which this bunch of ore was supposed to have been derived was
never discovered. (1890.)
THE WALLAROO AND MOONTA MINING AND SMELTING COMPANY,
LIMITED.
Wallaroo Mine.-This mine was discovered in 1860. It is situated on Yorke
Peninsula, and is 10 miles N. from Moonta Mines, and now includes the Kurilla.
It occupies rather over 2,000 acres of Crown lands. There are five lodes on the
property, and there is the Kurilla lode. The main lode is nearly vertical, although
occasionally the underlie is a little to the N., and sometimes a little to the S. Strike
of lodes, 10° to 20° S. of E. The lodes vary in width, from a few inches to 12ft.
or 14ft., and the ore they contain is chiefly chalcopyrite. As raised from the
mine it varies from 3 per cent. to 10 per cent., with occasionally small quantities of
rich copper ore. The deposits of copper ore are chiefly along the lead of the lodes,
and are associated with " gangue." There are no regular shoots. In connection
with the limestone just above the lode, a little green carbonate of copper was found,
but a large proportion of the green ore was atacamite. Below this oxides of copper
were met with, both red and black, then grey and black sulphides with iron pyrites.
These deposits of ore were mostly exhausted many years ago. Chalcopyrite came
in at varying depths of from 10 to 30 fathoms, and this is almost the only kind of
ore now being raised at the mine. It continues down to the bottom of the deepest
shaft. The veinstone associated with the metallic minerals is composed of portion
of the bedrock, iron pyrites, calcareous spar, &c. The country formation is schistose
rock. The quantity of ore raised from the time the mine was opened to December
31st, 1886, was 451,016 tons (of 21cwts.), of the value of £2,030,143 in the colony.
It yielded, on the average, about 10 per cent. of copper. Thirty shafts, including
trial shafts, have been sunk, the deepest being 195 fathoms. The water-level was
reached at about 5 fathoms. The drives, levels, &c., including Matta and Kurilla,
extend a distance of 20 miles. The yield now varies from half a ton to 6 tons per
fathom. (1890.) The Moonta Mine has been amalgamated with this, which has
besides taken over the Matta Matta, Kurilla, Devon Consols, &c. The value of
ores won prior to the amalgamation was £2,229,096, and dividends paid £430,254.
Since then the value has been, up to the end of 1898, £1,876,134; and dividends
paid, £104,000. Taking both mines together the wages reached over £7,000,000,
and the dividends realised amounted, it is said, to 25 per cent. The bulk of the
ore broken at Wallaroo Mine is said to be fit for the smelters, say 12 per cent. It
has been worked nearly 40 years, and the deepest shaft is 1,620ft., and sinking is
now being continued. (1899 edition.)
140
MINING RÈCORDS.
Moonta Mine.- Discovered in 1861. It is situated on Yorke Peninsula, on the
E. shores of Spencer Gulf. There are five main lodes on the property, and from each
of these various spurs and minor lodes branch out, and are connected with the main
lode by occasional cross veins. Including these there are 27 lodes. Their direction
is N.W., and their underlie varies from 3ft. to 6ft. in the fathom. The main lode
1
6in. to 20ft., and the ore obtained from the main lodes in the present workings is
chiefly chalcopyrite and occasionally bornite. The bulk of the veinstone-chiefly
quartz and at times portion of the bedrock-as raised ore and“ gangue” gives from
2 per cent. to 5 per cent. of copper, but sometimes clean chalcopyrite gives 20 per
cent. to 30 per cent., and bornite from 30 per cent. to 50 per cent. The country
rock is felsite porphyry, orthoclase porphyry, a special variety. The quantity
of ore raised from the mine from the commencement to the 30th June, 1886, equalled
(in gross tons of 21cwts.), 476,180 tons, and the average percentage of copper on
net dry weight of dressed ore equalled 20 per cent., and the total value in the colony
of this ore amounted to £4,579,097. Seventy-seven shafts have been sunk, including
21 trial shafts. The shafts are vertical for a short distance, then mostly follow
the dip of the lode. The deepest shaft is 287 fathoms (1,722ft.), and the levels
measure, approximately, 294 miles. (1889). The aggregate length for thorough-
fares, including drives, winzes, and shafts, is about 42 miles. The water-level was
reached at about 5 fathoms. The deposits of copper ore are chiefly along the lead
of the lodes associated with “gangue," the present supplies being mostly chal- .
copyrite and occasionally bornite. An exceedingly small proportion of green
carbonate ore was formerly found close to the surface; but a large proportion
of the green ore was atacamite, and this was generally met with below the other.
Sometimes red oxide was found with the atacamite. The yield varies from 1 ton
to 8 tons per fathom. The peculiarity of this cupriferous district was disclosed
by the removal of these ores and the sinking of the shafts-namely, that although
the lodes continued regular, no further ore was met with, and, as a rule, no stain
of copper was seen until the depth of from 5 to 10 fathoms was reached, when rich
oxide and malleable copper deposits were struck, and after that black and grey
sulphides. These deposits, however, were chiefly worked out in past times. Chal-
copyrite occurred at an average depth of about 20 fathoms, and this, with occasional
deposits of bornite, has held down either in large or small proportions to the present
deepest point of operations. This mine at one time employed upwards of 1,600
men and boys, and still keeps a very large number (1,138) at work. Copper ore
raised during four months ending December 31st, 1889, 5,759 tons; assumed to
be the average rate of output. This mine was amalgamated with the Wallaroo Mine
in 1890. The latest information published gives the acreage held as 2,691, and
states that on Elder's lode Taylor's shaft is now down 2,340ft., and that the lode
there is 20ft. wide, but not rich. The deepest shaft on Beddome's lode is now
1,600ft., and rich oxide is met with, giving from 20 per cent. to 70 per cent. fine
copper. On Hogg's lode sinking is being carried on below the 1,440ft. level. On
Green's lode they are down to 1,440ft., and the lode at that depth is not so pro-
ductive as formerly. On Fergusson's lode the depth reached is 1,500ft. The ores
have to be dressed for the smelters, the bulk broken not averaging more than 3 per
cent. for copper; and the ground is hard to work. The total value of ore raised
to the end of 1898 was £5,113,252 ; wages paid, £3,945,252; and dividends dis-
tributed, £1,168,000. In the amalgamated mines more than 1,800 persons are
employed. (1899 edition.) .
Devon Consols (New Devon or Gurner’s). Shortly after the Wallaroo Mine had
commenced working, a discovery in its vicinity, said to have been made whilst
excavating for a water tank, was named the Devon Consols. A small syndicate
took out a lease and did some work, getting a little good ore near to the surface,
but afterwards forfeited their claim. Then a company was formed, ultimately
having a nominal capital of £28,000. All the available part of that capital became
..
141
COPPER.
exhausted, and the affair was wound up, not for want of productive lodes and a good
prospect, but for want of funds. It is stated that there are five proved lodes in
the Devon Consols lease, running about E. and W. The country is a micaceous
schist, decomposed as it approaches the lodes. At the time of stopping work, prior
to the last change of proprietorship, there was at the bottom of one of the shafts
a 6ft. wide lode of killas and ore, of which width 18in. was composed of yellow
sulphurets. About 1,300 fathoms of levels were driven by the former proprietors,
who had set up a 60-h.p. winding and pumping engine, with crusher and jigger,
and separate steam power for working the machinery. After spending about
£50,000 in developing the property, and getting everything into thorough working
order, the mine operations ceased. (1899 edition.)
It now forms portion of the Wallaroo and Moonta property.
Kurilla Mine.—Situated a little to the S.W. of the Wallaroo Mines. It contains
three lodes underlying N., with an E. and W. bearing, and having an underlie
ranging from 1ft. 8in. to 2ft. 3in. in the fathom. The width of the lodes varies
from ift. to 9ft., and the ore they contain is chiefly chalcopyrite. Sometimes,
indeed, it is pure chalcopyrite, but in other instances it contains from 3 per cent.
to 15 per cent. of copper. The veinstone associated with the metallic minerals
is iron pyrites, portions of the bedrock, &c., while the country rock is talcose schist.
Twenty-six shafts, including the trial shafts, have been sunk, the deepest of which
is 498ft. The length of drives put in at various levels in 1886 equalled 31 miles.
The water-level was reached at 30ft. The deposits of copper ore are chiefly along
the lead of the lodes, associated with “ gangue,” the present supplies being mostly
chalcopyrite. In many ways this mine is similar to the Wallaroo Mines, the chief
difference being that the veinstone is not so mixed with “gangue," so that the
chalcopyrite is of a higher percentage. Accurate information with regard to the
total amount of ore raised and its money value has not been obtainable ; but
during the 10 years from 1874 to 1884, the ore sold from this mine equalled 19,397
tons, of the value of £155,068. Of the ore raised prior to 1874 no record was kept,
and of that obtained since 1884 it is probable that at least 1,000 tons have been
sold, valued at £5,000. (1886.) (1899 edition.)
Matta Matta Mine.- Situated near Kadina and Wallaroo Mine, Yorke Pen-
insula. Two shafts were sunk, each to a depth of 20 fathoms, and a fine lode of
ore, running about E.S.E. and N.W., was cut at the 10-fathom level. It contained
green carbonate and grey sulphuret, with red oxide and a quantity of malleable
copper. (Austin, 1863.) The mine was worked as a separate property for a short
time subsequent to the beginning of the mining industry on the Peninsula. The
operations of the proprietors were, however, suspended in consequence of the influx
of water; and ultimately the mine was included in the property of the Wallaroo
Company. (1899 edition.)
Wallaroo and Kurilla.—In August, 1904, the Inspector of Mines reports :- .
Throughout this property a large number of shafts have been sunk at various
points. The principal ones have been Taylor's, 2,070ft., Office shaft, 1,920ft., and
Young's shaft, 1,350ft: from surface. In consequence of the late fire the upper
portion of Taylor's shaft has collapsed, making it advisable to sink a main vertical
shaft from the surface, which will shortly be connected with the lower levels of
Taylor's old shaft. The new or upper portion of this is 17ft. long by 6ft. wide,
securely timbered, and divided in the necessary winding, pumping, and laddering
compartments. With this work rapid progress is being made, the sinking averaging
75ft. per month, and good progress is being made in rising from the 125-fathom ·
level upwards. When this is connected it is intended to continue the shaft verti-
cally, and the same size, which is undoubtedly the proper course to adopt; con-
sequently some considerable time will have to elapse previous to that portion of
the mine being in the condition to produce its usual output. For the time being
the reserves in other portions of the mine have to stand the strain of an increased
supply, which, previous to the fire, was not anticipated. The principal stopes
142
MINING RECORDS.
from which at present the chief supply of ore is being obtained are at the 245,
205, and 185 fathom levels, which disclose a persistent well-defined lode,
striking about E. and W., slightly underlying N.; the main shoot of ore being
fully 1,800ft. long, ranging from 3ft. up to 24ft. in width, which is dressed
with various classes of suitable machinery, then dispatched to the Wallaroo
smelters, and yields an average return of 11 per cent. copper. The Kurilla portion
of the property is worked on a parallel lode to the depth of 1,170ft. The ore-body
shows from 10ft. to 12ft. wide, but apparently is not so consistent in its value.
The richer ore deposits occur in shoots and bunches, with bands of lower grade
material, mixed with country rock. This, when broken, is dressed up to the usual
standard, 11 per cent., and at that value is forwarded to the reduction works. The
machinery on the mines is of the most extensive and varied character, consisting
of winding, crushing, concentrating plants, cementation works, and air compressors,
each suitable for the work it has to perform, and capable of treating the various
classes of ore on an extensive scale, and with a very close extraction. At the time
of my visit there was a considerable quantity of machinery being erected, all being
of the most approved pattern, substantial, and of sufficient capacity to continue
the work to a much greater depth than that at present reached, all being supplied
with electric light, and telephones from one portion of the works to the other.
In my examination of these properties, I am pleased to say that apparently every
care is taken for the safety of the employés, not only in the underground works,
where the timbering is of the most suitable kind for the various conditions, but
in the surface appliances, such as winding, crushing, concentrating, and other
works; all are securely and substantially fenced and enclosed to minimise the
danger as much as possible. For the convenience of the employés large and com-
modious changing houses with drying apparatus and shower baths have been erected
on the mine, also a suitable building of very neat appearance for a library, con-
sisting of several rooms, fitted with electric light, and well supplied with papers,
periodicals, and books of various useful kinds. The full number of employés is
at present 1,130, irrespective of the Moonta Mines and Wallaroo smelting works.
(I.M.R., 9–8–04.)
“ The Review of Mining Operations for the Year ended June 30th, 1905,"contains
the following contribution from Mr. Hancock, General Manager of the Wallaroo and
Moonta Mines, which is full of interest as showing what has been done and won from
those valuable properties, and at what cost :-
Mining for copper on Yorke Peninsula dates back to just before 1860. The
Wallaroo Mines are about 6 miles E., and the Moonta Mines about 12 miles S. of
Port Wallaroo.
Both properties are connected by Government railway with the Port, where the
company's smelting works are located.
At Wallaroo Mines the lodes traverse a metamorphic schistose rock, with a direc-
tion approximately E. and W. The various ore-bearing strata at Moonta Mines
are composed chiefly of porphyritic rock, and the lodes (speaking generally) bear
N. and S.
The dressed ore from Wallaroo Mines has, throughout recent times, averaged
about 11 per cent., that from Moonta about 20 per cent. copper, excepting that
in later years it has been 2 per cent. or 3 per cent. lower. For a long time past the
vein stuff as raised to surface at both properties has contained on the average from
3 per cent. to 4 per cent.
Latterly immense accumulations of tailings and slimes from mechanical dressing
have been subjected to hydrometallurgical treatment, affording good profits.
For about 30 years the Wallaroo Mines and the smelting works were one concern,
while the Moonta Mines were worked independently, selling their ore to the Wallaroo
Company. The latter, being a private company, published no records; but from
what information is available it would appear that during its separate existence
£2,229,096 of red metal was extracted, besides nearly £339,000 produced from pur-
chased ores. Apparently about £430,254 were distributed in dividends.
COPPER.
143
These copper values do not include those from the Moonta Company, whose pub-
lished statements show that £5,396,146 worth of copper was raised, of which
£1,168,000 were disbursed amongst shareholders as profits. The Moonta Mines
have the distinction of being the first mining company in Australia to pay in divi-
dends a total of £1,000,000, notwithstanding that the rich gold reefs of Victoria had
been operated for years before the Moonta was discovered.
Since 1889, when Wallaroo Mines, with their smelting works, and Moonta Mines
became one concern, copper worth about £4,281,342 has been produced, of which
£224,000 have been distributed in dividends. In nearly 45 years these mines have
raised and extracted about £12,245,554 worth of copper, and paid £1,822,254 as
dividends. The money circulated in wages is not ascertainable, but some idea may
be gleaned from the foregoing figures of the value of these mines to all sections of
the community.
At the smelting works, in addition to the high-class copper of the well-known
“ Wallaroo" brand being produced, sulphuric acid and bluestone are manufactured.
Early in 1904 a fire in the main shaft at Wallaroo Mines completely destroyed the
upper portion, and rendered useless the pumping appliances to a depth of 2,000ft.
There was grave danger that the deep workings would be lost through the influx of
water, but by strenuous exertions, and despite great difficulties, temporary pumping
appliances were installed, driven by compressed air. These are now being super-
seded by an up-to-date electric scheme; also an extensive central steam power and
compressed air plant is nearing completion. A new shaft has been sunk 840ft., to
join the old one where the underlay passed to the vertical.
When the new surface and underground plant is completed Wallaroo Mines should
be re-established on modern and profitable lines, and as the deepest levels (1,800ft.
to 2,000ft.) show no diminution in value as compared to those of less depth, the
prospect of continued operations for years ahead is promising.
As further illustrating the operations at the mines, some additional statistics are
appended, which, although not absolutely certified, are believed to be practically
correct.
Total dressed ore produced from the combined mines, 1860
to 1904, inclusive ...
1,540,180 tons
Average copper contents .......
151 per cent.
Representing in fine copper ......
235,630 tons
Average yearly production of ore
34,226 tons
Maximum output in one year .......
40,222 tons
Total expenditure (largely wages) .....
£10,423,300
Average annual expenditure ......
£231,629
Average cost of each ton of dressed ore.
£6 15s. 4d.
Number of employés at June, 1905 .....
2,260
Maximum number of employés ........
2,600
Total amount of dividends.
£1,822,254
Returns for the last three years show-
...........
........
..
....
......................
.....................
...................
.................
.....................

Ore Raised.
Ore Treated.
Copper.
Approximate
“Standard” Value.
Year ended June 30th, 1905 ....
1906 ....
66 6 1907 ....
Tons,
146,424
164,667
224,441
Tons.
92,091
157,157
211,748
Tons.
4,561
4,402
6,016
291,300.
275,390
587,289
Totals ................
535,532
460,996
14,979
1,153,979
Number of employés, June 30th, 1907, 3,104; the previous maximum number of
employés was 2,909.
The central steam power plant and electric drive and the electric pumping in-
stallation have been completed.
y909.
144
MINING RECORDS.
Taylor's shaft is in general use. Restoration of the drives and levels damaged
by the fire has been continued without intermission and satisfactory repairs
accomplished.
Developmental work at Wallaroo Mines has proceeded vigorously, and additional
ore ground is being opened up as fast as possible.
As opportunities have offered development has also been undertaken at Moonta
Mines, disclosing prospects which have warranted further work.
A railway has been constructed about 11 miles from Moonta Mines to North Yelta.
This latter property, which was closed down in 1890 owing to the heavy slump in
copper prices, has again been unwatered.
The company has recently purchased the Mid-Moonta, or Moonta Central Mine.
WALLAROO BEACH MINE.—Situated near Port Wallaroo, on the coast fronting
the park lands. Returns for the six months ended December 31st, 1906, show
that four shafts, each 30ft. deep, and one shaft 68ft. deep had been sunk, and 270ft.
of crosscuts made. A lode had been found, and opening up upon it had com-
menced.
WALLAROO, HUNDRED OF, SEC. 661.-On examination, in the latter part of
1898, the Government Geologist found that on this mineral ground prospecting
shafts had been sunk in a felsitic rock stained with carbonate of copper, and con-
taining small branches and veins of carbonate of copper. The lode is said to strike
E. and W. and dip N., and at the depth reached, 60ft., to have been small, and
associated with branch veins.
WALPARUTA CLAIM.—Situated a mile S. from Walparuta Spring, on the Outalpa
Run. Inspector Parkes, in 1895, reported that there were numerous small segre-
gated veins of quartz and copper enclosed in indurated mica schist. Samples
assayed gave a mere trace of gold, and the opinion of the inspector was unfavorable
to further outlay.
WANDILTA MINE.— This was a discovery following the finding of the lode in the
Cornwall Mine and adjacent to it. The prospectors sank to a depth of 30 fathoms,
got a branch lode containing green carbonates and grey ore, and drove on it until it
pinched. The Government Geologist, reporting on this property in September,
1898, mentioned that the main shaft was said to be 240ft. deep, and from it a lode
2ft. to 3ft. thick had been driven upon for 190ft. Prospecting operations are now
in progress, and the ground is being tested at depth by means of a diamond drill.
(1907.)
WARRA WARRA COPPER MINE.-The Government Geologist, early in 1898,
reported upon this mine, which is situated 7 miles S. from Rischbeth's Well, and
1 mile E. of Tarlton's Nob, near Mount Nor’-West. The workings consist of vertical
shafts 133ft. apart, sunk to 60ft. and 65ft., with crosscuts and drives to intersect
and mine a lode formation which outcrops on an E.N.E. line. Shaft No. 1 discloses
a mullocky lode formation 18ft. thick, with copper ore in small percentage. Shaft
No. 2 cuts the same lode, which has been driven upon both ways a total of 72ft.,
there being good walls, the lode varying from 2ft. to 6ft. in width, the ore being of
low percentage for copper. This lode contains green carbonates, native copper,
copper glance, copper pyrites, red oxide, &c., associated with quartz, kaolin, gossan,
kaolinised and indurated slates and flags, sandstone, and quartzite in alternate
strata, dipping at high angles S. At depth the deposits of copper ore should be richer,
and as a prospecting venture the chances of the mine are very good. An underlie
ore-dressing purposes, nor any timber in the immediate neighborhood. Acting on
the advice of the Government Geologist, the No. 2 shaft was sunk down to 144ft.
on the underlie, with assistance by. Government subsidy, and copper was worked
upon at that depth. (September, 1898.) More recently an inspection was made
by the Government Geologist in relation to an application for another subsidy.
He found the shaft was 157ft. deep, following the inclination of the lode, and that
COPPER.
145
à crosscut had been driven at the bottom across the lode 40ft., and was still in the
formation, which was stained with green carbonate. Vertical depth from the
surface 205ft. The large size of the lode formation increases greatly the amount
of driving and crosscutting necessary in prospecting for the shoots of ore ; but the
soft nature of the formation and absence of water lessen the cost of work materially.
The mine was examined in December, 1899, by the Inspector of Mines, who reports
that the lode outcrops on the surface, from 4ft. to 5ft. wide, and in depth it increases
in size and becomes more friable; it consists chiefly of kaolinised material, carrying
veins and pockets of the various classes of copper ore throughout. The principal
work has been done at shafts Nos. 1 and 2, sunk 2 chains apart, and to the depth
of 100ft, and 234ft. respectively. In No. 1 shaft, at the depth of 60ft., drives
have been made along the course of the lode, exposing a copper-bearing material,
from 14ft. to 18ft. wide, containing bunches and pockets of high-grade ore, chiefly
green carbonates and grey ore. Crosscuts driven have also disclosed large quantities
of highly copper-stained material, and shown that the better grade is chiefly on
the footwall side, and from 4ft. to 5ft. wide. No. 2 shaft has been sunk on the
footwall of the lode to a depth of 234ft., being about 200ft. vertical from the surface.
At the 70ft. level drives have been put in on the lode, and a considerable amount
of ore has been stoped. The lode formation is the same as in No. 1. Below the
70ft. the lode matrix is similar, but the veins and bunches are principally quartz
and iron, except at the 140ft. level, where a band of kaolin was passed through,
exposing in the footwall side green carbonates, assaying 20 per cent. ; this, although
small at present, should be followed, as possibly the main ore body may be faulted
in that direction. A crosscut on the footwall side would determine this. At
the bottom a crosscut is driven towards the hanging-wall side, a distance of 100ft.,
passing through the same class of material as above the band of kaolin. The
formation is slightly copper-stained, but is of no particular value, except at one
point, about 60ft. from the shaft, where a vein or bunch of green carbonate 8in.
thick has been passed through, a sorted sample of which assayed 19 per cent. From
the end of the crosscut, on the hanging-wall side, a drive has been made in an E.
direction for 100ft. In places the material is copper-stained, being an indication
that the formation is metal-bearing. It is recommended that the shaft be
carried to water-level, to obtain water for ore-dressing, and to ascertain what change
may take place there. A considerable quantity of ore can still be stoped above
the 70ft. level, and dressed up to marketable value, in which operation water
would be of great aid. It was stated that 80 tons to 100 tons of ore, worth
from 20 per cent. to 24 per cent., had been sent away. The prospects warrant
further development of the mine, and extraction of the ore in sight. (I.M.R.,
5-12–99.)
A departmental report, dated August 1st, 1902, states that No. 1 shaft is 109ft.
deep ; No. 2, 70ft. vertical, 157ft. underlie, 227ft. = 208ft. vertical; No. 3, 35ft.;
and No. 4, 86ft. underlie.
On January 26th, 1905, it is reported that a new shaft (Fabian's) has been sunk
79ft. underlie, that the mine has been worked on tribute for the past two and a half
years, and that no work has been done in the old workings for two years.
The property has now been acquired by the Tasmanian Copper Company.
WARRIOOTA MINE.—Situated on the N. slope of a low range, about 10 miles S.E.
from the township of Beltana. The ore deposit is a lode 1ft. to 2ft. vide, which
strikes E. 15° N.-very nearly coincident with the strike of the country—but dips
irregularly through the latter, first for a few feet vertical in depth, and then at
an angle of 70° N. The hanging-wall looks well defined, but the footwall seems
irregular. Judging from the nature of the veinstuff left near the two deepest shafts,
the general mineral character of the lode alters within a short distance. At the
one shaft it is composed of a soft, somewhat calcareous quartzose mullock, densely
traversed by thin quartz veins; these enclose small nodular masses of earthy
146
MINING RECORDS.
malachite, and occasionally of azurite, associated with calcite. A trial of some of
the ore gave traces, though very faint, of bismuth. Specimens of veinstones left
near the other shaft consist of a dense and hard ferruginous and highly quartzose
striped matrix enclosing thin seams and small druses of acicular crystals of mala-
chite, besides veins of cupriferous gossan. In general these veinstones resemble
the poorer surface stone of the Blinman Mine. No traces of sulphide ore could be
detected. The country in the neighborhood of the workings looks undisturbed,
and consists of alternating beds of thin cleavable slates and fine-grained thin-
bedded partly micaceous slaty sandstones; strike, E. 40° N. : dips S. at an angle
of about 350 some distance S. of the workings near the line of the lode. Judging
by the rather poor ore last raised and left on the ground, the future prospects of
the mine are not very favorable. If gold crushing and saving machinery were at
hand, the trial of a few tons of the lodestone for gold is to be recommended, and the
prospecting for this metal generally in the gullies and in the quartz reefs in the
neighborhood. In fact, a zone of country of considerable width exists in this
neighborhood which is traversed by strong promising-looking quartz reefs, and
altogether presents an auriferous aspect.. (Ulrich, 1872.) .
WALTERS' WELL-Mount Lyndhurst district. Formerly worked for copper,
parcels having been sent away which, it was stated, yielded 28 per cent. The lode
is 5ft. wide, and consists chiefly of siliceous copper-stained ironstone, and looks
promising for gold; a sample taken close to the surface assayed 2dwts. of gold per
ton. Sample taken from small parcel of dressed ore on the floor gave 10 per cent.
of copper. (I.M.R., 3–8–99.) Vide NEVADA, page 101.
WEEDNA MINE.Found by S. C. Gubbin, in 1898. In 1899 it was taken over
by“ The Associated Copper Trust.” The Inspector of Mines furnished the following
report in November, 1899 :—Situated 42 miles N.E. from Leigh Creek, and li
miles from Weedna Springs. The company held 24 20-acre blocks; the principal
work done being on block 669, which is situated on a small ridge on the bank of
Weedna Creek, and is almost surrounded by high rugged hills, composed chiefly
of clayslates and sandstone. From the small amount of development work done
on the surface, and the short length of outcrop exposed, it is diffcult to determine
the proper strike of the lode, but it appears to run about N. and S., with an underlie
to the W. of about 18in. in 6ft. ; also on the surface there is the outcrop of a cross
lode, striking about E. and W., which junctions with the other ore-body at the point
where the main operations were in progress. The mine was being worked princi-
pally from an old shaft sunk by the prospector to the depth of 50ft., water-level,
and the formation from this level to the surface is composed of kaolinised matter
and clay, containing strong veins, bunches, and pockets of green carbonates, grey
ore, black oxide, and a little azurite ; the exact width of the ore-body here is difficult
to determine, owing to the absence of crosscuts, but it is evidently considerable.
N. and S. drives have been made, the first 33ft. from the shaft at the 25ft. level,
and 18ft. at the 50ft. level. No walls are visible, and the faces expose good car-
bonate ore of fair value. The S. drive extends 62ft., and is connected with the
main shaft, then in progress. A considerable amount of stoping had been done
from the 25ft. level upwards, and a large quantity of fair-grade ore obtained and
dispatched to the smelters. The main shaft, 10ft. 6in. by 5ft. in the clear, and then
sunk to a depth of 50ft., is situated 62ft. to the S. of the prospector's shaft; it
is well equipped, and a small engine was provided for hauling. The lode at the
bottom showed clear and well defined, with walls 12ft. a part, the formation and ore
deposits being similar to those obtaining in the prospector's shaft. At the time of
the inspection the fortnightly output of 18 per cent. ore was 25 tons, and it was
stated that the ore was assaying well for gold. A 2in. line of pipes from the
Weedna Springs, which are 100ft. higher than the mine, gave a good supply of
fresh water. Only a small amount of prospecting had been done on the other parts
of the property. Eight samples taken for assay ranged from 37 per cent, to 151 per
cent., the average being 10 per cent. (I.M.R., 23-11-99.)
COPPER.
147
The main shaft was continued to a depth of 150ft., and close timbered with
sawn oregon timber. Work was carried on by the company for some little time,
but suddenly ceased, and the mine was abandoned. It was afterwards taken up
and is being worked by prospectors, who remove ore by new drives, stopes, and
workings from and connected with the original prospector's shaft. A fair quantity
of good-grade ore is being raised. (25-4-04.)
Lately the ground has been taken over by the Tasmanian Copper Company
about 18 miles S.E. from the Yudnamutana Mine. There are two small batches of
workings on adjoining spurs—a higher and a lower one. The workings on the
higher spur consist of an open trench, 3ft. to 4ft. wide and about 40ft. long, exposing
a quartz reef of lft. or 2ft. in thickness. It strikes N. 32° E., and dips N.W.
• at 62º. The underlie wall is well defined, and is composed of a gritty silicified sand-
stone and boulder conglomerate. The enclosed boulders are mostly quartzite.
The hanging-wall is less regular, and is composed of fissile, rather concretionary
slates. These appear to have been disturbed, as on the top of the spur they show
a very flat dip of about gº to 10° S.W., while further off they strike N. 30° W. and
dip W. 30° S. at 20°. In the reef, and in a few feet of the hanging-wall, are ex-
posed solid patches and thick veins of ore, consisting of grey oxide, coated generally
with green carbonate and chloride of copper. The ore-bearing part of the country
does not seem to extend much beyond the trench on either side, for towards the S.
the ore patches disappear and the veins split and thin out, and N. from the trench
no ore is traceable for more than a few feet. In the second batch of workings the
ore is of a similar character to that in the first batch. (Ulrich, 1872.)
About 16 miles from Wooltana Head Station. The Inspector of Mines, reporting
in June, 1900, says that the principal workings are on the spur of a very high rugged
range, and consist of an open cut 2 chains in length, from 3ft. to 8ft. in depth, and
4ft. wide. Apparently a fair quantity of copper ore has been obtained, but as the
formation continues down, and also at each end, the copper contents of the ore
decrease to a very low grade. The country rock is slate and sandstone. (I.M.R.,
29-6-00.)
It is now included in the holding of the Great Boulder. Vide page 57.
WEST DOORA.---Situated between the Doora and Derrington Mines. A great
deal of costeaning was done in search of the Doora lode. The claim was subse-
quently abandoned. (1874.)
WHEAL AUSTIN MINE.— This is situated a mile S.S.W. of the Yudnamutana
Mine. There is an immense reef of ironstone and gossan, containing strong stains
of copper and numerous stones of green carbonate and grey oxide. It is from 18ft.
to 20ft. in width, and its course is very regular. (Austin, 1863.)
WHEAL BASSETT COPPER MINE.-Situated 3 miles S. from Nackara Railway
Station. The Inspector of Mines reported (March, 1892) that four shafts had been
sunk on a calcareous mullocky vein, in which there was green carbonate of copper.
No. 1 shaft was down 160ft.; the others from 40ft. to 50ft. No definite vein, only
segregated veins copper-stained. He was of opinion that the property was of little
value.
Recent returns show that small parcels of ore from 15 per cent. to 33 per cent.
have been marketed from this nine.
WHEAL BESLEY MINE.-Situated about 1 a mile E. of Angepena Hill. There
are two lodes on the section bearing very good gossan, impregnated with green and
blue carbonates, and containing occasional good stones of ore. The lodes run N.
and S., and are traceable for a distance of 300 yards. Liver-colored and yellow ore
is found scattered on the surface. (Austin, 1863.)
WHEAL BUTLER.—This mine is about 2 miles N.E. from the Blinman. A good
lode, from lft. fin. to 3ft. in width, passes through the property, and this has been
opened at intervals for nearly a 1 of a mile. It yields a peculiar reddish-brown or
liver-colored ore, supposed to be merely a variety of ironstone, but which, on being
148
MINING RECORDS.
assayed, produced 37 per cent. of copper. The back of the lode consists of ironstone,
micaceous iron, gossan, and quartz; and, below these, stones of green and blue
carbonate and a quantity of liver-colored ore are found. The underlie is about 3ft.
in the fathom. (Austin, 1863.)
WHEAI DEVON.—This was a prospecting venture near Kadina (section 201,
hundred Wallaroo), commenced in search of the Kurilla lodes. There was a fair
amount of costeaning, and a downright shaft was sunk about 10 fathoms; also a
little driving was done, but with poor results. The venture was then abandoned.
(1874.)
WHEAL FORTUNE COPPER MINE.—Locality, Green's Plains. An old mine; a
shaft sunk to a depth of 13 fathoms, and a lode 18in. wide; the ore said to be of
excellent quality. It was worked in 1861-2, held by a company of Moonta miners,
who regarded it as a good prospecting venture.
WHEAL FRIENDSHIP.-Worked on a lease from the Britannia Mining Company
as a prospecting venture ; abandoned in 1857, at the time of the gold exodus.
WHEAL FRIENDSHIP.-Situated 23 miles N.E. of Quorn. There are several lodes
and veins of siliceous calcite, from 15in, to 4ft. wide. The work done on block 42
consists of an open cut on the line of lode for 60ft. in length, several small openings,
and one shaft, sunk to a depth of 50ft. ; the copper-bearing vein is continuous and
well defined, and averages from 15in. to 18in. in width, and consists chiefly of low-
grade green carbonate. At the shaft bottom, which is water-level, it contains a
little yellow ore, and there is every appearance of a change taking place in the ore.
A sample assayed 21 per cent. On block 41 several small shafts, from 10ft. to 20ft.
deep, have been sunk on apparently parallel lodes, having the same permanent
appearance, but much larger, ranging from 2ft. to 4ft. wide, with very fair veins and
patches of ore, but not sufficient so far to be remunerative. The lodes strike N.
and S., with a W. underlie of 2 in 6. They are very regular and well defined ; the
general appearance is promising, and they should be further prospected by sinking
a shaft W. of the line of lode, to a depth of at least 100ft., to intersect the lodes at
that vertical distance, where the chance of success is greater than above. The
same suggestion applies to block 42, which should be explored below the water-
level. (I.M.R., 19-12-99.)
WHEAL FORTUNE MINE.—This mine was on land leased from the Paringa Mining
Company (1850), in the Mount Parker district. It yielded black oxide and other
ores.
WHEAL FROST.-Situated about 5 miles E. from Yudnamutana. It contains
an extraordinary deposit of copper ore on a range about 350ft. high from a creek
on one side, and between 400ft. and 500ft. from a creek on the other. The top of
the range for 80ft, or 90ft. in height consists of a mass of granitic rock—from which
the upper soil has either slipped or heen washed away-leaviøg the rock exposed ;
it is almost perpendicular, and contains numerous green stains of copper visible
for a distance of a 1 of a mile or more. On examination, almost everywhere-even
where no stains exist-rich copper ore was found, grey oxide and green carbonate,
especially in small caves or holes in the rock. Below the rocks, and down to the
gully, bits of malachite and various oxides and carbonates were found on the
surface, also ironstone, gossan, killas, limestone, sandstone, and greenstone. (Austin,
1863.)
Professor Ulrich says that this is described as a small conical mountain of green-
stone thickly impregnated with green carbonate and red oxide of copper. “ All
these copper outcrops are situated within but a comparatively small extent of
country, viz., in the wild mountainous district between the Stanley and Yudna-
mutana Mines, which seem to have a special attraction for prospectors, yet it is
my opinion, for geological reasons, that not only this small part, but the whole
belt of rangy country N. of the main range-stretching from W. of the Yudna-
mutana Mines towards the Freeling Heights-has good chance of containing copper
ore deposists and, perhaps, also gold-of lodes of the former the best defined and
COPPER.
149
most promising very probably in the lower rangy country, at the foot of the high
steep mountains; and also that the S. side of that range, which seems hitherto to
have been neglected, deserves, for similar reasons, the attention of the prospector."
(Ulrich, 1872.)
A departmental report on the Wheal Frost, dated October 18th, 1901, states
that three men were at work quarrying copper ore from a perpendicular cliff of
quartzite highly stained with green copper carbonate, and carrying bunches of
grey ore, malachite, and ferruginous copper ore Since September, 1900, 204 tons
of 25 per cent. had been obtained and forwarded to the smelters. À further report,
dated August 27th, 1902, shows that no further work had been done, and the claim
was abandoned.
WHEAL GLEESON.-One of the Yadnamutana mines. There are three shafts.
The lode strikes irregularly N. and S., with a dip steeply E. It is apparently from
1ft. to 3ft. in thickness only, and consists, near the surface, of rubbly slate, mullock
full of veins, and irregular masses of brown and micaceous iron ore, enclosing seams,
solid patches, and coatings of earthy malachite. (Ulrich, 1872.)
This was at one time a portion of the Yudnamutana holding, and is situated
on the opposite side of the creek. Three shafts have been sunk, the deepest being
a little over 100ft., and, judging from the quantity of material on the dumps, a
considerable amount of work has been done, but the underground workings could
not be examined. On the surface the lode has been worked for about 7 chains
in length, and from 3ft. to 8ft. in depth; it varies from 1ft. to 4ft. in width, and
consists of slaty lode matter, containing a number of small veins, carrying micaceous
iron, malachite, and a little green carbonate. The strike is about N. and S., with
an E. underlie. (I.M.R., 29-7-99.)
WHEAL HANCOCK MINE.-Locality, adjacent to the Welcome Mine, 68 miles
N.E. from Beltana. There is a good lode distinctly traceable for about 250yds.
It is about 18in. wide, and consists of fine grey oxide. There are veins and stains
of ore, with small pieces of malachite scattered on the surface near the lode, which
runs N.E. and S.W., underlying W. into the hill. (Austin, 1863.)
WHEAL HUGHES MINE.—This property is situated not more than a mile distant
on the N. side of Moonta, and N.W. of Moonta Mine. In the outset the discoverers
obtained a good deposit of yellow ore coated black. This cut out, and a good deal
of money was spent in further search. The mine then lay unworked for a number
of years, but in 1890 an unsuccessful effort was made to rework the property, which
is believed to contain valuable lodes. About to be restarted. (1899.)
Now included in the Paramatta and Yelta property.
WHEAL HUMBY MINE.-Situated 4 miles S.W. from Moonta. Indications,
similar to those at the Moonta, led to sinking to a depth of 4 fathoms, when the
back of the lode was cut, consisting of ironstone mixed with green carbonate of
copper. (Austin, 1863.)
WHEAL JAMES.—This mine, adjacent to the Wheal Hughes, was discovered prior
to, and led to, the finding of the Paramatta, and at one time a great deal of ex-
ploratory work was done. The quantity of ore raised was not remunerative, and
operations ceased. A good opinion is still held respecting this venture, though it
has not been worked for many years. Work to be resumed. (1899.)
Now included in the Paramatta and Yelta property.
WHEÁL MARIA.—This mine is situated 18 miles S.E. from Adelaide. It was
opened as a copper mine about the year 1850, but not being immediately productive
and the prospectors lacking capital, it was abandoned. About the year 1886 it
was reopened as a silver lead mine. (See ALMANDA, page 163.) .
WHEAL MARIA.-Situated between the Daly and Yudnamutana mines, has a
good lode of ore traceable for 130yds. N. and S., in a favorable country for copper.
(Austin, 1863.)
WHEAL GOLD COPPER MINE.- This was a speculative venture, situated N.E.
of the Mattapara, taken up in the expectation of discovering a continuation of
the Matta para lode, and abandoned some years ago. (1874.)
150
MINING RECORDS.
WHEAL MIXTER.—Locality, close to the beach, near Wallaroo. It was worked
by Captain Hughes long before the discovery of the Wallaroo Mine, copper ore
having been picked up freely. The influx of water prevented work being continued.
WHEAL SARAH MINE (also known as the “ Bundaleer”).—Situated in the neighbor-
hood of the Bundaleer Station. There are three E. and W. lodes, with a dip of
75°. They have been worked a few feet only. The ores are micaceous iron mixed
with green carbonates and sulphurets. The country is hard siliceous white and
brown rock, with bands of grey arenaceous slates and brown sandstone, with a dip
W. 85° to 90°. (Selwyn, 1859.) It is stated that specimens of the ore exbibited
in Green's Exchange in 1858 ran to 50 per cent. for metallic copper.
WHEAL STUART MINE.—Situated about 31 miles S.S.E. from Moonta. A quantity
of green carbonate ore was found on the surface. A shaft was sunk 81 fathoms,
through gossan, steatite, ironstone, and quartz. Austin, 1863.)
WHEAL SUSAN MINE.—Locality, on the E. plain, near Paralana. There is a
strong lode of ironstone running above the surface for 50 or 60 yards, containing
grey copper ore and green carbonate. There is also a good crosscourse running
into the lode. (Austin, 1863.)
WHEAL TURNER (now known as the “ Red Bluff").—This mine, situated about 6
miles S.W. from Yudnamutana, was examined by the Inspector of Mines in October,
1889. A bold hill of quartzose rock, rising abruptly from a creek 400ft., shows
several copper-bearing lodes running N. and E. In No. 1 shaft (50ft.) a large
lode of excellent copper is disclosed, and No. 2 (16ft.) shows a kindly formation,
good walls, and a fair percentage of copper in rich veins. Other good prospects
on the property have not been opened up much, but prove that there is a large
extent of cupriferous country. The difficulty in working this mine is its distance
from a railway, so that the ores require dressing to a high percentage for transit.
Mr. Barrett, the secretary, furnished (April, 1890) the following particulars :-
There are eight lodes upon the property, varying in width from 4ft. to 20ft., and four shafts
have been sunk, following the dip of the lode, the greatest depth reached being 54ft. The ore
consists of green carbonate, azurite, copper glance, grey ore, and red oxide, the matrix being
quartz and iron, and the country is sandstone and clayslate. The bulk average assay shows
25 per cent. copper, from hand-dressed ore; and the mine, which has a satisfactory prospect,
is as yet only in its infancy.
The Inspector examined the mine in October, 1890, and reported that a shallow
pit had been sunk on a large lode in the N.E. section, from which carbonate of
copper had been taken, the enclosing strata consisting of micaceous schist and sand-
stone. The main workings were half-way up a high rugged hill, which exhibited
an immense outcrop of quartzite veins, and bunches of very rich carbonate and
cuprite ore penetrated for a long distance along its course. Several shallow shafts
had been sunk on the footwall of the lode, the deepest being only 54ft. All the open
workings and pits examined showed payable ore. A spur vein, sunk upon 8ft.,
carried some very good ore, covered with soft calcareous clay. W. of the main
workings is a large outcrop of earthy iron ore, which should be tested for silver. On
the N.W. section there is an outcrop of calcspar, in which is carbonate of copper.
The Government Geologist examined this mine in 1893 and described the workings.
He stated that places were shown in the cuttings or stopes where bunches of rich
copper ore, namely, grey and red oxide, carbonate, and chloride, had been extracted,
and that there was every indication of a good lode existing below. Fine gold was
visible in the gossan. There is in the claim an ironstone blow, apparently a lode
outcrop, and quartz reefs. Up to date little work had been done beyond stoping
out the ore in sight on the surface and driving tunnels. An auriferous mullocky
formation is in No. 2 tunnel, and the kaolin and iron ore veins are similar to the rich
auriferous veins worked on the Echunga Goldfields. The property should be more
thoroughly prospected.
The Inspector of Mines, Mr. W. H. Matthews, reports in July, 1899:--The work-
ings are on a round knob formation, rising abruptly to the height of about 350ft.
above the level of the creek. The lode, so far as can be ascertained, can only be
COPPER.
154
seen on the S.W. side of the knob, about 50ft. from the top, running for some 50yds.
in length; it is mineralised, the prevailing metal being copper, blue and green
carbonates; the enclosing rock is chiefly quartzite. The principal workings con-
sist of two tunnels and two shafts, also a water shaft, sunk some distance away.
No. ) tunnel has been driven about 90ft., passing through a lode formation about
20ft. in width, of low-grade copper material, very siliceous, and intermixed with
intrusive rock, the veins of ore being principally green carbonate. Fifty feet from
the hill top, and slightly N. of the tunnel, an opening bas disclosed a vein of iron-
stone and malachite, but of very low value. No. 1 shaft, situated about 80yds. in
a S. direction, is an underlie shaft sunk on the lode formation to a depth of over
100ft. ; the lode matter is of a sandy friable nature, and contains seams of copper-
stained ironstone. No. 2 shaft, about 50yds. further in the same direction, is about
80ft. deep; it could not be examined, but, judging from the surface dump, is
still in country rock. No. 2 tunnel has been driven 356ft., a considerable depth
below No. 1 ; at about 180ft. a broken formation was passed through 20ft. wide,
containing a number of copper-stained ironstone veins, not of any particular value.
Samples taken gave the following results :-
Ferruginous quartz, assayed for gold and silver, nil.
Quartz and malachite, gold and silver, nil; copper, 21 per cent.
Siliceous material, gold and silver, nil,
Siliceous ironstone and malachite, gold and silver, nil ; copper, 2 per cent.
(I.M.R., 27-7-99.)
Only small and desultory operations in the way of prospecting and ore-picking
from the old dumps have taken place here for a good many years.
WARNER'S.—Adjoining Mount Fitton South Mine on the S.W. An opening
has been made in a large quartz lode, which carries copper glance in large and
small bunches and disseminated in splashes, and also carbonates in stains and
coatings. It strikes N. 70° E., and underlies S. at a very flat angle, and can be
traced along the surface for over 10 chains. The thickness has not yet been deter-
mined, but the outcrop exceeds 20ft. From an open cut, 25ft. long and 6ft. deep,
2 tons of hand-picked ore and 5 tons of concentrating material has been taken.
Should be tested at depth. (George, 27-8-02.)
WHITE ANTS (RILEY’s).-S. of and nearly adjoining the Lady Buxton. A shaft
has been sunk 17ft., and a tunnel 10ft. long, driven on two different veins of quartz,
carrying small splashes of copper glance and occasional specks of gold. The quartz
in each place varies from 3in. to 12in, in thickness, and is worth further prospecting.
(George, 27-8-02.)
WHITE LEAD.--Situated 3 miles S.W. of Mount Lyndhurst. A little prospecting
has been done by trial pits and cross trenches for a considerable length, and 100ft.
in width, on a strongly mineralised formation, traversed by veins of carbonate and
grey ore, from 6in. to 2ft. in width, and from which, even with the small amount
of work done, several tons of fair-grade ore had been sent away. A sample taken
from the veins assayed 13 per cent. The property should be further prospected
by sinking a shaft in the centre of the formation, and crosscutting on each side,
at a reasonable depth. (I.M.R., 2-8-99.)
WHYTE PARK MINE.- Locality, forest reserye, Wirra bara. Prospecting has
been done by means of three shafts, two winzes, and two drives. Copper ore of
poor quality has been found, in conjunction with calcite. Quite as much testing
has been done as the indications and locality warrant. (Inspector of Mines, 1890.)
WILLIGUN HILL MINE.—Locality, adjoining the Stanley Mine, 2 miles S. from
Mount MacDonald. On the S.W. portion a shaft has been sunk 30ft. (Inspector
Mr. D. D. Rosewarne, 2-10–90) on the footwall of a very large lode of ferruginous
quartzite, and good copper obtained. Strike of lode 90°, with a dip S. The
enclosing strata consist of indurated slates and sandstone. It is a good mineral
property, and should have adequate capital for development.
152
MINING RECORDS.
WILLOURAN MINE.-Situated 14 miles S.W. from Hergott, and about 5 miles N.
from Willouran Hill. This mine was opened about the year 1880, and 100 tons of
copper ore was raised and sent away, the average produce being 24 per cent. of
fine copper. The ore is very ferruginous, and is combined with oxides and
oxychlorides of copper. The lode is traceable along the range for a distance of
4 miles, and ore has been found, with a few slight breaks, for several miles further.
A shaft was sunk to a depth of 50ft., and a drive was put in for about 100ft. on the
course of the lode. Nodules, apparently of iron, are found on the surface, but, when
broken, the iron is found to be but a thin coating, the bulk of the stone being grey
oxide of copper of 35 or 40 per cent. The district further N., beyond the “ Dome,'
contains other rich deposits of copper. (Austin.)
WINDITTIE MINE (also known as the “ Arno Bay Mine").-Hundred of Mann,
Franklin Harbor District. In the early “ seventies” a shaft was sunk on a lode
showing green and blue carbonates. A strong influx of water was met with, and
a whim was erected, but operations were discontinued for years. In November,
1903, Inspector Matthews says, "From my examination of this property the pros-
pects appeared to me sufficiently good to warrant the expenditure of unwatering
the shaft to ascertain its true value below water-level ; until this is done no reliable
opinion can be given in regard to its future prospects.” (I.M.R., 5-11-03.)
WIPERAMINGA MINE.-Situated near. Boolcoomata, 43 miles N.E. of Mannahill.
Two or three shafts and open cuttings have been made on quartzite reefs, stained
with blue and green carbonate of copper. The quartzite and micaceous schists
and slates are penetrated by coarse granite dykes. This mine has been
abandoned for some time, and, as far as can be judged, no defined lode has been
found. (1885.)
WIRRAWILKA MINE.—This property is situated 14 miles E. from Hawker, and
about 2 miles N. from Mount Plantagenet. The rocks of the country seem princi-
pally to consist of metamorphic slates and limestone. Some irregular workings
in the limestone appear, from specimens left on the ground, to have yielded some
very good ore, grey oxide of copper enclosed in concretionary masses of green car-
bonate. The ore appears to occur in pockets, as there is no evidence of a lode
crossing the limestone. The limestone is hard, sometimes coarsely crystalline,
and is coated with green carbonate, and shows abundant joints and crevices.
Another batch of workings consists of one deep and four shallow shafts, sunk in line,
over a length of 3 chains. The ore deposit here is a contact lode, bearing a great
resemblance to that of the Yudnamutana Mine. It runs at a strike of N. 15° E.,
greenstone and chloritic and micaceous slates; these near the surface are very soft
and friable. The copper ore raised appears to have been green carbonate, rarely
associated with grey oxide of copper. From masses lying near the shafts, it would
seem as if micaceous iron ore, calcite, and lode slate were the nearly exclusive occu-
pants of the lode fissure, and that the copper ore occurred very sparingly through
them. A mineral, abundant in the spoil heap of the deepest shaft, of lavendar-blue
color and fibrous texture, proved to be the rare species of crocidolite or blue asbestos.
(Ulrich, 1872.)
WIRRAPOWIE MINE.-Situated about 3 miles S.E. from Mount Brooke. The follow-
ing information concerning its early history is extracted from a letter, dated October
18th, 1899, written by the late H. Paull, 4 well-known miner and prospector of the
northern districts :-" The Wirrapowie Mine was first opened by me, and is a true
fissure lode traceable for at least one mile I cannot remember the quantity of ore
I sent from the mine, but sank the deepest shaft 13 fathoms before I was joined by
Messrs. H. C. Swan and J. Warwick. Conjointly we attained a depth of 23 fathoms,
the lode still going down strong: but the price of copper becoming low, we aban-
doned. The lode trends E. and W., dipping S. towards an enormous course of iron,
COPPER.
153
and I am of opinion that at the junction of the two a big thing will be the result.
Some work has been done since I was there, and I am informed that water has been
cut. One of my assays of a parcel sent down gave 33 per cent. copper, 15dwts.
gold, and 50zs. silver.”
WOMAN IN WHITE MINE (MOUNT CULTALGA).— Worked both for copper and gold.
Situated 1} miles S. of old Boo!cocmata Station. The lode is very large, and con-
sists of quartzose, feldspathic, ferruginous veinstone, often stained with carbonate
of copper. Its width is unknown, as no walls or junction with the bedrock have
been observed. The workings consist of an excavation from 30ft. to 40ft. wide,
and from 20ft. to 30ft. deep, from which has come about 1,000 tons of stone for crush-
ing. The yield of gold per ton has varied from 8dwts. to 17dwts. In addition to
the excavation, several prospecting holes have been sunk along the line of reef.
The water-level is about 70ft. from the surface. The gold is fine, and is disseminated
through the veinstone, which, besides being stained with carbonate of copper, often
carries copper pyrites. The bedrock consists of metamorphic, micaceous, and horn-
blendic gneissic schists, traversed by coarse granite dykes. In the vicinity of
the workings there is a mass of diorite and micaceous diorite. A further explora-
tion is desirable, as there is good reason to suppose that payable gold will be met
with. (1887.) At a later period the Inspector of Mines reported that the general
appearance of the lode matrix was siinilar to the richer portions of the reef exposed
in the Alma and Victoria Mine, and that it was a fair prospect, worthy of a full test,
A feature in this mine was the occurrence of native copper in the country rock.
Mr. Inspector Matthews reports in February, 1900: — The principal workings
have been confined to block 1467, and consist of an open inclined cut 25ft. wide,
nearly 100ft. in length, and from 50ft. to 60ft. in depth at the deepest point. From
this a large quantity of quartzose, ferruginous material has been raised, which, it
was stated, yielded from 8dwts. to 17dwts, of gold per ton. No defined lode or
walls are visible, and it has the appearance of a mass of country rock, strongly
copper-stained throughout, with, in places, seams of blue and green carbonates
and bunches of copper pyrites, but of low grade in bulk. From the surface down
to about 20ft. the excavation was previously worked for gold, the material from
the surface to that depth containing small iron seams, which have filtered through
the joints of the rock, said to have contained gold to the amount stated. About
2 chains in an easterly direction three shafts have been sunk, the deepest being
about 50ft., but judging from the debris on surface, no metal-bearing formation has
yet been encountered. Twenty chains W. of the main workings two small shafts
have been sunk, about 20ft. each, in hard micaceous diorite, showing copper stains
and small bunches of ore, but in no defined vein, and of little value. In block 1766
two openings have been made, 6ft. deep, on what is apparently a parallel formation;
each discloses copper-bearing material of low value. One of the openings also
contains a considerable amount of iron, and might be further tested by sinking a
few feet deeper. It was stated that previous to the suspension of operations 78 tons
of 7 per cent. copper ore had been sent away. Samples taken assayed as follows :-
No. 1. Ten feet deep, N. side of open cut .. 4dwts. gold
No. 2. " " S. side of open cut .. trace 6
No. 3. Open cut. 20ft. deep..... ...... 5dwts. “ 1 per cent. copper
No. 4. Bottom of open cut ............... 63 per cent. copper
No. 5. "
............... 4 "
(I.M.R., 19-2-00.)
WHITFORD's.—Situated about of a mile S. from Depot Springs. A shaft, 20ft.
deep, with a drive at the bottom of 8ft., and several shallow pits and costeans, have
been made on a vein of siliceous ironstone and ferruginous calcite, carrying small
bunches of copper glance and ferruginous copper ore. About 4 tons of ore were
raised and sent away, but the amount of copper in the vein seems very small.
(George, 27–8–02.) :
154
. MINING RECORDS.
TT T
WILLIAM'S.-S.E. and adjoining Whitford's Claim. A pit has been sunk on a
vein of specular iron about 9in. thick, carrying a little copper glance, and another
pit has been sunk in dolomitic limestone, which carries small splashes of copper
glance. (George, 27-8-02.)
WOODLAMULKA (formerly known as “ Utanda," and "Anker and Garrett's Claim”).
--Situated about 4 miles N. from Wooltana Station. Here a lode, consisting of
quartz, ferruginous calcspar, and argillaceous matter, carrying copper glanice,
blue and green carbonates, and iron oxides, strikes N. 65° E. and underlies
S.E. at an angle of 730. An inclined shaft has been sunk to a depth of 100ft.
drives put in at the 100ft. and 150ft. levels, and stoping done, and about 10 tons of
ore sent away. The lode seems to vary from 6in. to 20in., but walls are not
properly defined. About 45ft. S.W. of No. 1 another shaft has been sunk 75ft.
on the hanging-wall side of the lode, but has been dismantled. About 8 chains
N.E. from the main workings à shaft has been put down about 18ft. on a
vein of calcite, ferricalcite, and iron oxide, carrying green carbonate and splashes
and bunches of copper glance, and ruby oxides. It appears to be a continuation
of the vein in the main workings, and is from 3in. to 15in. thick. Worth further
prospecting. (George, 27–8–02.)
A later report says :- The old workings consist of several shafts sunk on an
irregular lode formation consisting of argillaceous matter, ferruginous calcspar,
and quartz, carrying veins and bunches of blue and green carbonates and copper
glance ; it can be traced on the surface for about 4 chains, strikes a little to the S.
of W. and dips S.; the width appears considerable, but has not yet been defined.
Recently a prospecting underlie shaft, about 30ft. deep, has been sunk on a copper-
carrying vein, about 15in. thick, which at the bottom turns vertical. A small
parcel of ore sent to market from this returned 31 per cent. copper. On a rise,
about 6 chains to the N.E., a shaft has been sunk and some excavations made on a
copper-carrying formation, which is probably a continuation of the lode at the W.
workings. Small parcels of very rich ore have been obtained from both places at
various times, and prospects warrant a systematic and careful trial. Copper stains
are seen on the rocks at several points in the vicinity, and the surrounding country
is well worth prospecting. (D.R. (Gee), 10-9-06.)
WOMBAT COPPER MINE.- This is situated near Kadina, and was discovered
through a wombat hole exhibiting carbonate ore. It was eventually incorporated
with the Wallaroo Mipe property.
WORTHING MINE.—This is situated near Morphett Vale, 16 miles S. from Ade-
laide. This wine has been abandoned for many years, owing to the hardness of
the ground, and because the ore was not found in payable quantities. The lode
strikes E. and W., and contains quartz, iron, and copper pyrites. The rocks are
clayslate. There are several shafts, and the pumps are still in the mine. A report
reached London in 1859 that the ore from this mine averaged 15 per cent. for copper,
and rich carbonates and good black and yellow ore were in the mine.
WYACCA MINE.—Locality, section 1, hundred of Basedow. It was worked until
1867. The Government Geologist reported upon this property in 1896, stating
that several shafts had been sunk and cuttings made over a considerable area and
on various veins of ore. Workings had been recently resumed, and in an underlie
shaft a vein of rich copper ore was being stoped out, its thickness being from lin. to
8in. ; but the footwall was well defined, and gave indications of permanency of the
vein. The lode underlies 60° to 70° N., and strikes W.S.W. The ors, which is
associated with carbonate of iron, calcspar, &c., consists of rich sulphides and
oxides. The underlie shaft should be sunk to a greater depth. At the old aban-
doned workings in the vicinity there are evidences of copper ore having been raised
from veins of considerable size in connection with calcareous and siliceous outcrops.
The bedrock consists of clayslates, claystone, calcareous clayslates, limestone,
quartzite, sandstone, &c.
COPPER.
155
The Government Geologist, in February, 1899, again reported upon this mine,
stating that the underlie shaft, 145ft., was connected with a vertical shaft, 120ft.,
by a crosscut 40ft. long. The walls of the lode are smooth and true, and about
4ft. apart, the copper-bearing portion being on the hanging-wall. In the W. end of
the level it is 2ft. 2in. thick, and in the E. end 4in.; between the two points it varies
from 1ft. 6in. to 2ft.' The veinstone consists of spathic iron and calcspar richly
impregnated with copper pyrites, erubescite, and occasionally oxides. A small
parallel vein accompanies the main lode, about 8ft. or 10ft. distant. Drives on the
lode at present depth would probably lead to the discovery of payable deposits of
ore, and the lode appears likely to continue to a considerable depth. The inclined
shaft should be continued, and drives on the course of the lode should also be put
in at a deeper level. In that way the mine could be economically developed. A
sample taken from the veinstone assayed 261 per cent. for copper, fine tailings 141
per cent., and veinstone from the bottom of the shaft 104 per cent. About 1,000ft.
away S. 14° E. another shaft has been sunk on the lode formation of considerable
width in places, with a good footwall. Bunches of good copper ore occur in a
ferruginous and calcareous lode, striking N. 85° E., and dipping N. 56º. The
shafts are 40ft. and 60ft. deep respectively, and copper ore has been traced 600ft.
along the strike. There should be deeper sinking and crosscuts to prospect this
lode.
· WORTURPA (McLEISH'S).-Situated in the Illinawortina Pound. On the hill,
above the old workings, a pit 9ft. deep has been sunk on a new lode, which strikes
N. and S. and dips at 65° to the E. It consists of ferruginous quartz, siliceous
ironstone, ferruginous copper ore, with malachite and azurite. The copper-bearing
portion of the lode is bin. thick at the surface and 2ft. hin, at the bottom; neither
wall of the lode is exposed. An average sample from the bottom assayed-gold,
3dwts. : silver, 170zs.; and copper, 173 per cent. (5–7–01.)
. YALPOODNIE MINE.-Situated in the neighborhood of Franklin Harbor. One
shaft was sunk to about 20 fathoms, but no work has been done upon the mine for
many years. Prospecting operations have been recently resumed. (31-12-06.)
YATTAGOLINGA COPPER AND LEAD MINE.-At Rapid Bay a lead and copper mine
was discovered and purchased by Mr. H. W. Phillips, in February, 1844. The lodes
of lead are close to the surface and are easily worked. The produce was 75 per cent.
lead and from 22ozs. to 250zs. silver per ton. The copper lodes were found cropping
out on the surface and showing also in the face of the cliffs fronting the sea, at a depth
of 400ft. or 500ft. from the top. The ores consisted of grey, yellow, and peacock
ores. About 50 tons of silver-lead ore were raised. The workings were stopped
partly from want of proper superintendence and partly because Messrs. Phillips
gave up a station which they had held in the neighborhood. The ground is rather
hard, but the situation cannot be surpassed for the facilities which it affords for
dressing and shipping away the ore, a stream of water constantly running through
the valley at the foot of the mine. Some fine white marble is found on this and the
adjoining land. There are also other mineral deposits in the neighborhood. (Austin,
1863.)
YELDA MINE.— This is one of the Yudnamutana group of mines. A fine regular
lode is visible for nearly 300yds., running S.E. by E. There are also two secondary
lodes running parallel to the main lode. (Austin, 1863.)
YELTA COPPER MINE.Formerly, for some years, worked with success, and at
present (1899) comprised in the Moonta Mine properties. In 1891 the Inspector of
Mines examined the property, which he described as adjacent to Moonta Mine, on
its N. side, and comprising seven 80-acre sections. The mine being full of water.
he was indebted to Captains R. Cowling and Nancarrow for information. The trial
shaft had been sunk 156ft, on the course of the middle lode, within a few chains of
the Moonta boundary. The lode was well defined, and had yielded small quantities
of rich ore. At a short distance N. Scott's shaft had been sunk 338ft. on the course
of Wearing's lode. This shaft was started about 1864, and hundreds of tons of ore
156
MINING RECORDS.
had been hauled from it during the 10 or 12 years of its continuous working. Close
to Scott's is the old working shaft known as Wearing's, used for ventilation. Hughes'
shaft had been sunk at about 600ft. N. of Scott's to a depth of 180ft., for the most
part on the course of the lode. Good ore in fair quantity had been raised from these
workings. E. of Hughes's a shaft had been put down 240ft. on Hancock's lode ;
and Lindsay's shaft was sunk to a depth of 60ft., a short distance N. of the last-
mentioned sinking, but was then discontinued owing to the inflow of water. N.E.
Wright's shaft was put down 540ft., 90ft. vertical, the remainder following the dip
of the lode. Chambers' shaft was sunk 180ft., and the Office shaft 420ft., and holed
to Wright's at different levels. The Tank shaft had been sunk 240ft.; and Tux-
ford's 240ft., 60ft. vertical, and then following the dip of the lode.; and Wyley's
shaft 90ft., the latter being discontinued because of the influx of water. The ore
from Wright's and adjoining shafts is refractory, consisting of magnetite and chal-
copyrite, which cannot be dressed by ordinary treatment; but thousands of tons
were ready for stoping. The mine was, in the opinion of the Inspector, worthy of
being vigorously worked, as the Moonta Mine lodes should pass through the pro-
perty. It is stated that the mine has been acquired by English capitalists; and
arrangements are now in progress for forking the water and carrying on the workings.
(1899 edition.)
The Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H. Matthews) visited the mine in December,
1902. No work had been done for a considerable time, beyond keeping the mine
clear of water. The manager, Captain Cowling, informed the inspector that the
main shaft has been sunk to a depth of 720ft., the lode in the bottom being
fully 5ft. wide, of an average value of 51 per cent. copper per ton, and that no
stoping had been done below the 540ft. level; beneath this about 600ft. of drives
and winzes had been made, preparatory to stoping. There are large quantities
of various classes of ore on the surface that can be treated eventually. The inspec-
tor considers the property a valuable one, and mentions that molybdenite shows
freely in the main ora dumps. (I.M.R., 13-12–02.)
This property has been acquired by a French company, and is worked in con-
junction with the Paramatta Mine.
Later the Inspector reports that work is being vigorously proceeded with ; about
300 men are employed on the surface and underground works. The main shaft
has now reached a total depth of 244 fathoms, with drives N. and S. opened out at
the 55, 65, 79, 90, 106, 120, 140, and 160 fathom levels, with winzes connecting
from one to the other, except the latter, which will shortly be accomplished, as
rising and sinking from the 140 and the 160 fathom levels are in progress for that
purpose. From each level below the 79 fathom drive, there are large quantities
of ore available for stoping, apparently of similar value to that being treated. The
lode ranges from 4ft. to 8ft., giving probably an average of 6ft, in width. The main
shoot of ore in the upper levels is 150ft. long, and at the 140-fathom level is fully
200ft. in length, showing that as the lode continues down each level leaves a larger
quantity of ore available for extraction. The character of the ore raised is similar
to the other mines in that locality, with the exception of a much larger quantity
of iron, which is suitable for flux in the smelting operations. The copper contents
of the crude ore raised is from 3 per cent. to 4 per cent. ; by hand-sorting and the aid
of machinery, this is increased to about 6 per cent. ; it is then passed through the
smelting surface, returning about 8 tons of matte per day of an average value of
30 per cent. copper. From 50 per cent. to 60 per cent. of the ore is sent direct to
the smelter, the balance, or portions which contain more than the average quantity
of silica, is taken to the Paramatta works, and concentrated previous to smelting
operations. Portions of the lode contain small deposits of molybdenite, which, so
far as possible, is kept separate from the other material, and realised on in its crude
state. The principal machinery consists of a double-cylinder winding engine,
pumping plant, air compressor for rock drills, blast furnace, small sorting plant,
tram roads, and the usual necessary appliances for the economical working of the
COPPER.
157
mine. Judging from the quantity of ore available in the upper levels, and general
appearance of the lower, there is every probability of the mine continuing to yield
good returns. (I.M.R., 31-1-05.) (See also PARAMATTA, page 111.)
YOOTOOMOOKINA MINE.-Situated 16 miles E. from Blinman. It has a N. and
S. lode of copper traceable for nearly a mile. It is about 5ft. wide, carrying good
ore 15in. thick. The underlie is W. about 1ft. in the fathom. (Austin, 1863.)
YORKE VALLEY (formerly “ Maitland Copper Mine"). About 4 miles N.E. from
Maitland, Yorke Peninsula. The secretary reported that blue and green carbonates
found on the surface led to a shaft being sunk on the dip of the lode, which is 4ft.
wide, yielding grey and yellow ore. (1890 edition.)
Recently operations, to a certain extent, have been restarted on the property,
and it is proposed to test the ground at depth by a, diamond drill.
YUDNAMUTANA.-Situated about 70 miles S. of E. of Farina. In commencing
his report on this place, Professor Ulrich says :-“ The district in which these
mines are situated, i.e., amongst the northern spurs of the Yudnamutana Range,
is both physically and geologically the most interesting I have visited on my northern
trip, and, I may in advance mention, presents abundant indications of mineral
deposits outside those already opened ; in fact, it has not only the aspect of, but
possesses also, certain geological characteristics generally found in rich mineral
country. Its features are along the S. part-though on a small scale--wildly
Alpine in character, presenting bare, brown-looking, precipitous mountains and
broken spurs, studded with fanciful cliffs and peaks, divided by narrow rifts and
gorges, whilst, in picturesque contrast, tower gently sloping hills; and less broken
ranges, covered with coarse vegetation, succeed towards the N. As regards the
geological interest attaching to the district, and which embraces the conditions by
analogy favorable for mineral riches, it lies in the presence of an intrusive rock-
a peculiar kind of greenstone-with metamorphic concomitants of great variety
in texture and mineral character.”
The following information has been condensed from the report :—The chief and
most developed ore deposit is a so-called “contact lode." It runs within the
boundary of the intrusive rock on the E, and the accompanying metamorphic
schists on the W., lying in places between the two or traversing one, sometimes the
other, rock in its course. Its mean strike is N. 10° W. and its dip E. at 70° to 80°,
whilst the metamorphic rocks adjoining strike N. 40° to 45° W. and dip S.W. at
60° to 70°. The lode seems to have varied from 2ft. to 15ft. in thickness, and has
been traced S., from the top of the hill to close upon 20 chains in length. At the
furthest point S. a vertical shaft has been sunk about 50ft. deep. The ore produced
from this was very poor, consisting of brown jaspery quartz, full of veins and patches
of micaceous iron and ochrey-brown iron ore, with many scattered green stains and
coatings in hollows and joints. Nine chains N. from this shaft is a whim shaft sunk
beneath the water-level. Ore raised from this shows for the greater part a kind of
breccia, composed of brown jaspery-looking ferruginous limestone, brown iron ore,
and chrysocolla, associated with malachite and occasionally azurite. Of sulphide
ore no traces were observable. Besides fine pieces of malachite and chrysocolla
there were some smaller ones of reddish-grey oxide, which would indicate that the
ore from this portion of the lode was of very goood quality. From an excavation
on top of the hill a large quantity of rich ore-silicate, carbonates, and oxides of
copper—was obtained. The W. wall of this pit consists of metamorphic slates
striking N.W. and dipping S.W. at 65° ; the E. one of massive greenstone, showing
here and there small protruding bosses of a syenitic character. The lode shows
in the N. face of the pit, but is thin and apparently very poor, and continues so on
the surface. In open workings and in a tunnel close by the ore was of a similar
character. Judging from the appearance of the district there is no reason why
gold should not exist and be found, both in the reefs and the creeks, if properly
prospected for. (Gold was found later, both here and at Wallace's Gully, near the
Wheal FrostSee under " GOLD.")
158
MINING RECORDS.
Professor Ulrich, in concluding, remarks :-"From the positions and size of the
workings and nature of the ore along the line of the main lode, as just described,
it must be concluded that, as far at least as its surface portion is concerned, the
latter is not uniformly well-developed throughout, but consists of a series of bunches
of larger and smaller size, and probably also of variable richness. On account of
the whim shaft being full of water, and the absence of all conveniences for descending
the old workings, I was not able to ascertain the nature of the lode in depth, and
can therefore not offer an opinion as to its future prospects; but so much I may
venture to say, that, although its character as a 'contact lode' renders it on the
one hand subject to irregularities in thickness, strike, and dip, it is, on the other
hand, favorable for its permanence in depth, as experienced in lodes of the same
kind in other mining countries ;, and as long as the lode continues there is, of course,
chance for ore. According to Captain Terrell (formerly manager of the mine) a
fine vein of rich green ore (probably chrysocolla and malachite) exists in the bottom
of the whim shaft, and similar payable ore was also left in the deepest parts of the
hill workings, intended to be opened up from the latter. As this ore will no doubt
change in depth to sulphide, the large quantity of micaceous iron at present accom-
panying it would certainly cause some trouble in dressing. Captain Terrell ob-
served, however, that this undesirable associate decreases gradually in depth."
(Ulrich, 1872.)
Mr. Vinrace Lawrence, who was secretary of the company from 1865 to 1873,
kindly informs us that three huge blocks of ore weighing 4 tons, 2} tons, and 2 tons
were exhibited at the International Exhibition in London in 1862. Immediately
after the break up of the drought, 900 tons, which had been raised prior to the
drought (300 tons of which averaged 50 per cent.), was carted down to the
Blinman and formed part of £40,046—produce of the two mines (Yudnamutana
and Blinman) realised up to February, 1867.
Inspector Matthews reports : — During the time of active operations a large
quantity of copper ore was raised, but for some years all underground works have
been suspended, and, consequently, the surface workings only could be examined.
The strike of the lode, which ranges in width from 2ft. to 16ft., is N. 10° W., and
has been worked on the surface for about 20 chains in length. The largest deposit
of ore, consisting of carbonates and oxides of copper, was obtained from an opening
on tle top of the rise. A main shaft, with whim, has been sunk below water-level,
the oie raised consisting of brown quartz, with veins and bunches of micaceous iron,
containing green copper stains. Men were then engaged dressing up to 25 per cent.
the old material, previously left in the dumps from various parts of the mine. They
had sent away about 30 tons, and about 10 tons more was ready for transit. Al-
though the property could not be thoroughly examined, yet, judging from the large
quantity of ore previously raised, and the continuous lode formation, which has
every appearance of permanency, the mine is considered well worth opening up.
(I.M.R., July, 1899.)
Departmental reports furnish the following information :-Opened up originally
in the early sixties, and after a few years' work operations ceased, and the mine was
abandoned and remained so until 1897, when it was again taken up and the old
ore dumps and spoil heaps were picked over and a little desultory prospecting done.
Lately (report of October, 1901) the property has been taken over by a small work-
ing syndicate. The old workings consist of four shafts, from three of which drives
of various lengths were put in, and in two of the shafts stoping was carried on.
Two open cuts were put down and winzes sunk in each, and a considerable amount
of surface costeaning and trenching done. One of the shafts, known as Whim shaft,
was sunk 73ft., and met with good water at 58ft. from the surface. It is stated
that near the bottom of this shaft drives have been put in for 150ft. N. and 300ft.
S. The other three shafts are in bad condition, and depths not obtainable. The
open cuts, through the rotting of the timber and being unworked so long, had be-
come mullocked up by the sides falling in. The larger of these open cuts has been
COPPER.
159
cleaned out by the present holders, and shows 78ft. long, with an average width at
surface of 21ft., and 44ft. deep for 38ft. in length. Two trenches, 12ft. and 38ft. in
length, are respectively 7ft. 6in. and 14ft. 6in. above the level of the bottom of the
open cut. These are being cut down, preparatory to deeper sinking. The ore-body
in the bottom of the open cut is 8ft. 9in. thick, and consists principally of cleaved and
jointed slate, with a little chlorite, and carries irregular veins and bunches, from a
few inches to 2ft. thick, of ferruginous copper ore, grey ore, carbonates, and cupri-
ferous gossan associated with micaceous iron. The lode has a general strike N. and
S., with a nearly vertical underlie E. In the open cut, the hanging-wall, described
by Professor Ulrich as massive greenstone, is well defined, but the footwall
is very rough and broken, and small branch veins of micaceous iron, carrying a
little copper ore, strike through it diagonally. On the Pinnacles block an outcrop
over 40ft. in thickness, strikes W. 25° N. and appears to underlie to the N.;
it consists principally of quartzite, and contains siliceous and jasper ironstone,
hornblende, calcspar, and spathic iron, with crystals of magnetic and other iron
oxides. The whole formation is heavily stained in patches with carbonate of copper,
and grey ore, copper carbonates, and copper sulphide occur in veins, strings, and
bunches. Several small pits have been sunk, and a tunnel along the lode has
been started at the E. end of the outcrop, about 40ft. below the summit.
Three picked samples gave on assay a little gold and from 84 per cent. to 16 per
cent. of copper. The preceding holders obtained about 133 tons of payable ore
from the ore dumps and spoil heaps, and the present holders have raised about
100 tons, mostly from the large open cut. (George, 16-10-01.)
At the Pinnacles block a tunnel has been driven W. 21ft. and then W. 15° N.
for 15ft., and at the end a pit sunk 9ft., opening on a vein of siliceous and ferruginous
calcite, containing veins of green asbestos through which are scattered small
lumps of copper glance, copper pyrites, and iron pyrites, with copper carbonate
stains and iron gossan. The vein-stone is not well defined, but appears to be about
3ft. thick, strikes W. 15° N., and has a vertical dip. These workings are situated
about 30ft. below the level of an outcrop of ferruginous quartzite, striking E.
and W., and more or less heavily stained with green carbonates. At the Yuda
main workings the open cut has been cleaned out and carried down to a
depth of from 55ft. to 70ft. from surface, for a length of 74ft., with an average
width of 11ft. The worked-out ground above had been partly timbered up and
filled with mullock, but the timber (creek gum) proved to be brittle and unable
to stand the transverse strain, and unfortunately collapsed. The cut was again
being cleaned out and securely timbered. Tributers have taken out ore from
shallow levels in the water shaft, and a small parcel of ore was obtained from
an old shaft about 300ft. N. of the open cut. Work was being concentrated
at the open cut. (George, 25–4–04.) The mine has now been taken over by the
Union Copper Mining Company of London.
The following list comprises a number of prospects, claims, and mines which
have been more or less worked, some of them very early in the history of the State,
but respecting whịch little (if any) information is obtainable :-
AGERY MINE.—About 12 miles S.E. from Moonta.
ANGASTON.–Valley of River Gawler, two copper lodes, one traced for 200yds.
Samples said to assay 33 per cent. copper. (Prior to 1846.)
ALL NATIONS MINE.—Situated near the Burra. Worked by a Melbourne com-
pany about 1867.
ANSTEY'S MINE (MURKURTA).-Highercombe, near Adelaide. The ore existed
in bunches in a gossany lode 2ft. to 4ft. wide, and was being worked in 1846.
BEWLEY MINE.—Situated W. of Waukaringa.
BLACK MARIA.—Locality, 1 mile S. from Boolcoomata Station.
BLACK NOB.-Arkaba.
BURNT Pussy CLAIM.-Section 200, hundred of Coglin.
RY
160
MINING RECORDS.
CALEDONIA.—Near Hawker.
CARTAPO.—Hundred Ayers.
DUCER'S SLIDING ROCK.—Two mineral claims adjoining the old Sliding Rock
Mine.
EAST PARINGA.—Near the Paringa' Mine, Callington district.
ELATINA MINE.—Situated S.W. from Mount Emily.
FINNISS.—Situation, 4 miles from Finniss Railway Station, where a discovery
of malleable. copper was made in July, 1869.
FLAXMAN'S VALLEY MINE.—Situate 38 miles N.E. from Adelaide.
FROME COPPER MINING SYNDICATE.— Three mineral leases, situate 3 miles S. of
Allioota, on the Angepena sheeprun, near Beltana.
GRAND JUNCTION MINE.---Situated 45 miles N.E. from Adelaide ; worked in
1867.
GREAT BRADFORD: MINE.—Situated 41 miles from Finniss Flat.
HALLETT'S MINE.—Situated within 2 miles from Reynella.
HAMLEY EXTENDED.—Situated near Moonta.
HART'S MINE.-Situated S. of Ardrossan.
HORSESHOE VENTURE.—Situated on the Onkaparinga River.
MAGILL MINE.—Opened in 1846, and worked a short time.
MORPHETT'S MINE.—Situated 51 miles N.E. from Adelaide ; worked about
1867.
MORTLOCK'S MINE.—Situated near the Burrawing, Tumby Bay.
MOUNT LOFTY COPPER MINING SYNDICATE.-Prospectors held an area of 80 acres,
taken up for mining.
MUSGRAVE MINE.—This was a prospecting venture adjoining the Moonta Consols.
NEW HECLA COPPER MINING SYNDICATE.—Locality, North Rhine.
NORTH BRITAIN.-Locality, N. of Port Wallaroo.
PINE HUT MINE.—Situated 50 miles N.E. from Adelaide.
PRINCE ALBERT COPPER MINE.—Near Moonta.
PRINCE ALBERT'S MINE.—Locality, 9 miles E.N.E. from Adelaide.
ROYAL MINE.—An unsuccessful mining venture in the Moonta district.
SHEAOAK Log.–An old copper mine was worked, situated about 3} miles E.S.E.
from this place.
Son HUT MINE.—Near the Burra.
TORRENS RIVER MINE.-A copper venture on section 5536.
VICTORIA MINE.—Locality, near Moonta.
WAUKALOO MINE.-Situated 7 miles N.E. from the Boolcoomata Mine.
WHEAL ACRAMAN.—Ten miles E.N.E. from Adelaide, near the Montacute Mine
(1854).
WHEAL ALFRED.-Situated 10 miles E.S.E. from Keyneton.
WHEAL BARTON.-Situated near Angaston.
WHEAL BESSIE.—Near the Port Lincoln Syndicate's workings.
WHEAL GOYDER.—This was situated near the Paramatta Mine, and stopped work-
ing about 1874.
WHEAL HARMONY.-Situated 25. miles, E. from Adelaide.
WHEAL MARY MINE. —Locality, 25 miles E.S.E. from Adelaide ; worked in 1864.
WHEAL VIRGIN.-Situated S.W. from Davenport Siding.
WHEAL WILLIAM.-Situated 10 miles E.S.E. from Keyneton.
WILLOW COPPER MINING SYNDICATE.-Six mineral blocks were held by this
synidcate at Cradock, hundred of Yednalue.
WILLOW CREEK MINE.—Situated N. of the Napoleon Mine,
COPPER.
161
Wonga WONGA.—Situated 25 miles E.S.E. from Adelaide.
The subjoined list is from the official return made of the copper mines which were
in existence in 1869:-
Adelaide, Bon Accord, *Bremer Mines, *Burra Burra, * Blinman, * Burrawing,
*Catarpo, Euko, *Daly and Stanley, Dominick, *Hamley, *Kanmantoo, *Kan-
mantoo West, Kanyaka, *Kapunda North, *Kapunda South, Karkulto, Kinevan,
Kanappa, Matta Matta, *Moonta, Mount Chambers, Mount Deception, Mount
Emily, Mount McKinlay, Mount Rose, Mount Samuel, Murninnie, *Mount Lynd-
hurst and Burr, *Mattawarrangala, * Moojoolee, Napoleon, * New Cornwall, North
Rhine, *North Yelta, North Wandilta, Nuccaleena, *North-East Moonta, Ooraldana,
*Poona, Preamimma, *Paramatta, * Prince Alfred, *Reedy Creek, *Spring Creek,
Strathalbyn, *South Wombat, Two Brothers, *Wandilta, *Wallaroo Mines, Wel.
come, *Wheal James, *Wheal Hughes, Wirra wilka, Wonga Wonga, Wyacca,
Windittie, *Yelta, *Yudnamutana, and * Yorke Peninsula Mining Company.
NOTE.-Where an asterisk * is prefixed the mine was at work in 1869.
162
MINING RECORDS,
.
.
.
SILVER-LEAD: ....?
· ACLARE.- Situated on section 1296, in the hundreds of Kanmantoo and Strath-
albyn, and 3 miles from Callington Railway Station. This mine belonged to, and
was worked by, Mr. F. C. Singleton, who furnished, in 1887, the following informa-
ţion :—The property is watered by the Mount Barker and Nairne Creeks. There
are nine lodes disclosed in this mine at the present time, bearing N: 10° E., with an
E: underlie of 2jft. in the fathom; their width varying from 1ft. to 36ft. On the
surface the ore consists of carbonate.of lead and at depth carries gold, silver, nickel,
lead; zinc, antimony, iron, and sulphur; and to a depth of 25ft. the carbonate
yielded 50 per.cent. of lead and 90ozs. of silver, to the ton. Some recent shipments
of ore sent to Europe averaged 520zs. silver; and the average percentage of the ore
was, from near the surface, lead, 50 per cent., silver, 90ozs. ; from 30ft. to 114ft.,
a little lead, about 40 per cent. of zinc, and silver varying from 6Qozs. to 3020zs.
The veinstone associated with the metallic minerals is principallý silica. The value
of the ore was variable, but some realised £19 per ton in London. The ore occurs
in shoots of carbonates or sulphides, striking S. and dipping 30° E. There are five
shafts on the main workings, the deepest of which is 30 fathoms, or 180ft. Seven
drives have been put in to the following distances :-52 fathoms, 35 fathoms, 30
fathoms, 16 fathoms, 11 fathoms, 6 fathoms, and 3 fathoms, a total of 153 fathoms,
or 918ft. Besides the main workings, an adit has been driven for 312ft. to cut the
main lode, but no ore was obtained. Other adits have been driven and shafts sunk,
but nothing payable was met with outside the main workings. The Inspector of
Mines (Mr. D. D. Rosewarne) reporting upon it in 1889, when not worked, said that
carbonate and oxide ores are scarce, and sulphides are found very near the surface.
It is a true fissure vein, and increases gradually in width downwards. In the W.
end of the 120ft. level there is a solid body of ore 7ft. wide, whilst the foot and
hanging wall workings show the foundation to be very much wider. Two or three
other of the five shafts all disclose the permanency of the lode, and its uniform
ore-bearing character. The ore in its present state would be refractory, but the
zinc would pay well for extraction. At a subsequent visit the Inspector states
that lcwt. of samples taken from across the face of the lode at the 120ft. level re-
turned 6 per cent. of lead, 35 per cent. of zinc, and 32ozs. 13dwts. 8grs. silver per
ton. He expressed his conviction that the Aclare Mine is undoubtedly a good one;
and since the resumption of working an important improvement, greatly enhancing
the value of the property, had occurred. A formation 8ft. wide of carbonate ore
had been discovered in the hanging-wall, which gave on assay 10 per cent. of lead,
580zs. silver, and loz. 13dwts. of gold per ton, with only a trace of zinc; the whole
bulk would probably average 50ozs. per ton. Active work was being carried on
at the mine, and other prospects were being opened in the district. The Aclare
Mine had, in 1890, become the property of the Kangarilla Company, a proprietary
formed in England, by whom it was worked for a year, when mining ceased. In
March 1900, Mr. Inspector Matthews furnished the following report :--The works
are close to Scott's Creek, and surrounded by hills, reaching to a considerable height
above the level of the watercourses. There are various shafts and workings through-
out the property, but, with the exception of the main lode, nothing of importance
has been struck. This lode has been worked principally by a main shaft and a
tunnel ; the former has been sunk to a depth of 260ft., the first 100ft. being vertical
and the remainder on the lode underlie. Near this shaft on the surface an open cut,
6ft. to 8ft. wide, has been made on the lode, which strikes N. 10° E. with an E.
underlie of about 1 in 3. The ore extracted to the 60ft. level consisted chiefly of
carbonate of lead, giving a high percentage of lead and silver. It was stated that
from this level 1,200 tons of an average value of 450zs. of silver per ton had been
disposed of. At the foot of the hill a tunnel has been driven 1,000ft., the first
800ft. being in country rock. The lode was then intersected and driven on for a
.:SILVER-LEAD.
163
..
!
further distance of 200ft., disclosing a shoot of ore from 80ft. to 120ft. in length,
dipping S., a continuation of the ore worked from the surface. The lode matter is
fully. 7ft. wide, associated with a number of metallic minerals, the principal being
lead, silver, and zinc. The others, which occur to a small extent, are gold, nickel,
and antimony. The walls are well defined and are composed chiefly of micaceous
-schist. Below the tunnel-level several winzes have been sunk to the depth of 120fti,
the lode maintaining the same size. The stopes contain large blocks of ore still
to be extracted, and the last parcel sent to England returned an average value of lead
10 per cent., zinc 25 per cent., and silver 300zs. per ton; but as the main ore body is
below the level of the tunnel, the work of hauling the material by manual labor is
too expensive, and the proper course to adopt would be to sink a main vertical shaft
considerably S. of the present workings, with the object of cutting the main shoot
of ore at about the 500ft. level. By means of this a large amount of unexplored
ground would be opened up, and the working of the present stopes facilitated.
The actual present value of these stopes in bulk should, of course, first be proved
by raising small parcels of ore at various points. (I.M.R., 13–3–00.). .
ACLARE NORTH.--This property adjoins the Aclare Mine, and a good deal of
- Work was done in sinking trial shafts and driving a tunnel on the course of a not
.very productive lode outcropping in a hill by the side of a creek.
. ALMANDA (first known as the “Wheal Maria”).-Situated about 18 miles S. E. from
· Adelaide. It was opened in 1850 and worked as a copper mine, but not being pro-
ductive at a shallow depth, work ceased. In 1866 the mine was examined, and from
assays made of some stones left on the surface it was found to be poor in copper but
rich in silver. Seven samples assayed gave from 44ozs. to 1150zs. of silver to the
ton of ore; five other samples yielded from 250zs. to 750zs. of silver to the ton, and
three samples assayed elsewhere gave from 300zs. to 750zs. of silver per ton. In
1868 a mineral claim (No. 2759) was taken out, and 4 tons 8cwts. of ore, crushed in
a Chilian mill in June, yielded about 280zs. to the toņ. Later on amalgamating
pans were tried, and by this process some 6,0000zs. of silver were produced. In
1870 fresh assays from various parts of the mine were made, and yielded results
of from 570zs. to 66ozs. silver to the ton, and about 5 per cent. of copper. At a
depth of 16 fathoms in the engine shaft the lode assumed a hard character and con-
tained barytes, quartz, silver ore, arsenic, &c. In 1877 the engine shaft was sunk
to a depth of 21 fathoms, and assays from stone raised gave-silver, from 88ozs.
to 163ozs. per ton ; gold, loz. 13dwts. per ton; copper, from 74 per cent. to 16 per
cent.; and from the W. drive, off the engine shaft, 40ozs. of silver to the ton, and
41 per cent. of copper. In 1881 the winze in Ey's tunnel was sunk to a depth of
76 fathoms, but the water came in too strongly to be kept under by hand labor.
Assays gave 170zs. silver to the ton, and 16dwts. 8grs. of gold. The working's
consist of two shafts of 21 fathoms and 16 fathoms, and a winze in Ey's tunnel,
sunk to a depth of 76 fathoms. There are also two tunnels of 40 fathoms and 20
fathoms each, a dam, various buildings, a furnace, two large Cornish boilers, a hori-
zontal engine, &c. The mine is not now being worked. (1887 edition.)
- The Inspector of Mines, in November, 1900, reports :- Mineral lease 1022, in
hundred of Noarlunga. The mine was inspected, but could not be fully examined
underground owing to poor state of repair, resulting from lengthy abandonment.
From the material on the surface, which probably came from the bottom of the
shaft; the lode is very hard and is composed chiefly of quartz and barytes, a sample
from which gave a return of loz. 13dwts. of silver and if per cent. of copper per
ton, whilst assays from a ferruginous lode formation 6ft. wide, in an open cüt, which
was apparently of very promising character, only gave from 2o'zs. 13dwts: to 5ozs.
of silver per ton. Samples from the ore dumps gave a return of 71ozs. 10dwts. of
silver and 1 per cent. of copper per ton. This result shows that, in some part of
the workings, ore of fair silver value exists; but, owing to the work having been
so long discontinued, it is impossible to say at what depth or to what extent:
(I.M.R., November, 1900:).

164
MINING RECORDS.
AVONDALE.—Situated about 2 miles S.W. from Mount Lyndhurst Trig. Hill,
and 15 miles from the railway station. Four or more well-defined parallel lodes
of almost pure galena, without any vein stuff, traverse the strike at right angles,
of jointed and cloven beds of quartzite, argillaceous slaty shale, and schist. Only
two have been worked. The lodes vary in width from a few inches to over 2ft.
(later reports give the width as 3ft. to 5ft.); they strike N. and S. with a high W.
dip. A shaft has been sunk to a depth of 100ft., and the galena is still visible in
quantity, both in the shaft and in the ouctroppings along the surface. Assays of five
samples of ore from this mine made by the Government Assayer resulted as
follows :-
No.1 ........ 77 per cent. lead, and 5ozs. 14dwts. 8grs. silver per ton.
No. 2 ........ 73 66
4ozs. 18dwts.
No. 3 (gossan). 21 "
7ozs. 7dwts.
No.4 ........ 67 -
4ozs. 14dwts. 7grs.
No. 5 ........ 72 «
Bozs. Igr.
The ore is easily raised, and a large quantity was sent to London, but the results
were not considered payable. T. A. Masey (1890) furnished the following par-
ticulars :-Several hundred tons of galena, assaying from 50 per cent. to 75 per cent.
of lead and from 9ozs. to 12ozs. or 150zs. of silver to the ton, have been raised.
The mine was worked some time back, and presumably profitably, and has now
again been taken up with a view of being vigorously developed, as the ore could
be sold at a profit as a flux to the smelting works. Several tons of ore are being
forwarded to England for treatment under a new alkaline reduction process. The
ore showing in one of the lodes at about 15ft. from the surface would yield 4 tons
of 75 per cent. galena to the fathom, and would require very little dressing. The
Inspector of Mines reported in 1890 that an underlie shaft had been sunk 70ft. on
small veins of galena of uncertain character, striking N. and S., with a sharp dip W.
Some stoping had been done, and some shallow holes sunk near to each other and
to the underlie, from which a considerable quantity of ore had been raised. There
are several outcrops that have the appearance of being caps of lodes. In 1892 he
gave another report after an inspection; at that date very little work had been
done in the previous two years. There should be further prospecting.
Inspector Matthews reports in August, 1899—At the time of inspection opera-
tions were being restarted after the property had been unworked for 13 years, and
the underground workings could not be examined. It was stated that in the past
a large quantity of ore had been raised, averaging 130zs. silver and 50 per cent.
of lead per ton. There are three lodes on the property. The E. lode is 2ft. 6in.
wide; it carries carbonate of lead on the surface, changing into iron gossan as it
goes down. The W. lode has been worked for the distance of 1 chain in length on
the surface, and the quality of the material raised is of very low grade. The middle
lode is about 2ft. 6in. wide, and a shaft has been sunk to the depth of 140ft. ; the
material from the bottom is chiefly ironstone gossan, containing lead in the form
of carbonates and lead crystals. A sample of this yielded, on assay, gold, a trace ;
silver, loz. 4dwts. ; copper, nil; and lead, 20 per cent. (I.M.R., 3-8-99.)
· A Queensland company worked the mine for some time, and marketed a con-
siderable quantity of high-grade silver-lead ore. Operations were discontinued
about four years ago, and since that time only desultory work and ore-picking
from the dumps, &c., have been in progress (1907).
- BARATTA.--Situated near the Baratta Springs, about 10 miles W. from Eukaby.
At the time of the Government Geologist's examination (1888) a shaft was being
sunk to prospect an outcrop of brown iron ore and ferruginous strata near the
junction of a mass of crystalline limestone with kaolinised slates, Samples of the
surface ore were said to have yielded good silver assays. He was of opinion, from
the nature of the outcrop, that a lode containing silver was not likely to be found.
SILVER-LEAD.
165
a
At a later period the Inspector of Mines reported that there were several iron" blows"
at the foot of a big hill, improperly supposed to be the outcrop of a lode. Two
shafts had been sunk, and a crosscut put in, but nothing of value was found. The
further expenditure of capital in mining upon this place, he said, would be sheer
waste. (1889.)
BARRITT'S MINE. - First worked in 1862. Situated about 1} miles from Norman-
ville. The lode was found to run E. and W., and was about 12in. wide, underlying
N. about 3ft. in 40ft. The silver-lead was in yellowish clay, and the ore contained
about 60 per cent. oi lead, and from 30zs. to 50zs. of silver to the ton. About
25 tons of ore were raised when first the mine was worked. It has been worked
in later years by various people, but there are no available records of results. The
ore was valued at £10 per ton in London, but the buyers complained of the way in
which it had been dressed. One shaft was put down to a depth of 70ft., but the
water-level was not reached. A drive of about 8 fathoms was put in. The ore
occurred in blocks of almost pure galena, weighing as much as 2cwts. each, also
in large crevices and in loose blocks. The lode ran from the surface to the bottom
of the shaft. (1887.)
BASHAM's.---An iron “ blow" outcropping through the alluvial on Basham's
property, close to Port Elliot, formerly quarried for road metal, contained traces
of silver and copper. The Inspector of Mines expressed the opinion that the junction
of the granite with the clayslate being a favoring circumstance, there was encourage-
ment to prospect the locality. Assays of samples he took from the ground gave
4ozs. 9dwts. of silver to the ton. (1889.)
The Inspector of Mines reported in September, 1890, that two shafts had been
zunk, one of which had fallen in; the other was 40ft. deep. There are boulders
of ferruginous sandstone, covered by a layer of limestone, which had been mistaken
for a lode, but samples gave no return of silver.
BELTANA MINE.--This lies among low ranges about 18 mile W. of Beltana
Station, and half-way between the S. end of the Mount Deception Range and Lake
Torrens. The ore deposit is represented by a thin zone of soft arenaceous shales
impregnated with and enclosing small patches and nodular pieces of atacamite.
The deposit dips apparently at an angle of 20° to 25° N. underneath a thick bed of
hard limestone forming the flat top of a low hill. The workings lying on the S.
slope of this hill are distributed over a length of about 100ft. and consist of four
openings, two of which are mere shallow excavations, and the third an underlie
shaft of about 16ft. deep, with a crossdrive. The fourth is also an underlie shaft
about 60ft. in depth. The shales exposed are very soft and full of streaks and con-
cretionary masses of impure brown iron ore, with seams and cavities full of crystal-
line coatings of atacamite. Besides these, small patches and veins of gypsum
occur, and angular irregular masses of cavernous quartz, the hollows of which are
mostly occupied by atacamite in fine acicular crystals, associated occasionally with
carbonate of lead. (Ulrich, 1872.)
It was later known as the “Beltana Broken Hill,” and visited by the Govern-
ment Geologist in April, 1888. The workings included a tunnel driven 60ft. through
kaolinised slate and sandstone in close proximity to the old mine. There was no
lode visible, but segregations of ore were found embedded in the rock. There was
an outcrop containing gypsum and manganese, and iron “ blows” occurred in the
same class of rock. Though a lode had not been found, yet larger deposits might
occur and might furnish means of discovering one. The amount of ore showing
in the tunnel and along the outcrop of the soft shales in the neighborhood offers
sufficient inducement for a thorough prospecting of the locality. Two average
samples taken from the tunnel yielded silver to the extent of 2ozs. 18dwts. 19grs.
per ton, with 41 per cent. and 323 per cent. of lead ; and a sample procured by the
manager gave 3ozs. 15dwts. 3grs. of silver per ton and 47 per cent. of lead, with a
trace of gold.
I'm half-way his lies
tens.
MINING RECORDS.
Afterwards (renamed the “ Warrioota Silver Mine?) it was examined in 1892 by:
the Inspector of Mines, who reported that when worked by the Beltana. Broken Hill
Company the outcrop of the lode along the face of the hill was stripped for a distance
of 300ft. ; Lewis's tunnel was driven E. 150ft., and winzes and drives were put in.
There is a large formation composed of calcareous sandy clay covered by crystalline
limestone. Small ferruginous sandstone veins traverse the formation, which also
carries small quantities of cerussite of no value. The old workings do not show
anything, payable. In another tunnel more ore is present, and very fair patches
of galena. Samples taken assayed 20ozs. 8dwts. of silver per ton and 527 per cent.
of lead: Exploration should, in the opinion of the Inspector, be continued..
- Recently the place has been known as the ? Beltana Blccks," and has been
worked intermittently: Returns show that in 1903, 740 tons of ore were treated.
for 40 per cent..lead, 10ozs. silver per ton, and a little gold and copper.
BELTANA NORTH (Claims 11997-9).–At the time of the visit of the Government
Geologist, in April, 1888, costeaning was being done to a small extent in hard,
crystalline limestone, in which a few specks of galena were occasionally seen. At
a more recent period the Inspector of Mines examined the property, and found,
that an endeavor, was being made to cut the Ediacara lode, and he was of opinion
that the vertical shaft put down must have passed through it and into the footwall.
The course of the lode is W. 10° S., and the dip S. 20° E. He considered that the
prospects of the Ediacara Mine justified prospecting on this property. (1889.) .
· BELVIDERE.-Situated in the hundred of Gilbert, 5 miles E. of Riverton. The
mine was worked in 1849, but there is no record of any work having been done
from 1853. There are two shafts on the course of the lode about 450ft. apart. A
lenticular shoot of ore must have been taken out. The Inspector of Mines reports
that there are still some small patches of lead and copper ore showing in places.
The formation is regular and continuous. The lode strikes N. and S., and underlies
E. The walls, well-defined, consist of clayslate. An assay of galena taken from
this mine gave silver 24ozs. 16dwts, and lead 77 per cent. (1890.) Mining opera-
tions have recently been restarted here. (1907.)
' BIG HILL.--This mine is situated 21 miles from the Great Gladstone Silver Mine,
and contains a lode of brecciated gossan and iron ore of considerable width, cutting
across horiozontal clay and calcareous slates. The prospectors reported good assay
results, but the samples taken by the Government Geologist returned neither silver
nor gold. (1888.)
BILLY SPRINGS (Mount Fitton).—Copper, silver, lead, and zinc, vide page 89. ir
BUTTAMUK, -Hundred of Coglin. Has a strong iron lode in a creek, carrying
oxide of iron and large bunches of micaceous iron, from which encouraging assays.
for silver are said to have been obtained. To prove the lode in settled country, a
shaft 105ft. deep has been sunk, and from the bottom a drive W. 26ft. has passed
through the footwall of the lode, which runs N.E. and S.W., underlying S.E. The,
country rock is decomposed, and further sinking is required to prove the value of:
the sulphides. There is also another iron oxide lode in the property, carrying a
small percentage of mundic. Government assay of samples taken showed in
siliceous ironstone 4grs. gold to the ton, and from ferruginous quartz 3dwts. of
gold to the ton. Further sinking necessary. The Inspector of Mines reported
in 1891 that prospects were not encouraging, no settled country having been met
with. The sinking has been through a sedimentary deposit, and micaceous iron
was the only mineral present. ::
CAMPBELL'S CREEK. This property is situated about 2 miles E. from Cape Jervis.
Lead has been found on the property, but no payable lode cut. The ore found
was good, but was not in payable quantities. (Austin, 1863.) It subsequently
became a part of the Talisker property. (See" Talisker.?)
CARRIETÓN, EURELIA, ORROROO, BLACK ROCK, COOMOOROO, WALLOWAY, McGEE.
SPRINGS, McCULLOCH, EURILPA.-Several localities near these townships. were
inspected by the Government Geologist in July, 1886, where shallow shafts had :
- SILVÉR-LÈAD.::
167
been sunk on supposed silver lodes. Assays from some of these places are stated
to have yielded from 4ozs. to 240ozs. of silver to the ton. After examination of
the supposed ores, however, he was forced to conclude that the rich samples of ore
sent down from the mines for assay were not taken from the places they were sup;
posed to come from ; or, if so taken, were enriched by the addition of silver ore
or: silver. No permanent, continuous, well-defined lode was seen at any of the
claims. In some instances the supposed lodes consisted of bedrock alone.
CHERRY GARDENS.--It was reported that on section 1059, near Mount Malvern,
hundred of Noarlunga, samples of ore had been raised, yielding up to 28ozs. of silver
per ton. The Inspector of Mines made an examination of the locality (1889), and
reported that aiemall underlie shaft had been sunk to a depth of 17ft. on a quartz
lode, which dipped S. In his opinion the prospect did not give indication of the
presence of gold or silver. The samples he took gave no return of metal. He did
not recommend any further outlay. * .
1 CUMANILLA OR CHERRY GARDENS MINE.-Is about 12 miles south of Adelaide: A
shaft wassunk about 13 fathoms deep, and the ore raised was said to bave contained
à good percentage -of silver and lead. (1887.)
COROMANDEL SYNDICATE.-- The workings are situated 14 miles from Blackwood
Railway Station. The Inspector of Mines reported in 1890 that a small vertical
shaft had been sunk 34ft., and at that depth a drive had been put in N.W. 20ft.,
and a winze sunk in a small clay vein or flucan 36ft. From the bottom of this
winze a drive was carried W. 12ft., following a small vein running irregularly through
argillaceous slates, and carrying in patches small nodules of galena. There is no
löde, nor anything worth further prospecting. .
COODLA MOONDA SYNDICATE.—Locality, the seashore, under Newland's Head.
The place was worked in 1863 on indications of the presence of silver. In 1890
the Inspector of Mines reported that a pit had been sunk in indurated slate to work
a small vein of quartz and galena. He pronounced it to be a small cleavage vein
only and not worth following. .
DALHOUSTE SYNDICATE.-Situation, Golden Gully, 10 miles N. from Petersburg.
stone, traversed in places by thin veins of calcite, containing galena and gossan.
These have been prospected by shafts and cuttings, which have failed to trace these
veins to any lode formation. (1888.) And in March, 1897, that a shaft 70ft. in:
depth had been sunk on the underlie of a lode formation, consisting of limestone,
with iron oxide, gossan, and calcareous matter, which strikes N.E. and dips S.E.
at an angle varying from 50° to 70°, and which has a width of from 1ft. to 2ft.
The country rocks are clayslate and calcareous clayslate and limestone. No mineral
excepting iron ore observable, but he was informed that a little, galena had been
met with Silver-lead and galena have been found elsewhere on the section (75)
in thin veins of calcite, and in the joints of the limestone rock, but of small value.
The rock formation is favorable to the occurrence of metallic minerals.
· DALKEY HILL.--Situation; 5 miles S. from the Premier Mine, in the New Luxem-
burg district. The Inspector of Mines, who examined and reported, stated that two
vertical shafts were sunk to strike the lode at a shallow depth. The ground is of
a favorable character ifor carrying plumbiferous, lodes. The formation carries
galeno, and partly decomposed sulphide. ore, vencased in calcareous matter; the
balance of the gangue consists of quartzite, schist, and siliceous ironstone. The
ore makes in bunches, and dips S. Samples taken assayed 60 per cent. lead and
2 lozs. silver to the ton. Further prospecting is warranted. · (1889.)
**DARK HILL.-Locality, 2 miles S.E. from Giles' Nob; Oulnina Run. There are
several quartz reefs and veins, with galena, carbonate of lead, and gossan. Some
of these contain but a small percentage of silver-lead; others offer sufficient induce,
ment to cause a thorough prospecting of the locality, as the lodes are wide and well
defined: The rock formations consist of micaceous clayclates, calcareous slates,
and micaceous schist, with dykes of eruptive granite. Three samples taken assayed
168
MINING RECORDS.
as follows :-(1) carbonate of lead, 190zs. 4dwts. silver per ton, and 66 per cent. of
lead; (2) galena, 370zs. 18dwts. silver per ton, and 72 per cent. of lead; (3) car-
bonate of lead, 4ozs. 6dwts. silver per ton. On the occasion of a recent visit
(1890) the Inspector of Mines arrived at the conclusion that the mine did not warrant
further outlay. It was amalgamated with the Prince Albert Silver Mine.
Dr. Dixon's PROSPECTING CLAIMS.—Locality, 2 miles W. of Taltabooka. Well.
Some prospecting was done on galena veins, associated with quartz reefs. A sample
of the galena assayed 170zs. 6dwts. of silver per ton and 62 per cent. of lead.
DARKE'S PEAK.-In 1895 a trial for silver was made in a mineralised piece of
country near Darke's Peak, in the Franklin Harbor district, by Mr. G. Standley,
of Yadnarie, and a shaft was put down 40ft. It is stated that an assay showed
33ozs. of silver to the ton.
Davey's.-Section No. 8, hundred of Miltalie, 12 miles N.W. of Franklin Harbor.
Two shafts have been sunk, 15ft. and 18ft. ; the latter exposes an ironstone vein 18in.
wide, which, towards the bottom, changes into a gossany material, carrying small
lead crystals. The second shaft is sunk on a parallel formation 12ft. wide com-
posed of ironstone, gossan, small veins of quartz, and kaolin, having a most favorable
appearance for silver and lead, and worthy of further prospecting. (I.M.R., 8–11-99)
DUCK POND HILL.- Near Mount Freeling. Work is in progress here, and small
parcels of ore up to 55 per cent. lead and 14ozs. silver per ton have been raised
recently. (1907.)
DUNCAN's.--Sections 603 and 604, hundred of Hanson. The Inspector of Mines
reported (April, 1890) that a number of pits had been sunk on two small segregated
veins of quartz, carrying small patches of galena ; strike N. and S., with a sharp dip
W. Enclosing strata, indurated slates capped with limestone. The deepest
sinking was 20ft. vertical, and a small vein of quartz and galena had been followed
on its dip 10ft. or 12ft. An assay had yielded 7ozs. of silver per ton and 33 per cent.
of lead. A sample assayed by the Government Assayer returned 5ozs. 17dwts.
silver and 53 per cent. lead. The veins opened up were too small to be of value.
EDIACARA-(Note.-Ediacara, Ediacara Consols, New Ediacara, and New Edi-
acara Consols are one and the same mine).--The property is situated on an exten-
sive plateau, 18 miles E. of Beltana. At the time of the Government Geologist's
visit in April, 1888, costeaning was being carried on at three places. Galena is
disseminated through a bed of crystalline limestone from 1ft. to 2ft. thick, inclining
at a low angle E. Another excavation further S. shows a similar deposit, with a
lower percentage of galena. The main workings are in a creek still further S. An
average sample of the ore yielded on assay 480zs. 10dwts. 4grs. of silver per ton
and 621 per cent. of lead. It is possible that large deposits of ore in patches may
exist, but from the nature of the bedrock their locality and extent will be uncertain.
The limestone should be sunk through into the underlying shales to see if the ore
continues from one rock formation into the other.
The general prospects of this enterprise justified, in the opinion of the Inspector
of Mines (Mr. Rosewarne) the employment of a number of men to open the bodies
of ore. The bulk of the ore in sight required dressing machinery. Samples assayed
by the Government Assayer gave per ton (1) galena, 42 per cent. lead and 70zs.
10dwts. silver; (2) galena, 52 per cent. lead and 39ozs. 4dwts. silver ; (3) glance,
16 per cent. copper and 3420zs. silver; (4) galena, 51 per cent. lead and 10ozs.
2dwts. silver; (5) galena, 52 per cent. and 2ozs. 9dwts. silver ; (6) galena, 63 per
cent. and 170zs. 6dwts. silver; (7) galena, 52 per cent. and 18ozs. Odwts. silver.
Taking the whole of the exposed bodies of ore, the average bulk would assay 16 per
cent. lead and 4ozs. silver to the ton. The ore is in veins lying in the laminations
of the strata ; in the N. quarry the formation is 3ft. thick, of which 18in. is galena
ore, and it dips at an angle of 15°. The copper and silver glance forms not more
than 1 per cent. of the bulk of the ore, and it is found in small and irregular bunches
here and there along the surface. On a subsequent examination (in 1889) the same
official reported that the general prospects of the mine had greatly improved, and
SILVER-LEAD.
169
that in the W. shaft, at the depth of 50ft. from the surface, driving had been com-
menced, and the lode exposed consists of carbonate of lead, argentiferous gossan,
and calcite, and occasionally pieces of galena. In the N. shaft or quarry the ore
has increased in size, being now 23ft., and carrying lead throughout. This deposit
appears to be making a series of “wallows," the flat portion making ore, whilst
in the vertical downthrow the ore is scarce. The prospects of the mine are much
brighter, but it will not be brought into a payable condition until the ground is
proved systematically. Mr. Dalton, the secretary to the company, stated that
subsequently to the above report being written the W. shaft had been sunk a further
depth of 50ft., and that chlorides had been found in small quantity. The N. shaft
is now called Greenwood's shaft, and here driving and storing were being carried
on. There was lying at grass ore, estimated at 600 to 800 tons, suitable for concen-
tration, that it was thought would dress up to 250zs. to 300zs. silver per ton, and
55 to 60 per cent. lead. Actual results by hand-jigging gave 260zs. silver per ton
and 56 per cent. lead. In November, 1890, the Inspector of Mines examined this
mine, and reported shafts had been sunk and drives put in, and a considerable
quantity of ore could be worked from Greenwood's shaft, where the lode was 5ft.
thick. He took samples from all parts of these workings, which upon assay returned
17ozs. 12dwts. of silver per ton and 42 per cent. of lead ; the ore could easily be
brought by concentration up to 36ozs. of silver per ton. A short distance N.E.
from Greenwood's a ventilation shaft, sunk 30ft., cut at 15ft. a lode formation 6ft.
wide, carrying silver glance, chlorides of silver, and earthy cerussite, &c., assaying
380zs. 10dwts. of silver and 37 per cent. lead. The S. quarry workings gave sample
assaying 12ozs. silver per ton and 50 per cent. lead. Further S. along the out-
crops galena and copper occur in small patches. The W. shaft has been sunk in
disturbed country 100ft. vertically and 10ft. on an underlie E., cutting through
a large formation carrying barytes and argillaceous limestone, intermixed with
small bunches of calcite and earthy cerussite. Samples from the drives returned
2ozs. 5dwts. of silver and 13 per cent. lead. This mine, with fair treatment, would,
in the Inspector's opinion, become dividend-paying.
In May, 1892, the Government Geologist specially reported upon the geology
of the Ediacara field. He stated that there are three principal rock formations,
the whole forming a basin or synclinal trough. The upper metalliferous deposits
occur in dolomitic limestone, and are known locally as the upper lode. The lower
metalliferous deposit is contained in an argillaceous shale and sandstone formation,
which does not exceed 50ft. or 60ft. in thickness. In the upper lode argentiſerous
ores, consisting chiefly of galena, carbonate of lead, and iron gossan, occur in a flat
brecciated calcareous deposit, and irregular veins extending through fissures in the
limestone rock. The deposit is too uncertain to justify expectation of continuous
supplies of ore, or of the existence of a large defined lode, although pockets of ore
may exist. Assays have proved that portions of the upper lode are extraordinarily
rich. The lower ore deposits contain segregations of carbonate of lead, gossan, and
ironstone, and carbonate of copper, and do not constitute a true lode. This belt
of ore-bearing strata can be traced S. below the limestone escarpment for 24 miles.
This formation may prove to be ore-bearing over a considerable area. Shafts have
been put down about 200ft. to prospect for the lower metalliferous deposits, but an
influx of water prevented reaching the requisite depth. There is a great probability
of a true lode existing beneath the limestone formation all over the synclinal area.
By boring or sinking a line of shafts across the basin this area could be fully pros-
pected ; and the inclined tunnels in the Warrioota block might be continued. In
no part of South Australia do silver-lead deposits occur as they present themselves
here, and the prospecting operations suggested are very desirable.
The Inspector of Mines (Mr. Parkes) reported (944-92) that a great deal of work
had been done here, and that Greenwood's tunnel on the upper lode had been driven
389ft., and other levels had been put in and shafts sunk. Morish’s tunnel was in
273ft. on the lower lode. The company holding the leases had expended £25,458,
170
MINING RËCORDS.
and were prospecting the property thoroughly.. They had received £3,500 from
sales of ore. They sought assistance from Government, which they said would
not have been needed if the lode: had not been “thrown” by a strong fault. The
Government' Geologist reported at length in May, 1892, explaining the geologica!
features and the characteristics of the metalliferous deposits. He also: stated that
the workable portion of this deposit had been stoped out in Greenwood's tunnel,
and only the thinner portions of the veins remained. Owing to irregular distribui
tion and hardness: of the containing rock, prospecting for other deposits would be
costly and results uncertain. In the lower ore deposits there are segregations of
carbonate of lead, gossan, and ironstone and carbonate of copper; and barytes and
calcareous matter are associated with the ore, and in some places quartz and man:
ganiferous: ironstone veins and gypsum penetrate the deposit to a considerable
extent. Near the Wrend of Morish's. tunnel the: argillaceous strata containing the
ore have been cut off by a purely local fault running in a N.E. direction, the quartzite
being thrown up to a height of 70ft. A lode formation of a more or less vertical:
nature may be found to exist in the fissure caused by this. fault, and other faults.
mdy exist beneath the synclinal basin. Assays per ton of samples from the upper
lode; Greenwood's tunnel, showed from ferruginous limestone, silver 80ożs. 14dwts.
fahlerz, ironstone, and atacamite, silver 5,881ozs. :.. fahlerz, ironstone, and cerussite,
silver 2,8890zs. 15dwts. ; and fahlerz, cerussite, and limestone, silver 520ozs.
14dwts. From the lower lode, Morish's tunnel, ferruginous cerussite, silver 1460zs.
per: ton and lead 35 per cent. ; ferruginous cerussite, silver 1990zs. 12dwts, per
ton and lead 36 per cent. These were specimens of the richest veins, average:
samples .not being obtainable, the bulk of the ore having been worked out. : Ani
attempt to sell. this venture in England proving unsuccessful, and: local capital;
withi which to continue working being unobtainable, the company has been wound
up voluntarily. This property has been held by three companies since 1890, and,
it is believed that over £25,000 has been spent upon it in various ways. unsuccessy
fully. It was in liquidation, and possession féll to the Government.in: consideration;
of a subsidy granted and rent overdue. - (1897.);
On the occasion of an inspection the Government Geologist brought from this
mine, in 1897, samples of ores from various depths in the dolomitic formation or
upper lode. The samples were free from gangue, not picked. Some of them :were
from what was known to be a very rich part of the mine: The assay results were
No. 1, 692ozs. 8dwts. silver per ton, 30 per cent. of lead, and 22 per cent of copper.si
No. 2, 7220zs. 8dwts. silver, 16.1 per cent. lead, and 371 per cent, copper ; No. 3,
550zs. silver, 51.1 per cent, lead, and 51 per cent. copper, No. 4, 1690zs.:.12dwts.
silver, 43.8 per cent. lead, and 104 per. cent. copper ; No. 5, 4780zs. 4dwts. silver,
47.3 per cent. lead, and 104 per cent. copper ; No.6, 101ozs. 8dwts. silver, 59.6. peri
cent. lead, and per cent. copper ;. No. 7, 790zs. 18dwts: silver, 61.2 per cent: lead,
and per cent. copper; and No. 8, 230zs. 14dwts. silver, 63.4 percent, lead, and ar
trace of copper. Boring operations were being carried on by the Government. .
The Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H. Matthews) reports in December, 1899 :- The:
country rock is principally argillaceous limestone, enclosing; on the. W. side of the
plateau, veins of silver-lead ores, dipping slightly towards the centre, having every,
appearance of being a horizontal deposit. A large amount of work has been done,
consisting of shafts, drives, and tunnels. Owing to the water the shafts and drives
could not be examined. A fair quantity of ore must have been extracted from ;
the tunnels. In the upper one, Greenwood's, which has been driven about 400ft.;!
little remains beyond small veins, and bunches of fair-grade ore; not sufficienti to
work the mine at a profit. There are a number of faults, and slides at various i
points in the workings, which have disturbed the continuity of the vein formations, i
and doubtless assisted to form the rich pockets of ore that formerly existed, and
may again.be discovered at the deeper levels, on the opposite side of the faults:
The lower tunnel is in about 270ft., and the vein matter exposed is of very low grade,
except at one point, where it opened out to 4ft. wide, containing carbonate of lead,
-SILVER-LEAD..
171
gossan, and ironstone, worth, from a sample taken, 8ozs. of silver and a fair per-
centage of lead. A drive should be put in on this portion of the vein in order to
test its value: At a point about 60 chains S.E. of Greenwood's-tunnel a diamond
drill bore, then worked by the Government, was in progress, and had reached a
depth of 416ft. Open rock was struck at 332ft., allowing the water to escape,
and making the drilling slow and expensive. As the various strata are passed
through samples are tested for any metal. Some of the assays have been encourag-
ing, but not of sufficient value to 'warrant the expense of shaft sinking. :(I.M.R.,
8-12-99.) The boring operations were soon afterwards discontinued. Later the
ground was taken up by a local prospector, who obtained good returns from a con-..
siderable quantity of readily accessible ore marketed by him. Early in 1907 a
syndicate was formed to rework this property, and erect a smelter on the mine. .
A report in August, 1907, states-Greenwood shaft.—This has been sunk to a
depth of 400ft. on the incline, following the dip of the lode to the E. The lode is.
2ft. wide, and consists of carbonate of lead, galena, and ironstone. At 300ft, a ;
fault was cut, which appears to have been an upthrow. The last 100ft: of sinking
was done through country rock, and I think it would be advisable to put up a rise
about 50ft. past this fault, to prove if the lode continues to go E. At the 300ft.
level driving has been carried on both N. and S. on the course of the lode-S. 120ft.,
N. 40ft. At the 100ft. level S. 40ft., N. 100ft. Great quantities of ore have been
extracted from this shaft between the 300ft. level and the surface. Still there.
is a great quantity left that will be worked when required. For a considerable
distance from Greenwood's shaft the ore body is horizontal, and is worked by
shallow shaft and open cut. About 3 miles S. of the main workings the company
have a few men working on a new lode 2ft. thick, of high grade in silver and lead.
There are two vertical shafts on the property, sunk to a little below water level,
which is about 220ft. from the surface. A pumping plant has been erected on one
of the shafts, and the water from this shaft is pumped up to two tànks (6,000galls.
each), which have been placed on an elevation close to the works, so that the water
by gravitation can be taken to any part of the works. The mine is well equipped
with modern machinery, viz., water-jacket furnace, two blowers, 'two engines to
drive same, and an electric plant to light all the works. Considering the quantity
of ore available and good prospects at deeper levels, I think the mine has many
years of prosperity ahead of it. (I.M.R. (Jones), 22–8–07.)
EMILY.-Situated near Big Hill, 11 miles from Great Gladstone. Galena occurs.
here in a brecciated limestone with gossan, striking N. and S. through slates and
limestone. A sample of the ore yielded on assay 12ozs. 18dwts. Igr. of silver to the
ton, and 32 per cent. of lead. The gossan gave no result. The Inspector of Mines
examined and reported in October, 1890, stating that there was a shaft down 58ft. -
on a very fine-looking lode of ironstone, containing small particles of galena, trace-
able through the lease. A sample from the cap assayed for silver gave no return,
but one taken from the spoil-heap of the shaft gave 2 ozs. of silver per ton.
· EUKABY.-A discovery of silver-lead was made 48 miles E. of Hawker by. Dr.
Stephens on his sheeprun at Eukaby Hill. Assays made by Mr. G. Goyder, jun.,
gave the following results ;
Lead.
ozs. dwis.grs.
Galená yielded
60 per cent. .. 78 5 0 per ton. .. 0 0 14 per ton.
........ 313
15 17 C
r. 0 0 22 6
.. 15 4 0
. 0 0 6 "
.. 77 1 0 66
.: 1 14 16 :
.: 35 8 0
.. 0.4 14 66
Iron ochre and cerussite
0 3 6
.: · Lead ore (black) ...... 613 per cent. .. 26 90 “. . 0 4 14 "
Ironstone and quartz ..
.. 0 19 0 6
trace
Granular lead ore ...... 46} per cent. . 2 16 0 “. .:: 0 15 13
At a subsequent period, the mineral deposits being extensiye, several companies
were formed under names given below. The general strike of the lodes is N.E.,
and they are more or less vertical and well defined.
Gold..
Silver.
ozs, dwts. grs.
44
0
0
70
ON.
..
0
3
2
66
172
MINING RECORDS.
Eukaby Blocks.-An area of mineralised country adjoining Eukaby Hill was
reported upon by the Inspector of Mines in the following terms :—“Systematic
prospecting is being carried out, and, to prove the ground thoroughly and economi-
cally, three shafts have been sunk on the line of lodes, with the intention of proving
the intervening ground hy crosscutting. One almost vertical shaft is down 128ft.,
and carries a smooth wall for the whole depth, the ground being hard, and sinking
slow. At 120ft. there are fine veins of galena exposed in a width of lode of 8ft.,
which appear likeiy to unite and form a larger body in depth. Other two shafts
are down 76ft. and 60ft. respectively, and the general prospects warrant further
sinking and crosscutting. Samples assayed by the Government Assayer contained
39 per cent. lead and 22ozs. silver to the ton; porous ironstone, 5ozs. silver; and
a third, 62 per cent. lead and 310zs. silver to the ton.” (1889.) The secretary
supplemented the above by the statement that there were surface indications of
11 lodes, the strike being N.E. and S.W., and the width 2ft. and upwards. Also
that of the seven shafts sunk-four being vertical and three following the dip of
the lode--the deepest was 161ft. The country consists of slate, and the matrix
is ironstone. (1890.)
Eukaby Extended.--Adjoined the Blocks and the West Eukaby, and became the
property of English capitalists, who sent out a mining captain to take charge.
The Inspector of Mines in 1889 reported that the only work then done was in sinking
two pits, in each of which an iron lode was disclosed, but samples that he took did
not contain any mineral of importance. His opinion was unfavorable to further
expenditure in development.
Eukaby Hill.--Another portion of the mineral area above referred to. It be-
came the property of a Melbourne syndicate. There are several lodes of galena,
iron ore, gossan, &c., running N.E. in more or less parallel lines, and some of them
are rich in galena near the surface, but have not been proved. Three samples from
different lodes assayed 1190zs. 8dwts., 450zs. 12dwts., and 6ozs. 2dwts. respectively.
The Inspector of Mines (Mr. Rosewarne) in decided terms condemned the expensive
management of the mine, and stated that there were no fewer than 11 shafts, one
alone costing £600, without adequate reason for sinking. On the N. side of the hill
there are several bedded veins of ironstone carrying lead, as carbonate and sulphide.
Small stones of grey ore could be selected assaying high for silver, but the general
average was low. (1889.)
Eukaby South.--Included in the Eukaby Blocks.
West Eulaby adjoins the Eukaby Hill and the Eukaby Extended. A large
quantity of galena and carbonate of lead with manganese and gossan has heen
raised from a lode at a shallow depth. It has been traced for some distance running
N.W. and S.E., and contains silver-lead. Three samples from this lode when tested
gave respectively 180zs. 3dwts., 12ozs., and 360zs. 5dwts. of silver per ton. The
bedrocks are calcareous slates and limestones. The Inspector of Mines reported
in 1890 that a considerable amount of work had been done in sinking trial shafts
along the line of the lodes. No. 5 shaft contains a true fissure lode, 3ft. thick at
the surface, and gradually widening as depth is attained. The course of the lode
is N.W. and S.E., underlying S.W. at an angle of about 75º. The matrix of the
lode is argentiferous ironstone, highly favorable for carrying shoots of silver-lead
ore in lenticular branches. Assays also prove the iron to be auriſerous. There are
parallel lodes which could be proved by crosscuts from this shaft. There are favor-
ing indications in the other shafts, one of which is down 90ft., and another 60ft.,
and there has apparently been legitimate effort to prove the ground, the mineral
indications being very encouraging. Capital should be employed to put the shafts
down to a greater depth, and there is little doubt the company would be rewarded
by finding mineral deposits of value. The mine continued working until water-
level was reached, and then a crosscut was driven 37ft. ; but the lack of capital
prevented the purchase of machinery, and operations were suspended.
SILVER-LEAD.
173
-
-
-
EY's MINE.—Situated about 5 miles E. from Black Rock Railway Station. The
Inspector of Mines examined this property, and reported that a pit had been sunk
on a small irregular vein of ferruginous crystalline limestone, in which were small
deposits of galena, the country consisting of argillaceous slates. Another shaft
struck the vein at a depth of 19ft., but nothing of value was found, and further
expenditure was not recommended.
FAIRBANK'S.-Situated about 14 miles N.W. of Franklin Harbor. The lode is a
large ironstone outcrop, fully 40ft. wide, extending a considerable distance in length.
A shaft has been sunk to a depth of 80ft., and a crosscut driven 35ft. W., without
reaching the wall. The lode is composed chiefly of ironstone gossan, containing
small lead crystals; and it was stated that various assays averaged 4dwts. of gold
and 60zs. of silver per ton. The inspector recommended that the W. crosscut
should be extended to the wall, and also a crosscut driven E., as probably better-
class stone would be found on one of the walls. Sample taken from the surface
gave no results. (I.M.R., 14-9-99.)
FIFTH CREEK CENTRAL.-See “COPPER" Section, page 54.
FINKE SPRINTS.-See MOUNT SERLE, page 185.
FLINDERS.--Situated about 3 miles W. from the Wirrialpa Mine. Galena was
said to have been found on the surface, and a good deal of sinking was done, which
did not prove much beyond the presence of poor copper ore; but the vein was not
followed down. (1889.) Later a good deal was made of an alleged discovery of
ore, which was said to yield up to 840zs. of silver per ton and 16 per cent. of lead,
but the assays made by Mr. Goyder of samples taken by the Inspector of Mines
(who reported unfavorably upon the property) gave very low results, and the mine
was abandoned.
FOUNTAIN HEAD.--Situated between Wirrialpa and Blinman. Trenches and
shafts were excavated to find a galena lode, the existence of which is indicated by
the presence of slugs and boulders of galena on the surface. Only small veins of
galena and carbonate were found near the junction of kaolinised slates and sand-
stones with crystalline siliceous limestone. In the latter the lode will probably be
found. There is a permanent spring of water here. (1889.)
FROME WELL.- See MOUNT SERLE, page 185.
GILEAD P. BECK.-Locality, near the Duck Ponds, Freeling Waters. A lode
of massive galena, lift. to 2ft. wide, shows on the surface, on which two holes,
respectively 4ft. and 6ft. deep, were sunk, exposing a well-defined lode formation of
galena and gossan with quartz. It strikes E. and W. through green clayslates, and
the stone is good enough at the surface to warrant sinking a shaft to a considerable
depth. A sample gave 12ozs. 18dwts. Igr. silver to the ton, and 62} per cent. lead.
The Government Geologist reported in 1888 that a shaft had been put down 50ft.,
and a level driven 50ft. along the lode, which carried 2ft. to 3ft. of galena. The
mine was worked four months in 1888, and was then abandoned, but was again
taken up. In September, 1892, the Inspector of Mines reported that a shaft had
been sunk 50ft. on the course of a very strong and well-defined lode of ironstone
and galena. At 50ft. a drive was put in N.E., and the lode was found to be 7ft.
wide. A sample taken from a bunch of galena gave a return of 33ozs. 6dwts. of
silver per ton and 75 per cent. of lead, and a sample of the ironstone gave a trace
of silver. The lode is traceable on the surface a considerable distance. The en-
closing rocks are sandstone and slate, with bands of limestone. Mining operations
in a small way have been carried out here intermittently. During the six months
ended December 31st, 1906, 19 tons 17cwts. of ore, worth 55 per cent. lead and 14oz.
silver per ton, were marketed.
GLEN OSMOND. For convenience of reference, the old silver-lead mines in this
vicinity, situated on a flank of the Mount Lofty Ranges, are grouped together. They
are the first mines worked in South Australia ; indeed, it is most probable that the
Wheal Gawler, upon which work started in May, 1841, is the very oldest mine in
'Australia. Little has been done on these since the early days, and nothing at all
during the last 16 years.
174
MINING RECORDS.
Glen Osmond Union Mining Company.--Operations began on preliminary section
No. 295, hundred of Adelaide, 4 miles S. E. from Adelaide, in December, 1846.
Thirteen lodes were discovered, but work was confined to three situated on the N.
and S. extremities of the section and in the centre. Adits and levels were driven,
winzes and four shafts were sunk, and smelting works erected. This mine was at
one time the property of Mr. Osmond Gilles. It was afterwards known as The
Gilles (Glen Osmond). The Government Geologist inspected this mine in 1888,
cand reported :—The principal workings are on the Victoria lode. There are three
levels, viz., the adit, the 180ft., and the 260ft. levels. The strike of the lode varies
from E. and W. to E. 10° S., and it is therefore parallel to the principal lodes on the
other adjoining mines. The adit is the nearest level to the surface. It enters the
"hill on the W. side and is driven E. along the lode. At 280ft. from the entrance
a shaft has been sunk from the surface to a depth of 100ft., connecting the level
with the surface. This shaft has been continued down to ä total depth of 260ft.
Below this level, at a depth of 80ft., is the 260ft. or bottom level. This has been
driven E. 60ft. and W. 15ft. or 20ft. Besides these levels there is another called
the Vineyard level, which, it was stated, was 800ft. in length, and in a line with the
260ft., a space of 260ft. intervening between the W. end of the latter and the E.
end of the former. In the adit level. W. of the shaft there are two principal shoots
of ore--galena, gossan, and carbonate of lead, which have been stoped out overhead
but not underfoot, except at a place 60ft. from the shaft. In the adit level E. a
shoot of ore has been stoped out for a distance of 70ft. or 80ft, along the level and
to the surface and back towards the shaft; thence to the E. end of the level the
lode has nearly all been stoped to the surface. One hundred and eighty feet. level
W.With the exception of a small patch near a winze 60ft. W. of the shaft, no
stoping has been done. One hundred and eighty feet level E.— The ground between
the 180ft. and adit levels has all been stoped out as far as the end, 270fti, with the
exception of a piece of ground some 60ft. long. Above this level (180ft.) most of
the work has been done in early times, and the size and richness of the lode can only
be approximately judged by the width of the excavations which have been made
and the appearance of the portions of lode which are left standing. From these
it would appear that the shoots of ore were richest and widest E. of the shaft, and
"that they dipped E., or into the hill.
Present workings.-In the 180ft. level a winze is being sunk to a distance of
70ft. E. of the shaft, and is now down 41ft. ; E. of this ore has been stoped out
underfoot along the level, but not to any depth; the shaft has been sunk 80ft.
below, the level, and a drive put in E. and W.; in the E. end 80ft. from the shaft
rich ore, galena, and gossan, from 6in. to 1ft. wide, is showing in places. At 60ft.
from the shaft a crosscourse occurs, dipping N.E. through the lode. This lode is
in similar country and of the same nature as that of the Wheal Watkins and other
lodes in the neighborhood ; it strikes from E. and W. to E. 10° S., and the underlie
is N., from vertical to 70°. Ferricalcite, gossan, iron oxide, heavy, spar, &c., are
associated with the galena and carbonate of lead. The permanency of the lode
can best be judged by the length of the drives along it and the number of the shoots
and patches of ore. The width of lode formation varies from a foot or two to 4ft.,
and the ore-bearing shoots from 2in. or 3in. to ift. or more, expanding and con-
tracting as is the nature of lodes. A lode called the North Victoria has been worked
by shafts and cuttings from the surface to a shallow depth. It runs parallel to the
Victoria at a distance of 40ft. to the N., and will doubtless be found by crosscutting
from the lowest level on that lode.
· Gore's lode is another parallel lode to the N., from which galena and carbonate of
lead are being procured in two or three places not far trom the surface. A tunnel,
which cuts this lode at 30ft., is being: driven S. towards the E. workings on the
Victoria iode; the line of which it is expected to reach in about 500ft. It is
now in 280ft., and has cut, besides Gore's lode, two other.ore bearing leaders. The
SILVER-LEADI.
175
B.G. lode was not inspected, as the old levels were not in a fit state to pass along.
Assays of six samples showed silver from 40zs. 18dwts. to 350zs. 9dwts., and lead
25 per cent. to 70 per cent., the highest value being from the bottom level...
By continuing the bottom level E., the shoot of ore E. of the shaft in the upper
levels which have evidently been the best and largest in the lode--will be met
with and a large block of unworked ground between this and the 180ft. level thrown
open for stoping, from which a large quantity of ore may be expected ; 190ft.
has yet to be driven before the part of the lode explored by the upper level is reached.
Beyond (E. of) this..point the lode has not been driven on, and when this is done
there is every prospect of fresh shoots of ore being passed through. ... ..
The continuation of the Vineyard tunnel to connect with the bottom level would
also open up the block of ground between the adit level and this tunnel, which con-
tains the shoots of ore worked in the adit. level W: of the shaft. As water-level has
not yet been reached, there is nothing to prevent at the same time the main shaft
being sunk, drives 'put in E. and W., and new stopes opened up.
The O.G. Lode, on the adjoining land, is also a true lode, and runs parallel
the Mount Osmond ground, and should enter it at the N. end of section 1070.
Other lodes probably 'exist here which do not show at the surface, but may be
found by underground crosscutting.
The Glen Osmond lodes, in general, are small, compared with some of those at
the Barrier. On the other hand, the ore contains the higher percentage of lead,
and a fair amount of silver. (Government Geologist, 2-10-88.)
In 1889 operations were confined to three places. Mr. H. Conigrave, the secretary,
reported that there are 14 lodes, six of which have been prospected and worked;
they strike E. and W., and dip to the N: at a ruling angle of 70°; widths.from lft.
to 4ft: The O.G. shaft. and winze goes down 260ft., Victoria 310ft., Gore 178fta,
(2) Verco 178ft. and 100ft., all following the dip of the lodes. The total length of
drives is 4:947ft. Matrix-iron, calcspar, barytes, clay, gossan, and ferruginous
quartz ;. country, calcareous clayslate. The ore is galena and carbonate of leady
giving an average assay of 21ozs. silver per ton and 71 per cent. lead.. An English
proprietary company worked the mine from 1847 to 1850, paying a royalty to the
owners of one-eighth, and extracted from the property £30,000 worth of silver and
lead. An unsuccessful demand for reduction of the royalty led to a stoppage of
operations until the existing company commenced work. "In May, 1891, the In:
spector of Mines made an examination, and recommended Government assistance on
the ground that the company was prepared with assistance to sink 500ft. for the
development of the mine, to test the lodes at the depth of 150ft. below water-levels
At a meeting of shareholders in 1895 it was stated that, owing to insufficiency of
funds, mining work had not been resumed.
Wheal: Watkins Mine.---Situated on section 910, adjoining and E. of the Gilles
Glen Osmond. It was opened in 1843 and remained steadily productive until the
year of the Victorian diggings (1851). The Government Geologist examined this
mine in 1888, and reports : The lode is known as Peachey's lode; it has a general
strike of about E:::10° S., although this varies in places the general underlie is
N. at an angle of from:70° to 80°.. Down to the 20-fathom level the lode has been
worked out by tunnels from the N. flank of the hill, from which levels have been
driven along the lode E. and W. Above the 30-fathom level the ore-bearing shoots
may be considered as worked out, and apparently a large amount of. ore has been
removed. The main shaft, which has followed down the lode on the underlie at
an angle of about 75°, has been cleared out to a depth of about 15ft. below the
40-fathom: level; there is also a: level at 30 fathoms, the W. portion of which has
been cleared of mullock and debris from the upper workings, with which it was
fited for a distance of 120ft. At 60ft. W. of the shaft there is a winze connecting
this level with the 20-fathom level.. Between the shaft and the winze the lode has,
all been stoped out in early times. W. only a small portion has been stoped. Thě
176
MINING RECORDS.
30-fathom level E. has been driven about 235ft., and has been stoped altogether
for about 50ft. from the shaft up to the 20-fathom level, on separate shoots of ore.
Half-way along this level there is a branching of the lode, or a cross lode, bearing
N.E., which has also been stoped on to a small extent. Thirty-five feet from the
shaft a winze has been sunk towards the 40-fathom level and a little ore stoped
out. The 40-fathom level W. has been cleared out for a distance of 150ft., beyond
which it is still choked with loose mullock; 70ft. from the shaft a winze connects
it with the 30-fathom level ; W. of this winze ore has been stoped out up to the
30-fathom level. Between the shaft and this winze there is a block of unworked
ground, a portion of which is now being stoped, which contains a rich shoot of ore
from 6in. to 1 ft. wide. Along the bottom of the 30-fathom level, above this
stope, the lode can be seen to contain rich ore. The 40-fathom level E. has been
driven 243ft. At 187ft. from the shaft a winze connects this with the 30-fathom,
and a shoot of ore has been stoped on each side of this winze from one level to
another. A winze is being sunk about 20ft. below the 40-fathom in one place, and
galena and carbonate stoped. For a long distance the level has been driven on a
soft ferruginous clayey lode of variable thickness. Below the 40-fathom level the
shaft is now being cleared of the mullock with which it has been filled at some
former time, and is now down 15ft. In each side of the shaft there is a soft clayey
and gossany lode formation from 1jft. to 2 ft. thick. The total depth of the main
shaft, which has been cleared to the depth of 255ft., is said to be 480ft. The
country rocks consist of clay and calcareous slates and limestone, having a low dip
of 10° or 15º S. and S.E., which has been cut across by the fissure or fault, in which
the lode has been deposited. From the well-defined appearance of the walls of
the lode, the depth to which it has been followed, the width and length of the lode
which have been worked out, and the lode still standing, I believe that it will be
persistent in depth, and continue to develop rich patches or shoots of ore when
followed down to greater depths. What ground is worked out below the 40-fathom
level can only be ascertained after the shaft is cleared out and the blocked-up
drives reopened. Judging from the fact that above the 40-fathom level large blocks
of ore-bearing ground have been left almost intact E. and W. adjoining the shaft,
it is expected that, as deeper levels are exposed, a larger extent of lode will be
found unworked. So far as the deeper levels have been driven the lode still shows
no sign of dying out. The continuation of these levels will probably, therefore,
lead to other shoots of ore being met with. . The occurrence of a cross lode, or
branch lodes, makes it also a reasonable speculation that by crosscutting other
parallel lodes may be found not far from the main lode. The quantity of ore raised
from this mine appears, from the extent of ground worked out from the surface to
the 40-fathom level, to have been considerable. In the absence of complete returns
of the proceeds from the mine definite information on this point cannot be given.
There are other lodes, such as Finke's, Gore's, &c., which have not been developed.
It would be advisable to crosscut for these from the bottom of the present shaft
when this has been reached.
Assays by the Government Assayer :-(1) Galena and gossan from winze E. of
shaft, 40-fathom level, silver, 20ozs. 2dwts. per ton and 67 per cent. lead ; (2) from
stopes 49 fathoms W., silver, 220zs. 4dwts. and 67 per cent. ; (3) 22ozs. 17dwts.
and 57 per cent. ; (4) galena and gossan from stopes 40-fathom level W., silver,
150zs. 14dwts. ; lead, 55 per cent. Average of silver, 200zs. 4dwts. per ton; lead,
611 per cent. (Government Geologist, 25–9-88.)
Wheal Gawler.--Section 909, adjoining the Wheal Watkins on the N. It was
the first mine opened in this State. On account of the rich discovery of specimens
of galena on the surface the land was purchased and mined. Work was started in
May, 1841, and several tons of very pure galena was raised. From a trial made
in England the yield was, dressed ore 77 per cent. lead and 19ozs. 4dwts. 4grs.
silver per ton ; undressed, 613 per cent. lead and 190zs. 2dwts. 4grs. silver per ton.
In 1848 an assay made by C. E. Schonne, Calcutta, of 107 slabs of bullion sent
SILVER-LEAD.
177
from the smelting works, Glen Osmond, yielded at the rate of 350zs. silver to the
ton, and one small one went as high as 70ozs. to the ton. The 107 slabs were the
produce of carbonates, and the small slab was from the average ores. (1887.)
Mount Osmond Mine.—In August, 1888, the Government Geologist reported that
work was being carried on at two places, viz., the Champion lode, section 1278,
and the Wheal Augusta lode, section 1062.
Champion Lode. A tunnel was being driven here along the course of a quartzite
bar in clay and calcareous slates. In this, and near the junction with the slate, there
are flat leaders of galena and gossan, associated with zinc blende, calcspar, and
quartz. He was of opinion that this so-called lode is a bed of quartzite, originally
sandstone interbedded with the slate, which has become upheaved at a steep
inclination at this place. As it contains leaders of silver-lead, it is worth driving
along on the chance of meeting with a lode, or larger bunches of ore. These bands
of sandstone and quartzite are very frequent in the clayslates of the ranges here;
sometimes they are of great thickness, as at the Glen Osmond quarry and in the
vicinity; in other places they thin out to narrow bands a few feet in width, through
the twisting up of the strata, with, perhaps, accompanying faulting becoming
inclined at high angles or perpendicular, and thus resemble lodes.
Wheal Augusta Lode.—This is a true lode, with walls from 2ft. to 3ft. apart.
The veinstone consists of gossan and quartz, with calcspar, barytes, carbonate of
lime and iron, containing galena and carbonate of lead. The strike of the lode is
from E. and W. to E. 10° S., and its underlie 70° to 80° N. The country rock is
clayslate, calcareous clayslate, and limestone, lying in a slightly inclined position,
and dipping at an angle of from 50 to 15º S. and S.E. Where the lodes were then
lower strata more solid country may be expected, the clayslate giving place to
crystalline limestone, in which the lode will probably become larger and yield
larger quantities of ore. The summit of the range through which the lode runs is,
by barometer, 550ft. above the tunnel, and 650ft. above the base of the hill at
Glen Osmond quarry. It is advisable to sink deeper below the tunnel at the same
time as the tunnel is being driven, for the reason given above. Samples from the
Wheal Augusta lode assayed llozs. 9dwts. of silver per ton, and 55 per cent. lead.
Ironstone and galena from the Champion tunnel returned 7ozs. 7dwts. silver and
35 per cent. lead. The ore after picking would assay much higher for both metals.
(Government Geologist, 20–8–88.)
Glen Osmond Stone Quarries.-Several small parcels of galena have been saved
from small veins during the working of the quarries.
Eagle.—The course of the lode is due E. and W., underlie N., with smooth and
regular walls averaging 4ft. apart. A great deal of work has been done on the
property in sinking shafts and tunnels. Ore sold averaged 471 per cent. of lead
and 100zs. 5dwts. of silver per ton. Individual assays ranged higher, and the
pryites also carry gold. Mr. Kingsborough, the secretary, supplied the following
information in 1890:-
The Eagle Mine is on section 1003, hundred of Adelaide. There are two lodes, ranging up to 6ft.
wide, and two shafts, the deepest 115ft., and a winze 92ft., all following the dip of the lode, and
842ft. of drives. The ore is a sulphide, carried in a gossany matrix, and the country is a clayslate.
The bulk assays have been 541, 593, 614, and 533 per cent. for lead, and 70zs. 12dwts. 16grs.,
llozs. 12dwts. 12grs., 12ozs., and 10ozs. silver per ton.
The Inspector of Mines visited the property in March, 1890, and reported favor-
ably of the prospects of the mine. In the bottom level from McDonald's shaft
there is a shoot of zinc, assaying 45 per cent. ; probably the lead will make again
below. The width and regularity of the lode would indicate that large quantities
of argentiferous galena will probably occur at a greater depth.
Macfarlane's.-In the neighborhood of the Glen Osmond mines, and forms one
of the same group. Very little work has been done.
and it. 614, and 534 possany matrik, wing the di
ing 45 pehe iode would fiere depth.
olarit, 45 per cent. optrona level fromand. rep
and forms one
м
178
MINING RECORDS.
GLENALBYN.-Opened in 1850, and situated about a mile to the N.W, from
Strathalbyn. At 18 fathoms below the surface a fine lode of galena was found,
the ore of which was said to contain 181 per cent. of lead and 16ļozs. silver to the
ton. A shaft was sunk about 30 fathoms, and the galena was found to be im-
pregnated with yellow copper ore. Several hundred tons of the ore were sent to
England. The mine ceased working in 1863.
GRAEFE'S.—On section 96, hundred of Morgan. The Government Geologist
reported in 1896 that there was a vein of calcspar, ironstone, and gossan containing
galena, striking N. and dipping W. at 30° to 40°, worth prosepcting. The Govern-
ment Assayer returned 67 per cent. of lead and 16ozs. 14dwts. of silver per ton
from samples treated. The country rocks are clayslates, calcareous slates, and
limestone, striking N. and S., and dipping at high angles, and sometimes, vertical.
GRAY's.-Hundred of Goolwa. The Inspector Mines reported in 1890, that
there was an outcrop of quartz upon which a shaft had been sunk to the depth of
45ft. It was alleged that assays had given good returns of silver, but samples
tested by the Government Assayer gave no result in silver or gold. . ....
: GREAT. COMSTOCK.—Situated near Blinman. The Inspector of Mines states that
a shaft has been sunk vertically 73ft., and then continued on the underlie to a depth
of 117ft. on a poor formation consisting of calcite, barytes, and gossan, the sur-
rounding country being limestone and argillaceous slate; not at all favorable for
plumbiferous deposits. He did not observe any mineral of commercial value in
the property, and no lode formation worth prospecting. (1889.) .
GREAT GLADSTONE SILVER MINE.—Situated in the Pindelpena Creek, 6 miles
N.E. from Yeralina Station. In April, 1888, the Government Geologist reports
there is a lode formation, consisting of iron ore and gossan, containing fragments
of the surrounding slate rocks, and striking N. and S. through the horiziontal and
slightly-inclined clay and calcareous slates. Several shafts have been sunk, and
tunnels driven along the course of the lodes, and gålena has been obtained in two
or three places at no great depth. At the S. end of the workings galena, which
assayed well for silver, has been obtained. The lode is well defined and worth
testing. A sample of the galena and gossan gave 880zs. 7dwts. 6grs. per ton
silver and 46 per cent. lead, and of gossan alone loz. 15dwts. 22grs. silver per ton.
In September, 1890, Inspector Parkes examined and reported that the width of a
well-defined lode running through the property was 5ft., but it was very mullocky.
In the S. portion of the property a tunnel had been driven 87ft. along the course
of the lode, and an air shaft had holed at 40ft. No. 1 shaft N. was down 90ft.,
the same character as in the other workings. Two shafts have been sunk respectively
35ft. and 82ft. The most N. shaft on a lower site had cut water at 76ft. This
should be sunk deeper, as the lode stuff is better as depth is made, and indicates a
possibility of obtaining payable ore at a deeper level.
GREAT NORTHERN.- Locality, 2 miles W. from the Great Gladstone. There
are well-defined lodes of ferricalcite, calcite, iron ore, and gossan, striking N. and
S. through horizontal slates. Prospecting shafts were being sunk at the time of
inspection by the Government Geologist (1888),but nothing of value had been found.
At the latter end of 1890 the Inspector of Mines reported that a shaft had been
sunk 30ft. on one of the outcrops; a sample he took gave no assay return of value.
HAHNDORF.—At this place à silver mine was opened many years ago, but it is
not now worked. A quantity of ore was raised, said to be of rich quality. Pieces
of quartz and reef formation were found to carry a small percentage of galena,
containing silver at the rate of 1lozs. per ton. Mr. W. S. Whitington, the original
worker of this mine, stated that ore raised by his party was assayed by Mr. Cosmo
Newbery, and by assayers in England and Germany, and gave on an average 71 per
cent. of lead and 2lozs. of silver to the ton. Operations were stopped by the flood-
ing of the main shaft, and want of capital. The workings are in soft kaolinised
lay, and sandy and plumbagenous slates. (1887.)
- SILVER-LEAD.
179
HENDER'S PROPERTY.-Situated in the hundred of Strathalbyn. The Inspector
of Mines in 1890 reported that there were three parallel lodes outcropping, two of
them large and composed of quartz, and the other a small ironstone lode. Upon
the latter a shaft had been put down 20ft., and about 100ft. distant a costeaning
trench, 20ft. long by 7ft. deep, showed the lode to be 2ft. wide at surface, but that
it pinched considerably in the bottom of the excavation. No indication of either
silver or lead. A shaft sunk to a depth of 50ft. on one of the quartz outcrops does
not cut the lode, a mistake having been made as to the dip..
HELENE.—The Inspector of Mines reported that this is situated on a large iron
“blow" on a slight elevation, flanking a low range near Minburra Station. A
shaft was sunk 75ft., and a drive was put E. and W. on the course of the lode,
which consists of gossany ironstone of great width. It has a N.E. and S.W. course.
The surrounding country is clayslate, traversed by strong quartz reefs. (1889.)
Hicks'S SHAFT.-Situated near the telegraph line between Snaky and Starvation
Creeks, Kangaroo Island. · It is an abandoned working, with shaft and costean
pits in a broken mass of quartz reef and quartzose rock. The Government Geologist
recently visited this place, and states that there is nothing to show that any metallic
mineral has ever been found in the workings. It was probably a prospecting
venture. (1898.)
HILL'S.—Situated close to Mount Freeling. The Inspector of Mines reported
(1890) that a shaft had been sunk 16ft. on a large ironstone and limestone outcrop,
striking E. and W., all along which splashes of galena were to be seen. Samples
taken did not yield silver or gold, but it was alleged that some fair returns of silver
had been obtained. The property requires a thorough test. :
HOOPER'S LUCK.-A claim, situated 5 miles S.W. from Waukaringa, worked
for silver and lead on a regular and continuous outcrop of quartz and gossany iron-
stone, which extends for miles. Where the gossan prevails the lode makes and
carries a fair percentage of lead. Three shallow shafts have been sunk and costean-
ing pits dug, and in these the lode formation may be seen, varying in size from lft.
to 8ft. The course of the lode is W. 3° S., with an underlie S.E. at an angle of 75°.
The lode matrix is admirably adapted for concentration, as the waste is very light.
This claim is well worth testing to the water-level. From a bulk assay of 3 tons
of ore, obtained from a surface trench and roughly dressed, 30 per cent. of lead
and 6ozs. 14dwts, of silver per ton were obtained. (Inspector of Mines, 1890.)
HOPE.-Locality, about 7 miles E.N.E. from Taltabooka. Shafts have been sunk,
one to a depth of 100ft., and crosscuts driven in slate and sandstone, near iron ore,
gossan, and crystalline limestone outcrops, which are not lodes, and do not appear
likely to contain any useful metal. (Inspector of Mines, 1889.)
IMPERIAL MINT.-The Inspector of Mines reported in 1890 that this mine is 25
miles E. from Leigh Creek Railway Station. In several places lodes have been
opened up, and lead in carbonate and sulphide forms can be optained, but not in
payable quantities. The ground consists of micaceous and talcose schists, over-
Tying a hard blue slate, and the outcrops of lodes are ironstone stained with oxide
of lead. There is a' vertical shaft 92ft. deep, carried down to 50ft. in a formation
composed of galena, pyrites, and argentiferous gossan, and then hard blue slate
comes in. At the bottom a crosscut has been driven, and a winze put down. There
is a break in the slate, and walls are showing, enclosing what appears to be lode
material about 3ft. wide, but no trace of lead or iron can be found in it.
JOKER (N.E.).—About 20 miles E. from Ketchowla Station. A large amount of
sinking and driving has been done at this place on the ironstone outcrops on the
strength of traditions that silver had been found. The Government Geologist,
after inspection in 1888, came to the conclusion that there were no lodes on the
property nor any inducement for anyone to do more than prospect the surface.
The samples he tested were destitute of silver or any other metal of commercial
value.
IT
180
MINING RECORDS.
JOKER (Mount Freeling).-Four miles S. from the old police station. In May,
1892, the Inspector of Mines reported that a vertical shaft 42ft. deep and some
pits had been sunk and a drive put in from shaft, which disclosed nothing of value.
On a large quartzite dyke small spats of galena are to be seen and also in the jointings.
KANGARILLA MINE.—This property is situate on sections 797 and 796, hundred
of Kuitpo, about 22 miles S.E. from Adelaide. The workings consist of a tunnel
150ft. long and a shaft at the mouth of the tunnel full of water. A trace
of ore shows on one wall here and there, and a vein of galena and carbonate
of lead about 3in. or 4in. wide extends for 20ft. or 30ft. along the bottom of
the drive. The sinking is very hard, and the ore-bearing portion of the lode
very limited, so that unless it is very rich in silver it would not pay to follow.
(1887.) The Inspector of Mines in 1888 reported that at the place where the principal
work had been done there was a true lode formation about 3ft. wide, running E.
and W., with a N. underlie. The work then done on the mine included Lean's
tunnel, driven on the course of the lode 100ft., the formation being very small
throughout; and on a shoot of ore cut near the entrance, followed down for 50ft.,
when sinking was stopped because the influx of water was heavy. No. 2 shaft
was on the hill, and was sunk to the level of the tunnel, 90ft. A good shoot of ore
was passed through dipping E., and several tons of fair ore were obtained. A level
was being pushed W. from the bottom of the shaft to connect with Lean's
tunnel. This would save hauling, and enable operations to be concentrated on the
shoots of ore, besides assisting in the important work of sinking the shaft to a greater
depth. There was every indication that this lode would improve in depth.
KEYNETON KING.—Hundred of North Rhine. The Inspector of Mines reported
been made, showing formations composed of manganic iron, silica, and galena,
with pockets of a kindly-looking gossan. Galena taken from the footwall and
submitted to the Government Assayer gave 63 per cent. of lead and 32ozs. 13dwts.
silver per ton, and from the hanging wall 8ozs. more silver. Samples taken from
the bottom of the opening, 16ft., gave—(1) 60 per cent. of lead and 350zs. 2dwts.
silver per ton; (2) 69 per cent. and 450zs. ; (3) 68 per cent. and 4lozs. The 16ft.
sinking produced about 21 tons of hand-picked ore of similar quality. The course
of the lode is N. and S., with an underlie E. Mr. Niehaus supplied the following
additional information :- More than 30 years ago Captain Rodda mined for silver
on the neighborhood unsuccessfully. It is only recently that the true fissure lode
was discovered. There are two parallel lodes, 4ft. and 5ft. wide respectively.
There are four shafts, two vertical and the others following the dip of the lode,
which has a matrix of iron gossan and clay. Harrold Bros. gave an assay of 620zs.
silver per ton and 76 per cent. lead, and a bulk of 11 tons gave 39ozs. silver per ton
KEYNETON PROPRIETARY.-Hundred of North Rhine. The Inspector of Mines,
in 1889, reported that a considerable sum had been spent in costeaning and sinking
shafts, some apparently without a definite object, and one is in a slate formation
its whole depth. In the trenches lead has been found in small pockets lying on hard
limestone. The country is not favorable for lead ores in large bodies, and there is
nothing in the property justifying further expenditure.
LADY ELIZABETH.—Locality, about a mile S. from Olary Railway Station. A
shaft has been sunk about 20ft., and a drive put in for a short distance. Galena
in small quantities is disseminated through the limestone rock, but the prospect
of a lode being found is not encouraging. (Government Geologist, 1888.)
LADY FRANKLIN.-Section 153, hundred of Warrow, 4 miles S. from Marble
Range Trig. Station, and 30 miles from Port Lincoln. The Government Geologist
inspected this property in 1897, and stated that prospecting shafts and costean
pits had been sunk through Tertiary limestone, clay, and gravel, into the bedrock,
some to water-level, 20ft., and others to a greater depth. The main shaft was down
ŠILVER-LEAD.
181
60ft., sunk through talcose argillaceous rock, steatite, and serpentinous slate, with
white granular quartz, blue solid quartz veins, and soft argillaceous material.
Galena, zinc blende, and pyrites occur in what appears to be a wide lode formation
or cap of a lode, and probably payable deposits of silver would be found on further
prospecting. There is also a fair chance of the lode formation proving auriferous.
At a meeting of shareholders in May, 1898, it was stated that samples of ore smelted
at Wallaroo gave 22 per cent. lead, and 1lozs. silver, and 12grs. gold per ton. Sub-
sequently to that date the main shaft had been carried to a depth of 88ft. Galena
in a small bunch was struck at 78ft., continuing to 82ft., assaying 22 per cent.,
271 per cent., and 33 per cent. lead and 2ļozs. silver per ton. Below 82ft. no
galena was visible. Water making 1,500galls. per hour.
The Inspector of Mines, reporting September 15th, 1899, states that the principal
shaft had been sunk to a depth of 82ft., and the water being within 20ft. of the
surface the workings could not be inspected, but he was informed that the quartz
lode containing gold had been passed through at 55ft. from the surface. At the
60ft. level small bunches of galena, zinc blende, and pyrites were struck, which
assayed 22 per cent., 27 per cent. and 33 per cent. of lead, with 2 ozs. of silver
per ton; this formation was passed through at about the 80ft. level, the bottom
of the shaft being in hard rock, with no metal visible. Six horsepower portable
engine, in good condition, on the ground; but the pumping appliances, though
equal to keeping the water down to the present level, 82ft., are quite inadequate
for further sinking; he ther fore recommends opening out at the 80ft. level, to
enable the quartz vein and galena formation passed through to be explored, when
further operations could be decided on. A sample taken from the ore dump gave
on assay no gold and 1 per cent. of copper. (I.M.R., 15-9-99.)
LOBETHAL.–A silver mine was opened near this township many years ago. The
lode runs N. and S., and is composed of iron gossan, quartz,, and mundic. A vein
of cobalt and silver is said to exist in the same lode, being principally an ore of
cobalt. (1887.) Samples from the dump and the formation recently tested only
showed a trace of cobalt.
LLOYD'S SECTION (See CHERRY GARDENS).
MANGALO (Franklin Harbor district).—Near a hut on Mangalo Creek thin veins
of galena traverse mica schist and mica slate over a space of 40ft. to 50ft, in width.
The galena is also found on the surface in the form of small rounded slugs. There
are no workings, with the exception of a trench about hyds. long and from 4ft. to
5ft. deep. The rock is soft, and easily worked. The following were the results
of assays made by the Government Assayer :-(1) galena, 2ozs. 9dwts. of silver ;
(2) galena, 2ozs. 9dwts. ; (3) galena, 9dwts. 19grs. ; (4) galena, loz. 15dwts. 22grs. ;
(5) galena, 16dwts. 8grs. ; (6) galena, 2ozs. 15dwts. 12grs. per ton. (1887.)
Mack's PROSPECT.-Situated on section 1278, hundred of Adelaide. A considerable
amount of work was done about 1890 on a lode which it was said contained silver
and lead.
MANNAHILL PROPRIETARY.-Situated near Wadnaminga. No. 1 shaft, according
to the report of the Inspector of Mines (1892), has been sunk a vertical depth of
90ft., and thence a drive has been put in S.E. a distance of 65ft. The sinking has
been in a calcareous slate, with no indication of a lode. No. 2 has been put down
(for the most part on an underlie) 59ft., in a small mullocky formation of no Valde.
Klemm's shaft is down 35ft. There are only very small superficial deposits of
ferruginous quartz and galena, and no defined lode. The mine is not worth further
outlay.
MARSHALL'S.—Situated about 3 miles S.E. from Nichol's Nob. The Government
Geologist reported in 1891 that there were shallow shafts sunk, and that there is
a very large lode of ironstone, kaolin, and gossan, from which samples were taken.
The assays went from nil up to 620zs. of silver per ton at 25ft. from the surface,
and indicated that there were rich patches or veins containing silver, which is in
the form of chlorides.
182
MINING RECORDS.
MCGRATH'S.-Situated near Trinity Hut. The Inspector of Mines has reported:
that a large lode running E. and W. is in this holding, but little work had been done
on it. A sample taken from the lode, composed of ferruginous quartz and galena,
assayed 220zs. 4dwts. silver per ton and 12 per cent. lead.
MILDALTIE.--Vide page 83....
MONTAGUE'S NEVADA.—Situated about 22 miles E. of Leigh Creek. In April,
1898, a heavy body of ore, containing lead and silver, was reported to have been
met with in the W. stope at the 70ft. level ; also that the E. stope was yielding
good ore.
MOORE BROS. DISCOVERY.-In slate country; about 13 miles S.S.E, of the
Mingary reefs, a discovery of silver-lead was made. The galena and carbonate
of lead form a vein about 12in. thick, underlying W. at a low angle, and galena
occurs in a very pure condition in large slabs. An assay made by the Government
Assayer gave 18ozs. 6dwts. silver per ton. (1888.)
MORIALTA.- Locality, section 1164, hundred of Adelaide, where are also the
Morialta gold diggings. The Government Geologist reported in 1897 to the effect
that a reef outcrop showed for 350ft. along the base of the hill, which had been
opened by short tunnels and pits for that distance. The lode, striking N. and S.,
contained brown iron ore, gossan, quartz, and argillaceous matter, mixed with the
bedrock, and underlies E. into and beneath the hill. In the principal workings,
at the N. end, there is a well-defined outcrop varying in thickness from lft. to 3ft.
or 4ft. The dip of the formation in these appears to coincide with the bedding
of the rocks, which dip at an angle of 18° to 200 E. In the workings toward the
S. end, so far as they have gone, the formation has a much steeper dip in the same
direction, and appears to intersect the strata-not sufficient work had been done
to show its actual thickness. The probabilities are in favor of a fair-sized argenti-
ferous lode being developed when the ground has been opened up and properly
prospected, and it is likely, considering the auriferous nature of the district, that
portions of the lode may prove to be also gold-bearing. In places the veinstone,
is rich in silver. The School of Mines assay gave from a trace up to 560ozs. of
silver per ton (ironstone with oxide of antimony and lead).
On January 21st, 1898, the Geologist reports that since his last visit one of the
inclined shafts has been driven on the lode formation to a total depth of 106ft., at
an inclination of 24° E., and is now the main shaft. At the bottom a large bunch
of quartz replaces the argillaceous and ferruginous formation previously passed
through. It is advised that this shaft be widened and timbered where necessary
for safety and efficiency, and that at 100ft. from the surface, which is supposed to
be water-level, drives be put in N. and S. on the lode formation for the purpose of
ascertaining in which direction the rich shoot of silver ore outcropping at the
surface, dips and its extent; also that the shaft be continued for another 100ft.,
and then opened up by levels N. and S. on the lode, should the developments met
with in the levels at 100ft. warrant this. Nine samples were taken, which gave
on assay from a trace to 640zs. 7dwts. silver per ton. Most of the samples also
showed a trace of gold. In January, 1899, the locality was again visited. The
work done since the previous inspection had been chiefly confined to deepening
some of the shallow shafts and cuttings and excavating ore from the outcrop, where
it was known to be rich in silver. Samples for assay were again taken, and of these
three samples from a shallow shaft, 160ft. S. from the main inclined shaft, returned
respectively, 11dwts., 2ozs. 14dwts., and 2ozs. 16dwts. of silver per ton. Two
samples from the outcrop about 30ft. S. from the main shaft returned respectively
73ozs. 12dwts. and loz. 3dwts. of silver per ton. From all the assays it appears
that the payable portion of the lode, so far as explored, is confined to about 40ft.
of outcrop, and that the silver contents of this shoot of ore are variable and un-
certain, but the opinion is still expressed that this silver locality is worth systematic
prospecting in the manner suggested in the previous report; such work will alone
determine the extent and value of the deposit, and the presence of argentiferous
ore in this place warrants the thorough exploration of the lode.
SIIVÊR-LÉAD.
183
Assay returns of three small parcels sold showed respectively:-2 tons 2cwts.,
4lozs. ; 4 tons 2cwts., 400zs. ; 7 tons 10cwts., 240zs. of silver per ton..
MOUNT MALVERN.-Situated on Mr. Partridge's property between Blackwood
and Cherry Gardens. The Inspector of Mines (Mr. Parkes) reported (December,
1890) that a shaft had been sunk 116ft., which in the first 60ft. passed through a.
very fair lode formation carrying chlorides of silver. Between 60ft. and 90ft.
nodules of galena were obtained, and from that depth to 116ft. the shaft was in a
“ horse ” of mullock. Two drives were put in and a winze. The lode in one place.
was opened fully 12ft. wide, but no wall was reached. Throughout the whole of
the lode formation bunches.of galena and cerussite are seen, which promise increase .
of size at a greater depth. In the face of the 90ft. level the barytes, 4ft. wide, carries
a little lead, and shows signs of making larger towards the footwall. The lode has
apparently been “ thrown” to the N. A bulk sample assayed 170zs. 13dwts. of
silver and 57 per cent. of lead. This should stimulate further operations. Another
inspection was made in March, 1893, when it was found that a large amount of
sinking and driving had been done, besides the erection of machinery. McDonald's
shaft had been sunk to 175ft., a winze holed from the 50ft. level, and levels hadi
been driven E. and W. from the bottom of the shaft. The E. drive had been holedi
to Harvey's shaft, which is 313ft. deep, and to the bottom of which a substantial
skip-road had been constructed, and other good mining work done. The sum of
£4,722 had been disbursed in machinery, and nearly 235 tons of ore had been taken.
out for a gross return of £1,196 2s. 6d. Plenty of ground was ready for stoping,
but the ore was too small in quantity and low in quality to pay. Samples from the
bottom of the shaft assayed 150zs. 17dwts. of silver and 75 per cent. of lead. The
lodes opened up improved in depth and warranted further exploration.
The Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H. Matthews) furnished the following report in
1906 :—This property was worked for some time until about eight or 10 years ago,
when, owing to the low price of silver and lead, and the smelter which was erected
collapsing, all operations were discontinued. So far as can be examined the princi-
pal works consist of two shafts, known as Harvey's and the original prospecting
shaft, together with drives, stopes, and winzes from the various levels. Owing to
portions of Harvey's, or the main shaft, having fallen in, and its general dilapidated
condition, it could not be examined, but the Inspector was informed that the depth
of 325ft. on the lode incline had been reached, with drives opened at the 292ft.
level, which are all now full of water. The total depth of the prospecting shaft
is 160ft., partly vertical and partly on the lode incline, which is about 1 in 12. A
winze has been sunk to the depth of 60ft., and drives have been made at the 100ft.,
160ft., and 220ft. levels, in lode matter consisting of barytes (heavy spar, sulphide
of barium), with veins and bunches of galena. 100ft. level.-At this point drives
have been made on the lode E. and W. fully 100ft., exposing lode matter from
1ft. 6in. to 2ft. wide, showing lead crystals in the barite formation. 160ft. level:-
lode formation consists of friable gritty sandstone and barite, ranging from 12ft.
to 14ft. wide, containing vein matter occurring in seams and bunches throughout
the formation. Towards the footwall side the stopes have exposed bunches and
splashes' of galena 2ft. wide of excellent quality ; this has been stoped for about
20ft. in height, and there is very fair ore showing in the face. 220ft. levél.—This
depth has been reached by the winze sunk 60ft. from the level above. At this
point the lode formation is of similar size and character to that disclosed at the
160ft. level, except that the barite formation has increased to fully 8ft. in width,*-
and from samples taken the metal contents are considerably higher than in the
similar material. In the upper workings at this level the same shoot of gatena ore
has been exposed, and, taken in bulk, is of similar value as at the 160ft. level, the
character and occurrence of the vein matter being the same in many respects.
280ft. level. From the 220ft. a second winze has been sunk 60ft., making a total.
depth of 280ft. from surface. Owing to water this level, which is the most
184
MINING RECORDS.
important, could not be examined; but I was informed from reliable sources that
the lode at the bottom is still making larger and the value is improving ; which
statement, judging from the gradual improvement that has taken place from the
100ft. to the 220ft. levels, I see no reason to doubt. The mine records show that
there has been dispatched to the smelters 218 tons of ore, returning an average
value of 130zs. of silver per ton and 54 per cent. lead. One parcel taken from the
bottom, or 292ft. level, yielded 32ozs. silver per ton and 58 per cent. lead. From
a very careful examination of this property and the returns previously obtained,
I am strongly of the opinion that as a mining venture its prospects will fully warrant
further explorations by sinking a vertical shaft to the depth of 300ft. This, owing
to the surface formation and the position of the proposed shaft, would be about
50ft. below the old workings. So far as can be seen the cost of the work would not
be excessive as apparently the ground on the hanging-wall side is of a friable
nature, and not expensive to work. A small winding plant, consisting of vertical
boiler, double-cylinder engine, and double winding gear, would doubtless fulfil
all requirements until the mine has been thoroughly tested. Eight samples
were taken from the various levels, which gave the following results :-100ft.
level, barytes lode, from 18in. to 2ft. wide, 5ozs. 8dwts. silver per ton, 1.8 per cent.
lead; 100ft. level, barytes lode, from 18in. to 2ft. wide, loz. 8dwts. silver ; 160ft.
level, barytes lode from stopes, 5ozs. 4dwts. silver, 23.2 per cent. lead ; 160ft. level,
vein 2ft. wide, containing bunches of galena, 120zs. 12dwts. silver, 78.3 per cent.
lead ; 160ft. level barytes, copper-stained, 10dwts. silver ; 220ft. level, vein 2ft.
wide, containing bunches of galena, 13ozs. 2dwts. silver, 61 per cent. lead ; 220ft.
level, barytes, cerussite, and galena, 18in. wide, 8ozs. 12dwts. silver, 19.8 per cent.
lead ; 220ft. level, barytes, cerussite, and copper stains, 2ozs. 17dwts. silver, 5.4
per cent. lead. (I.M.R., 25-11-06.)
Operations here have been recently restarted.
MOUNT CARRIE MINE.—Situate 41 miles from Angorichina Head Station. After
an examination in 1891, the Inspector of Mines reported that a large and well-
defined lode of barytes can be traced here, but the only work done had been a drive
cutting 10ft. into the lode without reaching the hanging-wall. Samples assayed
for silver did not give any return ; but the lode should be tested at depth.
MOUNT DISTANT.—Here there is a galena lode at the top of the mount, W. from
the Gilded P. Beck Mine. The Inspector of Mines examined this property in the
latter part of 1890, and reported that there was only a small underlie pit sunk on
a thin vein of ironstone and galena, which is considered not worth prospecting.
MOUNT LOFTY PARK SILVER-LEAD MINE.-Situated on section 840, hundred of
Onkaparinga. The Inspector of Mines (Mr. Rosewarne), after examining the property,
reported that the workings consisted of a drive on the course of the lode about 25ft.,in
which a winze had been sunk 24ft. At 18ft. drives were put in E. and W., and in the
latter 11ft. exposed a solid lode of cubical galena 2ift. thick. The E. drive is about
20ft., but the lode is not so large in the back, though similar to the W. portion under
foot. The course of the lode is E. and W. with a slight dip to the N. The shoot of ore
appears to be making payable ground in depth. The lode running into steep hills
may be advantageously worked by means of tunnels, and about 300ft. of backs
might be obtained by about the same length of drive. Since the date of this report
a tunnel has been driven at a lower depth and a winze put down, and other drives
put in on the course of the lode. Work partly suspended, pending mechanical
appliances being obtained for dealing with the water and dressing the ore. (1889.)
Subsequently the mine was abandoned owing to the large quantity of zinc blende in
the lode, and a lack of capital on the part of the small company working the mine.
MOUNT LYALL.—Locality, 14 miles N. of Wirrialpa. A great deal of costeaning
was done near some outcrops of iron, and promising assays of silver were said to
have been obtained, but the Inspector of Mines reported that he saw nothing that
would warrant working. (1889.)
SILVER-LEAD.
185
MOUNT RHINE SILVER MINING COMPANY.-Situated on section 17, hundred of
Angas. The secretary (April, 1890) supplied the following particulars :—There
is an E. and W. lode, in the upper part 5ft. wide and increasing to a width of 40ft.,
and another N. and S. many yards wide; dip 45° S. A shaft is down 80ft. and a
winze 80ft.,; and drives have been put in 180ft. and 30ft. The ore gives from bulk
10ozs. of silver to the ton and 20 per cent. of lead. Some assays have given 450zs.
of silver and 70 per cent. of lead, and one 49ozs. of silver and ifozs. of gold. This
mine was working for two years, in the first instance for silver, but latterly for ochre,
(1890.)
The Inspector of Mines, in 1891 (Mr. J. V. Parkes) reported that a tunnel had
been driven 196ft. on the course of a lode striking W. 30° S., consisting of ferri-
siliceous limestone and ochre, in which there are small patches of galena. A sample
taken assayed 40zs. silver per ton and 20 per cent. of lead. Other workings have
included stopes and the sinking of winzes, and though the silver prospect was only
moderate, the Inspector regarded the mine as valuable because of the ochre alone.
On an average the lode is 4ft. wide, and is enclosed by walls of micaceous schist.
The mine had been worked cheaply, and should be energetically developed.
MOUNT SERLE LOCALITY.—Thirty-two miles E. from Leigh Creek Railway
Station and about 13 miles E. of Stuart's Waterholes. A promising lode of rich
galena and carbonate of lead has been prospected 2ft. or 3ft. below the surface.
Between Finke's Springs and Frome Well galena and carbonate of lead have been
found in three or four localities in clay and calcareous slaty shale, the lode formation
being calcspar and ferricalcite, with sometimes quartz and ferruginous gossan.
These lodes are worth further prospecting. Assays made by the Government
Assayer from ore procured from these claims show :—Cerussite, lj miles E. of
Stuart's Waterholes, 58.5 per cent. lead and 3ozs. 9dwts. silver per ton ; galena,
65.4 per cent. lead and loz. 3dwts. silver; galena from No. 2 claim, 14 miles W. of
Frome Well, 70 per cent. lead and 8ozs. 10dwts. silver; cerussite from most W.
claim, 70 per cent. lead and 70zs. 4dwts. silver. (Government Geologist, 27-4-88.).
NEVADA.—Locality, 11 miles N. from Wirrialpa. There are several iron out-
crops, one of them a fissure lode 12ft. thick. A downright shaft 30ft., a crosscut
9ft., and a shaft continued 70ft. on the underlie at an angle of 50° showed no en-
couraging results. Samples taken by the Inspector of Mines showed no trace of
silver. (1889.)
OLARY SILVER.-Situate 21 miles from the Olary Railway Station, formerly
known as Batchelor and Moody's Great Iron Blow. At the period of the Govern-
ment Geologist's visit (August, 1888) a shaft had been sunk on the N. side, and
another was being sunk (depth about 45ft.) on the S. side of a large outcrop of silico-
ferruginous lodestone stained with copper carbonate, and containing pyrites. The
stone looked likely for gold, and an assay of a sample of the ore containing pyrites
yielded silver at the rate of 3ozs. 9dwts. per ton ; gold, a trace. There are numerous
quartzose and ferruginous reefs with copper stains in the neighborhood which ap-
peared likely to contain gold. The rock formation is gneissic micaceous granite,
mica slate, &c., with eruptive granite.
The Inspector of Mines reported in 1889 that there is a strong lode, which can
be traced fully 2 miles, bearing E.N.E. and almost vertical, chiefly quartz, but at
intervals making large siliceous ironstone “ blows." A good deal of work had been
done, and a shaft sunk 110ft. on a solid body of pyrites. Two assays showed
respectively Idwt. 12grs. and ldwt. 8grs. of gold to the ton. The auriferous pyrites
were likely to become richer in depth.
OLD STRATHALBYN MINE.—This adjoins the Wheal Ellen property. A shaft
was sunk in the gossan for a depth of 4 fathoms, and then the gossan was found to
carry gold and silver down to 7 fathoms, when it began to make carbonate of lead.
Sinking deeper, the lode was found to be about 12ft. wide, and to be composed of
sandy mundic, zinc blende, and galena of low percentage. A drive at the 17-
fathom level cut through about 10ft. of zinc blende and galena of about 20 per cent.
186
MINING RECORDS.
of lead. At this level a counter branch was met with composed of white quartz and
galena, free of zinc and mundic and rich in silver. At the 22-fathom level a change
took place, the galena and zinc blende forming themselves into separate leaders.
Specimens are said to have yielded 65 per cent. of lead and 400zs. of silver to the ton
The shaft was sunk 7 fathoms below this level. There is no record of ore raised,
and the mine has not been worked for many years. (1887.)
In May, 1907, the Inspector of Mines reports as follows regarding this property :-
It comprises 40 acres, situated about 2 miles from the township of Strathalbyn. It
was opened and worked by private enterprise in 1848, was afterwards abandoned,
and remained so until recently, when an Adelaide company took possession and
resumed operations. In consequence of the water, the old workings could not be
examined; but so far as I could ascertain the main shaft had been sunk to the
depth of 180ft., and a fair quantity of good ore extracted. Beyond this no further
reliable information could be obtained. Works of the present company have been
principally confined to the sinking of a main incline shaft to the depth of 180ft.,
which it is intended to eventually connect with the old workings. Lode formation
is chiefly composed of micaceous schist, striking N. and S., with an E. underlie
slightly over 2ft. in 6ft., very regular and well defined, the product being silver,
lead, and zinc, the latter being at present the predominating metal. At the 60ft.
level a drive has been driven N. 62ft., exposing lode matter 4ft. wide. In the face
the ore vein is contracted, apparently having passed through the main gre shoot,
which has every indication of dipping S. In the shaft bottom, which is about 100ft.
below the sulphide zone, the lode formation has been disclosed from 8ft. to 9ft.
wide. The manager informs me that by means of bore holes he has proved the
formation to be 14ft., which doubtless is correct, there being at the time of my
visit no footwall visible. At this point a drive has been driven 10ft. S. towards
the old workings. On the hanging-wall side there is a vein from 18in. to 2ft. wide,
containing a fair percentage of zinc, with lesser quantities of lead and silver. The
remaining portion of the lode is of rather low value, but probably may improve as
the drive is continued S. towards the old main shaft, which appears to have been
on the principal ore body. Fifty feet above the bottom workings an opening has
been made in the S. end of the shaft, disclosing vein matter similar to that described,
all containing silver, lead, and zinc to a more or less extent. Machinery on the mine
consists of a double cylinder winding winch, with double winding gear, and vertical
boiler, the whole being securely housed, and capable of continuing the work of
development to a deeper level if required ; also a Marsh sinking pump, not yet in
use. Six samples taken from underground and the ore dumps returned as follows :-
Bottom drive, vein of ore from 18in. to 2ft. wide, on hanging-wall side-silver, Bozs.;
lead, 8 per cent. ; zinc, 20.4 per cent. Bottom drive, bulk sample, 4ft. wide, taken
from hanging-wall side-silver, nil; lead, 0.5 per cent.; zinc, 7.9 per cent.
Bottom drive, bulk sample, 4ft. wide, taken from footwall side-silver, nil ; lead
nil; zinc, 1.6 per cent. Sample from small parcel of ore raised from S. end of shaft
-silver, Tozs. ; lead, 8 per cent. ; zinc, 12 per cent. Bulk sample taken from ore
dumps raised in sinking shaft—silver, loz. 12dwts.; lead, 3 per cent. ; zinc, 5.7
per cent. Sample from hanging-wall side of lode, probably portion of hanging-wall
-silver, 15dwts. ; lead, 0.8 per cent.; zinc, 1.8 per cent. (I.M.R., 30–5–07.)
PARTRIDGE'S PROSPECT.—Situate on section 269, hundred of Noarlunga. The
Inspector of Mines examined this property in 1890, and reported that an outcrop
of heavy spar could be traced 200ft., striking E. and W., and underlying N. 53º.
A shaft had been sunk, and a pit 150ft. to the E., each exposing the lode. Samples
from surface ironstone and barytes gave 5dwts. of silver per ton; another, from
shaft, 280zs. 16dwts., in barytes and chloride of silver-the latter an unusual
association with heavy spar, and noteworthy, as much silver may have been lost
in other mines in the spoil-heap from want of knowledge of this possibility.
PATSEY'S SPRINGS.—One mile W. from these springs there is a lode composed of
galena and carbonate of lead, calcspar, and quartz. An assay of the ore gave 7ozs.
2dwts. 1lgis. of silver per ton, and lead 57 per cent. (1888.)
SİLVER-LEAD.
187
PERSEVERANCE.—Situated on section 52, hundred of Cassini, Kangaroo Island.
Some shallow shafts have been sunk, affording no information as to lodes or forma-
tions. The Government Geologist took two samples from a heap of quartz and
zinc blende ore lying near one of the shafts. One returned-zinc 39.1 per cent.,
gold a trace, silver 12dwts.; the other, zinc 31 per cent., gold and silver nil. The
bedrocks are clay slates, sandstones, and quartzites. Strike, E. and W.; dip,
vertical and S. A little galena visible in the lodestone. (1898.)
· A little work has been done here recently. (1907.)
PETER'S HILL.-Situated 5 miles E. from Riverton. The Inspector of Mines
reported (1890) that a shaft had been put down 90ft. on a well-defined lode. Silver
and a good class of copper ore had been obtained, and assay returns for the former
gave 250zs. 9dwts. per ton, with 40 per cent. lead. A small vein of quartz gave
15grs. of gold and 6dwts. of silver per ton. A sample of galena yielded upon assay
22ozs. 1dwt. of silver per ton and 75 per cent. of lead. Another shaft had been
sunk, and there were winzes, but examination could not be made because of the
water in the mine. His opinion was that this is a true lode, enclosed in argillaceous
slates, and dipping E. 55°, and that the mine is worth further prospecting.
PHILLIPS'S MINE.--Vide YATTAGOLINGA, page 155..
PRINCE ALBERT.-Locality, about 30 miles S. E. from Mannahill Railway Station,
and about 1} miles from the Dark Hill claims, near Giles' Nob. The Inspector of
Mines (1888) reported that there was a vertical shaft 80ft. deep, from the bottom
of which a crosscut had been driven S. 147ft. In the consteaning pits S. of the shaft
there was a large body of quartz exposed, in which lead in the form of carbonate
and sulphide could be seen. No. 1 shaft was sunk vertically 28ft., then at an angle
of 52° for 22ft., following the underlie. At this depth a crosscut was driven 26ft.,
all in lode formation, pockets of lead ore being frequently met with. Samples taken
from various places in this crosscut gave, according to returns by the Government
Assayer-(1) 61 per cent. of lead, 140zs. 1dwt. silver per ton ; (2) 674 per cent. of
lead and 16ozs. 16dwts. of silver ; (3) 70 per cent. of lead and 21ozs. 18dwts. silver ;
(4) 30 per cent. of lead and 10ozs. 14dwts. silver per ton. That the lode makes in
depth was shown by the fact that at 20ft, vertical the lode is barely 6ft. wide, whilst
30ft. deeper it has been proved for 26ft. without the hanging-wall being sighted.
The strike of the lode is E.N.E., and it makes lenticular masses of ore. Further E.
another shaft discloses a similar shoot of ore. The country is favorable, consisting
of micaceous and talcose schists, impregnated with thin pipe veins of ferruginous
matter.
QUORN COMSTOCK.-Locality, 12 to 14 miles N. from Quorn, and near Mount
Arden. A shaft has been sunk 25ft. on a massive outcrop of brown iron ore, sup-
posed to contain silver, the presence of which, however, was not proved. (1888.)
RHINEBERG.–Section 38, hundred of Angas. The secretary supplied the follow-
ing: There are two lodes, striking N. and S., about 5ft. wide. Two shafts were
sunk and some costeaning done. Specks of galena were found in a soft gossan in
micaceous schist country. (1890.)
RHINE VALLEY.-The secretary (April, 1890) stated that this property is on the
edge of the Murray Flats, and contains two lodes of an average width of 5ft., with
a dip of 45º E. The deepest shaft is 90ft., and a drive of 60ft. has been put in.
The lode contains galena in ironstone in micaceous schist country; the ore is patchy.
The mine was first opened in 1888, having a good surface show. Assays have been
had up to from 30ozs. to 40ozs. silver per ton and 60 per cent. lead.
RIVERSEDGE.—Situated on the banks of the Torrens, 13 miles from Adelaide.
It was worked for copper in 1847. A lode of silver-lead was subsequently discovered,
and an assay of the ore made at the time by Dr. Davy showed the proportion of
silver to be about 627ozs. to the ton of ore. The works were stopped for want of
capital.
ROBERTSTOWN.-Locality, about 28 miles from Kapunda, a little E. of N. Early
in 1886 a discovery of silver was reported, and from 15 to 20 claims were taken out
and worked. Assays were made, and results varying from 3ozs. to 30ozs. of silver
188
NÍINING RECORDS.
per ton were reported. Numbers of shafts were put down, one to a depth of 100ft.
In May the Government Geologist examined the material raised from the shafts
and workings, and was unable to detect the presence of any metallic minerals but
iron ores and manganese, with two exceptions-Moonta claim and Murphy's claim.
In the first there were small quantities of galena and in the second copper. This
result, coupled with the absence of vein formation, led to a doubt of the presence
of silver in anything like payable quantities. He collected samples, more especially
from those points whence good assay returns were said to have been made. These
samples—22 in number—were submitted to the Government Assayer, and out of
the whole number only one, that from the Moonta claim, yielded any silver. The
result was 13dwts. per ton. As far as could be ascertained the men working in the
mines had never seen any silver ore in the stone they had been raising, but depended
altogether on the “ assays," which encouraged them to continue ; but much money,
time, and labor were wasted in searching for a metal which does not exist in ap-
preciable quantities in this locality. (1886.)
ROYAL KEYNETON.-Hundred of North Rhine, sections 825, 826, and 828. The
Inspector of Mines reported (1889) that several shafts had been sunk, none to any
great depth ; but a main shaft was being put down. The surface is covered by a
stratum of limestone, which appears to show synclinal and anticlinal formations,
and large nodules of galena, rich in lead and carrying a fair percentage of silver,
were observed, but in limited quantity. In the main shaft there is a bed of gypsum
with veins of iron and specks of galena in the cleavage, probably deposited by
infiltration. In the old workings there is a vein of blende and galena. A great
deal of costeaning was done, but nothing was found except nodules of galena en-
closed in limestone. There are two ironstone “ blows” showing lead, but in small
quantity. The mineral indications warrant efforts at development.
ROYAL MINT.—Locality, 3 miles N.E. from Finke's Springs. A prospecting
shaft was sunk alongside a large outcrop of iron ore. (1889.) No recent in-
formation.
RUFUS.-Situated in Bimbowrie Paddock, near Mount Victor, about 12 miles
from Teetulpa. The Inspector of Mines reported that the ground is favorable for
silver-lead lodes, being composed of fine micaceous schist. The claim is opened
up to a very limited extent, there being only two pits sunk, each showing a lode
formation. A branch on the footwall carries lead ore, a sample of which assayed
10 per cent. lead and 13ozs. 6dwts. silver per ton. Other samples yielded 9ozs.
10dwts. silver and 4grs. of gold per ton. The lode should be followed down on
the underlie. (1889.)
Scott's CREEK MINE (also known as “ The Wheal Margaret”).-Situated about
3 miles from Callington Railway Station and 1} miles from the Aclare Mine. There
Paringa Mining Company in 1848, and appears to have been worked up to the out-
break of the Victorian goldfields, in 1851. In the old workings it is apparent that
a large bunch of ore was taken from about the 7-fathoms to the 15-fathoms level.
ceedingly hard quartz. There is no record of the amount of ore raised during the
first working of the mine. Work was resumed for about six months in a later year
under the direction of Captain Price, who supplied the following :-There are three
lodes, bearing from N. 10° E. to N. 5° W., and having an underlie of from 18in. to
2ft. in the fathom E. ; widths varying from 2ft. to 12ft., and the ores composed
of galena mixed with zinc blende, and occasionally small strings of copper ore.
The veinstone associated with the metallic minerals is a flinty and very hard quartz,
together with a flucan of chlorite on the hanging-wall, with some veins of copper.
The country rock is metamorphic slate. The ore, when properly dressed, will assay
from 50 per cent. to 60 per cent. of lead and 52ozs. to 800zs. of silver to the ton.
Thirty-five tons of ore yielded, on assay, from 450zs. to 550zs. of silver to the ton.
Three shafts, the deepest being 15 fathoms, have been sunk to the water-level, and
SILVER-LEAD.
189
the drives and levels extend about 200ft. The ore occurs in shoots and small veins
of about 3in. thick. Parliamentary Paper No. 83 of 1860 states that Mr. Jno.
Bentham Neales first smelted lead by the Cumberland process at this mine in 1850,
The first stampers used in the colony were erected on this property, and the first
colonial-made pumps and lifters were used to keep the water under. (1887.)
In 1890 the Inspector of Mines reports that, judging from the excavations, a large
quantity of lead ore must have been obtained from an irregular lenticular body.
In the S, stopes there are veins of ore distributed through a formation of 12ft., but
not in anything like payable quantities. Taking the surface indications, it appears
further search N. should be made for a continuation. There are some geological
features which this mine bears in common with the Aclare in the regular splitting
of the lodes, the difference being that in the latter they are S., whilst here they are
N. A vertical shaft has been sunk 120ft. on the W. or hanging-wall side of the lode,
and a crosscut is now in 43ft. W., intersecting veins of mineralised quartz and galena;
but there are no extensive bodies, so that an extension will be required to cut the
footwall of the lode. This mine, like others in the neighborhood, can be developed
cheaply, and a low-quality ore can be made to yield profits, as there is plenty of
water for dressing purposes. The mine is considered worthy of further testing.
SELLICK'S HILL.-Situated 11 miles E. from Aldinga Bay and 5 miles S. from
Aldinga. Silver-lead was found in the hills about 1 mile from the township. Some
holes were put down, but no results are on record. The Inspector of Mines reported
that the strata consists of a crystalline blue limestone; but W. of the workings
there are bands of blue clayey slate, striking S.S.W. and N.N.E. Very little work
was done ; but gossany iron ore, with veins of calcite were met with. Half a mile
S. a large quartzite lode carries specks of galena. Assays from the N. end of the
claim are said to have yielded 7ozs. silver to the ton ; but the general features of
the property do not encourage prospecting. (1889.)
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BROKEN HILL.-Locality, about 8 miles S.E. from Oulnina
woolshed. The Government Geologist reported in June, 1888, a shaft was com-
menced on a lode striking E.N.E., and underlying to the S. at an angle of about 45°,
composed of quartz and oxide of iron, with carbonate of lead and copper. The
width varies from 1ft. to 6in. The shaft was not deep enough to show whether
the lode is likely to be permanent or not, nor are the surface indications such as to
indicate the presence of a large permanent lode. The samples of ore brought from
the mine assayed 36ozs. 11dwts., 420zs., 8ozs. 10dwts., and llozs., of silver and
a trace of gold per ton. On a subsequent occasion the Inspector of Mines inspected,
after which he reported that he did not observe any lead on the mine, nor could he
by assay of samples detect the presence of silver or lead. This fact points to the
probability that the lode seen by the Government Geologist had either not been
followed down or that the mineral deposit he saw had been worked out.
SNUG COVE (Kangaroo Island).—The Inspector of Mines reported (1889) that there
are several outcrops on the hillside within a few chains of high-water mark at Snug
Cove. In one, lead being found, an underlie shaft was sunk 35ft. carrying the lode
down. It strikes E. and W., and dips S. It is a fissure lode, and its constituents
favor the occurrence of shoots of lead ore. The enclosing country consists of
micaceous slate, and is favorable for the existence of lead lodes.
TALISKER MINE.—This mine, which lies 15 miles S. from Normanville, and about
3 miles N. of Cape Jervis, was opened about June, 1862, and was worked till about
June, 1872. There are four or five lodes, but only one-the Talisker lode—was
worked. The bearings of two of them were N. 6° W., and of the others N. 40° E.,
and the average underlie was about 2ft. per fathom. The width varied from bin.
to 22ft. On the surface the ore consisted of arseniates, phosphates, and carbonates,
and at 10 fathoms below the surface, galena. Some of the surface ore went as high
as 2000zs. of silver to the ton, but the average of the mine was about 40ozs. of silver.
The veinstone associated with the metallic minerals is arsenical pyrites and quartz ;
in some places zinc blende. The country rock is crystalline schist. Seven shafts
190
MINING RECORDS.
were sunk, the deepest being 432ft., and various drives were put in for a total
length of 3,500ft. The ore was found intermixed with quartz, arsenical pyrites,
and indurated slate; it was also found in shoots of various lengths and widths.
These shoots dipped S. at an angle of about 50°. The arsenical pyrites contained
gold, silver, lead, iron, arsenic, and sulphur, and in some places blende ; but none
of these minerals were in sufficient quantity to pay for extraction. The foregoing
information was supplied by Mr. W. H. Price, M.E., and the following is gathered
from extracts from a letter in the possession of Messrs. Harry, Harvey, & Co.:-
The gross proceeds of silver-lead sold were £29,885 158., ranging from £27 10s. 9d.
to £39 16s. 6d. per ton of 20cwts. The average cost of freight, commission, and all
other disbursements in silver-lead sold in London was 68 per cent. The quantity
of silver-lead shipped was 939 pigs and 30,593 ingots, the total weight being 889
tons 4cwts. Oqrs. 4lbs. of 20cwts. to the ton. The percentage of silver contained in
the lead ranged from 63ozs. to 9lozs. 13dwts. 20grs. per ton. The lead was sold
at £16 12s. 6d. to £22 per ton; the larger quantity at £17 5s. per ton. The silver
sold at 5s. 4 d. to 5s. 6d. per ounce, the larger quantity at 5s. 53d. The lead pro-
duced in 1870 contained an average of 69ozs. 12dwts. 11grs.; and in 1871 the average
rose to 86ozs. 9dwts. 4grs., being an increase of 231 per cent. of silver per ton of lead.
The mine stopped working for want of capital. Working having been resumed
on this property in 1890, the Inspector of Mines reported upon it, stating that there
is a series of lodes on the property, four of which are on section 1554, whilst on
Campbell's Creek Mine, now part of the Talisker property, there are three more.
On the main lode, known as the Talisker, four shafts have been sunk, and hundreds
of feet of drives put in. The width of the lode varies from 12in. to 22ft., and carries
the richest ore in shoots dipping S.; whilst large pockets of ore make at times into
the hanging-wall. These yield many tons of good ore. The composition of the
lode is quartz, arsenical pyrites, indurated slate, and galena, and it is very suitable
for concentration. From the records obtainable the lead carried loz. of silver per
unit, so that 50 per cent. of lead would carry 500zs. of silver, making the present
value (1890) £14 10s. per ton on the mine. The situation of the mine gives special
facilities for dressing and sending the ore away by sea. The mine being full of water,
the Inspector could not examine the underground workings, but quotes Captain
Tresize, manager of the Broken Hill Bonanza, who formerly worked in the Talisker
Mine, and who states that the ore portions of the main lode carry a good percentage
of high-grade argentiferous galena, of much better quality than any of the sulphide
ores met with on the Broken Hill Proprietary line of lode ; and he has often wondered
that so valuable a property was allowed to lie idle so long. The Inspector of Mines
again examined the mine in April, 1890, and confirmed his previously expressed
conviction of the value of the property. In 1897 a description of work then being
carried on stated that the lode in Hale’s winze was being sunk upon, a depth of 136ft.
having been reached. The lode was 4ft. 6in. wide, containing sulphide ore of good
quality. The water in Glyde's shaft, 280ft. deep, was being forked. Operations
were shortly afterwards suspended, and no further work has been done on the mine
up to date.
THREE BLOCKS.—Oulnina Run, near Mannahill. A wide quartz reef containing
galena was sunk upon. It strikes N. and S., and has smooth walls. The per-
centage of galena it contains is small.
TRINKALEENA.—Situated about 16 miles E. from Mannahill. Several shallow shafts
have been sunk on a small galena vein. · The N. one of these is about 25ft. deep,
on a leader composed of quartz, galena, and iron pyrites, 4in. or 5in. thick, stained
with copper. The percentage of galena is small. The second shaft, 10ft. deep, is
on a vein of galena, with gossany quartz, striking E.N.E. In the third shaft, about
25ft. deep, the vein of galena is larger and richer than that in the other shafts; the
wall is also better defined. There are shallow shafts and holes in the neighborhood,
but no ore of importance appears to have been obtained from them, nor (in 1888)
had any work been done for some time.
SILVER-LEAD.
191
UNCLE TOM.—Locality, Mingary. The report by the Inspector of Mines states
that near the top of a round hill there is a formation about 3ft. thick, striking N.E.
and S.W., with a dip 20° N.W. A vertical shaft, 9ft. deep, had been continued on
the underlie 20ft., and a little lead showed, intermixed with mica schist. In open
trenches near the shaft several tons of good cubical and steel-grained lead ore were
obtained. The costeaning done had not proved the ground properly, but the strata
are favorable for permanent lodes. The claim is in a mineralised belt of country,
and deserves further and systematic prospecting. A trial of samples by the Govern-
ment Assayer gave 721 per cent. of lead and 4lozs. of silver per ton. (1890.).
WATERVALE.--Near to this village a shaft was sunk some years ago 30ft. in brown
iron ore, which is simply a bed or capping or iron ore, it contains no silver, and is
not a lode. (1889.)
WATSON's.-Locality, Rose Tennant Paddock, E. from Hawker. The Govern-
ment Geologist in 1896 examined this prospect, which was on a bar of siliceous,
calcareous rock, kaolin, and sandstone, through which specular iron is largely
disseminated. No lode formation. Assays showed no trace of silver or gold, and
indications warranted only a small amount of prospecting.
WAUKARINGA (Locality of).—A few miles W. of Blackfellow's Reef, some years
ago, galena was found in an excavation a few feet deep, on a ferruginous quartz
lode. An assay showed that this ore contained 12ozs. 14dwts. 19grs. of silver to
the ton.. .
WEPOWIE AND NILTIBURY.-Locality, 7 miles N.W. from Blinman. The matrix
of the ore is quartz and ironstone, and the nature of the country rock is siliceous
limestone, with dykes of sandstone, quartzite, and clayslate. The Inspector of
Mines reported (1889) that a great deal of work had been done on the claim on two
outcrops 100ft. apart. Strike of lode N.N.W. and S.S.E., underlying slightly E.
The percentage of lead is high (711), but the quantity of silver in six samples did
not in any instance reach 5ozs. To the W. a shaft sunk 49ft. shows a fair
display of argentiferous lead and carbonate of copper... The main lode exhibits
lead in patches for 2 miles. Some old workings show massive lead ore. Only
intermittent operations on a small scale have been performed here since the work-
ings were originally opened.
WESTERN RIVER.-Locality, near the mouth of the Western River, Kangaroo
Island. In 1898 the Government Geologist examined this property, and his report
states that open cuts have been made in a quartz formation, which extends E. and
W., and in which carbonate of lead of good percentage was found. The metalliferous
portion is ift. to 2ft. wide. With the exception of one winze sunk in the bottom
of the open cut, the lead ore does not appear to have been prospected in depth.
There is a fair possibility of the ore exposed in the open cuts continuing downwards.
The mine is only in a prospecting stage, though the work was commenced in 1892.
Operations have recently been resumed, and the Government Geologist, reporting
in July, 1907, states that he considers the prospects very favorable to the existence
of large deposits of ore in depth.
WHEAL COGLIN.—This property is 3 miles from Rapid Bay. Several shafts were
sunk from 7 fathoms to 35 fathoms in depth. About 70 tons of ore were shipped
to England and sold at about £14 per ton. The lodes ranged from 6in. to 2ft, in
width, and consisted of barytes, gossan, and silver-lead of good quality. (1887.)
No recent records.
WHEAL ELLEN.-Situated on section 2728, Strathalbyn. It was opened in 1857,
was in active operation in 1860, and “ Austin's Mines of South Australia, 1863,";
states—“ The lode is opened on for a length of 120 fathoms. Six shafts have been
sunk to various depths, and levels driven every 10 fathoms. Bassett's shaft is
62 fathoms in depth, and at the 50 the lode is larger than at any other part of the
mine. Scott's shaft is sunk 45 fathoms, the bottom going down in galena, and
blended with yellow ore. The engine shaft is down 30 fathoms, and fully prepared
192
MINING RECORDS.
for the engine and pit work-now on the ground, and ready to be erected. Spence's
shaft has also been sunk 30 fathoms through a large lode of iron gossan, bearing
gold for about 22 fathoms, when rich red oxide of copper made its appearance,
and in the lowest depth the gossan has given place to mundic containing about
4 per cent. of copper. The Ñ. pit shaft is sunk 22 fathoms, and communicates
with Spence's for ventilation."
The following account is compiled from papers supplied by Mr. John Harvey :-
The mine is situate on top of a hill 40 fathoms above the bed of the creek. The
lode on the back for many fathoms in length is carbonate of lead rich in silver. It
is from 4ft. to 5ft. wide on the average and underlying to the E. about 2jft. to 3ft.
in the fathom; the shoots of ore dip N. The ground about the lode is soft white
slate, a mixture of clay and mica, and very soft for working. Five shafts have been
sunk, namely, the Main, McCourt's, New, Corkscrew, and North. Three of them
are sunk to depths of 20 fathoms, 60 fathoms, 40 fathoms, and a number of drives
and levels have been put in. About £35,000 was expended on the mine up to the
close of the year 1859, of which not more than one-half was for underground work,
the remainder of the sum being represented by the purchase and improvement of
the property and the building of smelting furnaces, miners' dwellings, machinery,
etc. The proceeds during the same period amounted to a net value in England of
£20,000. The lode in the 40-fathom level in New shaft averaged about 2 ft. wide,
and was composed of galena and zinc blende ores. Ores found in other shafts and
workings were galena, zinc blende, mundic, auriferous gossan, and carbonate of
lead; also stains of blue and green carbonate of copper. In the North shaft, at a
depth of 25 fathoms, a branch of rich copper ore, about 3in. wide, was met with,
and at 26 fathoms the width increased to 10in., and consisted of red oxide, black
oxide, and grey copper ores. During 18 months' work about 2,000 tons of lead ore
were raised, and yielded 90,000ozs. of silver. Specimens of the auriferous gossan,
assayed by Messrs. Johnson & Sons, London, yielded gold at the rate of 4ozs. per
ton, silver 45 ozs. per ton, and 59 per cent. of lead. The country rock consists of
mica schist, micaceous sandstone, and quartzite. The Inspector of Mines reported
upon it at the end of 1889, stating that thousands of pounds must have been spent
upon it in former years, but though there were raised during one term of 18 months
2,000 tons of ore that yielded on an average 450zs. silver to the ton, the smelting
appliances were so defective that great loss of metal must have been sustained.
A piece of lead with slag attached, picked up from the slag heap, produced when
tried by the Government Assayer 5ozs. 9dwts. of gold and 269ozs. of silver per ton,
and 96 per cent. of lead. The lode has been opened up about 1,000ft. on its course,
and hundreds of feet of drives exist in levels from the ſo fathoms to the 60 fathoms.
A gossan lode, 2ft. wide, shows in Spence's shaft, which is kindly in character and
yields fair prospects for gold. The lode in Bassett's shaft, at the 50-fathom level,
holds a large block that would pay for working, and it is composed of quartz, cubical
and antimonial galena, and sometimes zinc. The hanging portion of the lode
resembles the Aclare ore. The main portion of the lode in this part of the mine
has probably not been cut. The auriferous nature of the whole of the lode forma-
tion is an important feature. The mine is comparatively untried. It was under-
stood that operations might be resumed, when, by sinking the shafts and opening
new levels, and providing dressing machinery suiting the nature of the ores, good
returns may be hoped for. Galena from the 50-fathoms level assayed 40 per cent.
lead and 24ozs. 13dwts. silver per ton. Gossan and ironstone gave gold as well as
silver. (1890.) .
WHEAL MARY.--An old silver-lead mine near Normanville. There are several
shafts along a N. and S. line. In one or two places there is a little galena in calcspar.
There is also some gossany iron ore in the limestone, apparently in cavities. The
bedrock is composed of limestone. (1886.)
WHEAL ROSE MINE.-Amalgamated with the Wheal Margaret.
- SILVER-LÊAD.
193
WHEAL TYRELL.--Near Ediacara. In 1888 the Government Geologist reported
that two shafts were being sunk on an iron ore outcrop and quartz and ironstone
in soft shales and sandstones dipping beneath crystalline limestone. With regard
to the outcrops or blows of iron, manganite, quartzite, and other siliceous rocks,
there is a general impression that they are all lode outcrops, or form the back of
a lode. In many cases, however, this is not so, and they will be found, as they
are sunk on, to gradually disappear or thin out into numerous small veins in the
rock. The ore in this locality occurs in dolomitic limestone and its joints, in patches,
and in a shale formation beneath it. It is possible that larger deposits of this sort
exist, though from the nature of the bedrock they may be expected to be uncertain
in their occurrence and extent. It would be well to ascertain, by sinking through
the limestone into the underlying shales, whether the latter formation continues
to be metal-bearing. Only desultory work has been done here. In 1903 a return
showed that a shaft had been sunk to a depth of 50ft., to this formation, and drives
put in for 100ft. in the shale; 60 tons of ore, worth 40 per cent. lead and 40zs.
silver per ton, had been marketed.
- WHEELBARROW RANGE.—Near Farrell's Flat there is an old shaft which has been
sunk on a quartz vein containing galena to a depth of about 30ft. An assay of the
galena returned silver at the rate of 70zs. per ton. The vein is small, but worth
prospecting to a depth of 50ft. or 60ft. on the underlie. Prospecting has been done
along the same line for a distance N. for about 1 mile, but beyond traces of galena
nothing has been found worth mentioning. (Inspector of Mines, 1889.)
WICKLOW HUT.—Near Franklin Harbor. A shaft has been sunk to a depth of
about 30ft. on a decomposed granite dyke 3ft. or 4ft. wide. Thin galena veins have
been cut, and can be easily worked, as the rock is soft. Assays made by the Govern-
ment Assayer gave–Galena (1) per ton, loz. 6dwts. Zgrs. of silver; (2) loz. 6dwts.
3grs. ; (3) 1oz. 9dwts. Igrs. (1887.)
WILPENA.--A mineral discovery about 2 miles N.E. of Wilpena Eating-house,
was thus reported on by Professor Ulrich :—“A well-defined quartz reef, from
2ft. to 4ft. thick, appears on the W. slope of a low range, traversing fine-grained,
slaty sandstone at a strike of N. 36° W., with apparently a vertical or very steep
dip E. It shows a strong outcrop for about 11 chains in length, and seems at its
S. point of termination, close to a rift in the range, to be faulted for nearly 1] chains
W.; for at that distance, just abreast of the point, commences a piece of reef, about
3 chains in length, identical in mineral character, and which shows the same strike
and dip. The crystalline quartz of the main portion of the reef is full of thin strings
and small patches, sometimes several cubic inches in size, of galena, in places
partially converted into carbonate of lead. Strong copper stains are observable at
several points, as also small patches of spathic iron, and there are, besides, enclosed
larger and smaller masses of heavy spar, which mostly shows an indistinctly
fibrous texture. In the supposed faulted portion the quartz is somewhat sugary in
character, but encloses the same minerals as the main portion, heavy spar and
copper stains being, perhaps, not so abundant. The slaty sandstone forming the
walls of the reef is, a little higher up the range, conformably succeeded by a very
hard and dense siliceous limestone, which strikes W. 28° N., and dips S. 28° W. at
30°; and beyond this, near the top of the range, appear two rugged outcrops of
quartzite, which show strong copper stains in several places, and are divided by a
few feet of friable slate. All considered, its metalliferous indications and geological
character render this locality, and more especially the quartz reef, worth a good
examination; the latter not so much on account of the lead ore, but because lodes,
similarly composed at the outcrop, have frequently been found to carry more
valuable ores, as, for instance, bournonite and tetrahedrite lower down.” (Ulrich,
1872.)
A fair quantity of lead ore was raised in this locality during 1896, but little or
no work seems to have been done here during recent years,
N
194
MINING RECORDS,
WINCKLER's.—Locality, 2 miles S.W. from New Luxemburg. During six months
ending December 31st, 1898, 62} tons treated gave a return of 351 tons of lead and
6890zs. of silver. Deepest shaft, 80ft. Only worked intermittently.
WIRRIALPA.- A discovery of silver-lead ore was some time ago made adjoining
the Wirrialpa Mine, 20 miles E. from Blinman, and 6 miles N. from Wirrialpa
Station. Captain W. H. James, of Blinman, considered it a most important dis-
covery, and stated that he had traced the outcrop for a distance of from 3 to 4 miles
in a direct line. In places quantities of galena and carbonate of lead are visible.
(1887.) This mine belonged to the South Australian Mining and Smelting Company,
and was under the same management as the Blinman Mine. At the surface galena
shows in veins traversing the soft ground, and passes into a crystalline limestone, in
which it fills irregular cavities, and forms large masses, each several tons in weight.
This main lode strikes in a N.W. direction, and is crossed by another in which
barytes is associated with galena and carbonate of lead. A vertical shaft has been
sunk 120ft., and at 60ft. both lodes were being driven upon. Though the galena
occurs irregularly in the limestone, still it has every appearance of continuing in
depth and yielding a good supply of ore. Several other shafts have been sunk on
veins of galena and on iron ore with copper. The ore raised is estimated at 60 tons,
averaging 70 per cent. of lead and 5ozs. to 8ozs. of silver per ton. The geological
formation is the same as that at Blinman, and similar. dykes of igneous rock have
tilted up the strata, which in many places are twisted and contorted, and vary in
dip from horizontal to vertical. It is likely that metalliferous deposits will be found
at the junction of the igneous dykes and stratified rocks. (Government Geologist,
September, 1888.) The Inspector of Mines reported in 1889 that the surface
prospects exhibited galena in ironstone, barytes, and calcspar. There was an
underlic shaft going down 50ft. The lode formation was regular, and its con-
stituents were ironstone, quartz, and limestone. A vertical shaft put down 73ft.
was not deep enough to strike the lode, but was continued on an underlie 56ft. on
what appeared to be lode formation. The locality is favorable, and the mine is
well situated, but only large deposits of mineral can be worked at a profit, because
of the low value of the ore and the distance from a market. A favorable feature
is the entire absence of minerals of a refractory nature. In depth the lead is several
ounces per ton better value for silver than at the surface, and the ground is cheaper
to work. On the surface large quantities of lead can be seen in the outcrops. A
great deal of work has been done, smelters have been erected, and a large quantity
of machinery has been placed on the mine. Taking all things into consideration,
the mine has been opened up at a moderate cost, and promises to become remunera-
tive.
WINNING HOPE.-- About 12 miles N.E. of Wadnaminga township. A shaft had
been put down 177ft., a drive from the 100ft. level 180ft., and a winze at the end
of the drive 66ft. No intimation of further development or results. (1890.)
The following mining ventures are grouped as having had an existence, and to
some extent been worked, but in respect of which no information has been pro-
curable :-
BELTANA COMSTUCK.—Mount Serlo Run, near Beltana. .
BELTANA EDITH.—Four and a half miles W. of Beltana township.
BELTANA KING.–South of Beltana Broken Hill claims.
1
f
BELTANA WINNOWIE.--Near Ediacara.
BLACK Hills.—Sixteen miles S.E. of Kooringa.
FLINDERS.—Situated at the old Wirrialpa Station, Blinman.
GREAT NEVADA.--Wirrialpa.
John BULL SILVER.--Three miles N.E. of Westward Ho.
SILVER-LEAD,
195
12
JUBILEE.-Twelve miles N.E. of Wirrialpa Silver Mine.
LADY SMITH.—- Wilpena.
LAKE TORRENS.-South of Ediacara.
MAMMOTH.—Wallaipa.
MOUNT FREDERICK.—Rhine Valley.
MOUNT JAMES.-Near Beltana.
Mount ROEBUCK SILVER MINING COMPANY.-Two mineral claims, 10972 and
10973, 160 acres, at Blinman.
MULDANIPPA HILL.—Near Oulnina.
NONPAREIL.-Oulnina Run.
NORTH GLADSTONE.--- Near Great Gladstone.
SPRINGFIELD FREEHOLD.--Sections 921, 1004, and 1076, 240 acres, near the
Eagle-on-the-Hill, and adjoining the Eagle Silver Mine.
STANDARD.-Glen Osmond.
TOWITTA.--On sections 157 and 158, hundred of North Rhine.
WHEAL GRJINGER.-Situated 5 miles S. E. from Adelaide.
The subjoined list of silver mines in existence in 1869 shows by prefixed asterisk
(*) those which were at work :-* Almanda, *Ben Lomond, Campbell's Creek,
*Glen Osmond, *Talisker, *Wheal Coglin, and Wheal Ellen,
196
MINING RECORDS.
GOLD.
The goldfields, or principal auriferous districts of the State, are known by the
following local names. Many of these districts cover very large areas, and the
positions given are to the central or best-known points.
Barossa (about 8 miles E. from the town of Gawler).–Barossa Diggings, Hum-
bug Scrub, Lady Alice, &c., hundreds Barossa and Para Wirra.
Blumberg and Mount Pleasant (24 to 30 miles N.E. of Adelaide).
Watts' Gully, Blumberg, Mount Torrens, Mount Pleasant, &c., hundreds of Talunga
and Para Wirra.
Echunga (20 miles S.E. from Adelaide).-Echunga Diggings, Hahndorf Dig-
gings, Jupiter, Blackwood Gully, &c., hundred Kuitpo.
King's Bluff (4 miles N.W. from Olary Railway Station).-King's Bluff,
King's Bluff 4 mil Gully, &c., hundred Kuitinga Diggings, Hahndorf Die
Outalpa Pio Grainger abustholes, &c., hunill Railway Station
Mount Grainger (about 8 miles N. from Oodla Wirra Railway Station). -
Mount Grainger, Medora, Dustholes, &c., hundred Coglin.
Mannahill (10 miles N.W. from Mannahill Railway Station).-Westward Ho!,
Homeward Bound, &c.
New Luxemburg (14 miles E. from Olary Railway Station).—Lux, Qucen
Bee, &c.
Teetulpa (about 25 miles N.N.E. from Yunta Railway Station).–Old alluvial
and reef workings.
Tarcoola (about 290 miles N.W. by W. from Port Augusta and 120 miles N.
from Denial Bay).–Tarcoola Blocks, Curdnatta, Wilgena Enterprise, &c.
Ulooloo (about 6 miles E. from Ulooloo Railway Station).-Alluvial diggings,
etc., hundred Hallett.
Woodside (20 miles E. from Adelaide).-Bird-in-Hand, New Era, Ridge, &c.,
hundred Onkaparinga.
Wadnaminga (23 miles S.E. from Mannahill Railway Station).-Milo, Virginia,
Golden Record, &c.
Waukaringa (about 25 miles N.N.W. from Yunta Railway Station).—Alma
and Victoria, Alma Extended, Ajax, &c.
For convenience, the records concerning the mines in Barossa, Blumberg and
Mount Pleasant, and Echunga are classified under the headings of the different
hundreds in which they are situated, viz., Barossa, Para Wirra, Talunga, and
Kuitpo. The information regarding the various workings in the districts of Tarcoola
(including Earea Dam and Gl:?nloth), Mannahill, Woodside, and Wadnaminga will
be found under those respective headings.
11
AITCHISON'S CLAIMS.-Locality, sections 81, 82, and 84, hundred of Coomooroo.
The Inspector of Mines reported in February, 1895, and recommended that the large
lode on 82 should be thoroughly tested. The sample assayed from near the surface
gave only Idwt. of gold per ton; better results might be got at depth.
AJAX (afterwards called “The New Ajax Consolidated," and later “ The New
Enterprise").-Eight miles S.W. from Waukaringa. A well-defined reef (reports
the Inspector of Mines) can be traced for a considerable distance, and had been sunk
upon in 10 places, the shafts being from 30ft. to 120ft. deep; course, N.E. and
S.W., with an underlie N.W. Formation, layers of ferruginous quartz and chlorite
slate. Samples taken gave as high as loz. 4dwts. per ton; 100 tons tried at New
Alma gave 10dwts. per ton. There was a Government subsidy granted to assist in
the development of this property. The secretary (April, 1890) furnished the
GOLD.
. 197
30f7ke of the here are di is done
me widen them, the las
following particulars :- The main vertical shaft is down to a depth of 170ft., and
the principal underlie shaft 157ft. There are eight other shafts, varying in depth
from 20ft. to 80ft. The strike of the lode is N.E. by E., the dip 45° N.W., and
the length of the drive 30ft. Width of lode 4ft. 6in., composed of ferruginous
quartz and chlorite slate, and the country rock is calcareous slate and sandstone.
The ore consists of oxide of iron and quartz, and assays have given results ranging
from 10dwts. to 4ozs. 8dwts., 6ozs. Idwt., and 7ozs. 7dwts. per ton. The Mine
Inspector, in June, 1892, reported that a great deal of work had been done. Samples
from the shaft and levels (280ft. and 310ft.) returned 13dwts. of gold per ton; a
bulk assay had given loz. 9dwts. of gold and a trace of silver per ton. In the
company's shaft there is a lode 2ft. wide and well defined.
Inspector Matthews reports in April, 1900, the main, or whim, shaft had been
sunk to a depth of 355ft., on the underlie of the lode, which strikes N.E., dips
N.W. about 2 in 6, and is composed of ferruginous matter, from 6in. to 2ft.
thick. This continues to the 240ft. level, and then gives place to pyritic material,
which is maintained to the bottom, below water-level, where, it was stated, the lode
is from 18in. to 20in. thick. The walls from the surface down are clean and un-
broken, and have every appearance of permanency. Two samples taken from the
ore dumps gave-280ft. level, 6dwts., and 350ft., 12dwts. per ton, showing a very
fair improvement in the gold contents in the last 70ft. sunk. Four other shafts
have been sunk to various depths on the line, each showing the lode of the same
character, and about the same width. The operations were then confined to the
shaft known as the “Company's shaft," about 500ft. S. of the main shaft, and at this
point a strong shoot of ore is exposed, the formation ranging in size from lft. to
5ft., dipping in a N. direction, and composed of quartz, associated with iron. On
this a shaft had been sunk 60ft., and from the bottom a drive 66ft. N. along the lode,
and from the end a winze sunk 60ft., making a total depth of 120ft. from the sur-
face. The lode at the bottom is over 4ft. wide, containing, in places, portions of
intrusive rock. From the winze a drive has been made for about 20ft., the face
having the same appearance as previously described. At 150ft. N. of these workings
a shaft is down 87ft. ; the lode is similar, and the shaft should be continued until of
sufficient depth to connect with the winze ; a large amount of ground would thereby
be rendered available for stoping. In other parts of the property a considerable
amount of work has been done, and battery stone extracted. The crushing com-
pleted at the end of February (1900) gave a return of 340zs. 8dwts. of gold from
.50 tons, the tailings being worth 7dwts. per ton. A 10-stamp battery, with a 20
horse-power engine, is erected at the mine, but the inadequate water supply forms
the chief difficulty in the way of working the mine on an extensive scale. From
present appearances the prospects are very promising. (I.M.R., 30-4-00.)
In September, 1906, a party of tributers raised and forwarded to the Petersburg
Cyanide Works a parcel of 125 tons 10cwts., which yielded, by battery and cyanide
treatment, 89ozs. 3dwts. 7grs. of gold, valued at £347 19s. 9d., the average extraction
being worth £2 15s. per ton. This was considered highly satisfactory ; but the
heavy expenses of carting, viz., £1 Is. per ton, prevented more ore from being for-
warded. Scarcity of water is the difficulty in working the battery on the mine.
ALMA AND VICTORIA.—This mine is situated at Waukaringa, about 25 miles
V.N.W. of Yunta Railway Station, and is said to have been the discovery of a
shepherd, about 1872. Several companies were floated, but subsequently collapsed,
the primary cause of the successive abandonments being the scarcity of water and
the expense of cartage. On this mine a very large sum of money has been spent
in developments and experiments in the extraction of gold from its matrix. Up
to the 31st March, 1890, it was estimated that £142,884 17s. 11d. had been spent
on the mine, including £124,375 12s. 10d. paid for wages and materials and working
expenses, and £18,509 5s. Id. on plant, machinery, and buildings; and the quantity
of gold obtained was 22,9170zs. Idwt., valued at £91,747 5s. 4d. The management
at that date spoke hopefully of the future of the mine. There are four lodes upon
198
MINING RECORDS.
the property, having a strike of about 15° N. of E., and underlying S. about 30®,
with an average width of 5ft. Water-level was reached at 160ft. The ore consists
of arsenical pyrites, associated with carbonate of lime and quartz, and occurs in
shoots and patches, and the gold is so coated with pyrites as to be indistinguishable.
In 1889 the Government Geologist inspected this mine from the surface to the bottom
of the workings, about 600ft. on the underlie, where a large reef of pyrites was being
stoped underhand. To avoid the disadvantage of working in this manner a new
main vertical shaft was in progress. The following treatment was adopted for the
extraction of gold :-The crushed orc was run from the stamps into Denny pans,
used as concentrators, no quicksilver being placed in them. When these pans had
run for some time the heavy pyrites and gold left behind (the fine pyrites and slime
having been washed away into settling pits) were taken out, roasted, and amalga-
mated in a Denny pan. Tailings belonging to previous crushings were also passed
through at the same time. Samples of the waste tailings from the pans assayed on
the average ldwt. 8grs. of gold per ton, showing that at the time there was very
little loss of gold, and that the concentration was as perfect as need be. It also
showed that the ore, which is chiefly pyrites, is not difficult to treat. Specimens
of the pyrites from the bottom of the mine were taken at the same time, and found
to contain gold at the rate of 8dwts. and 17dwts. per ton. The Inspector of Mines
reported that this mine was a very important one, employing on an average 140
hands, and the plant was reducing 300 tons of stone per week. Rock-drills were
to be used, and the company proposed to increase their crushing power 50 per cent.,
a course fully warranted by the quantity of stone in sight. The manager, Mr.
Hosking, stated that there were two E. and W. lodes, with a S. underlic of about
32°; the N. lode 7ft. and the S. lode 2ft. 6in. wide. There were 12 shafts, the
two deepest being 1,180ft. and 260ft., and five of these shafts followed the dip of
the lode. There were about 6,000ft. of drives in the mine. The matrix is com-
posed of quartz and calcspar, and the country of sandstone with occasional veins
of slate. The ore raised consisted of nearly pure sulphides, and the yield during
the six months to April, 1890, averaged 15dwts. 7grs. per ton, the gold being worth
£4 2s. 8d. per ounce. The mine was yielding only 8dwts. 147grs. per ton in Septem-
ber, 1894, the lode pinched greatly and then disappeared, and the country was
exceedingly hard. Exploratory borings by compressed air drills were made, but
no body of ore was discovered ; and in December, 1894, the company decided upon
winding up. The machinery plant was sold and removed, and the large accumula-
tion of tailings left was treated under the Deeble agitating cyaniding process by
Messrs. Rees, Deeble, and James, with satisfactory results. From the first start
in 1872 to October 31st, 1894, the working expenses had been £194,291 13s. 6d. ;
machinery, &c., £30,164 16s. 10d. ; total, £224,456 10s. 4d. ; gold produce,
£180,566 8s. Id.; dividends paid, £24,000. Gold average, 1889 to 1872, 16dwts.
20grs. per ton, worth £4 ls. 11 d. per ounce.
Samples taken by Messrs. Gec and Grundy in May, 1907, from portions of the lode
left standing in the upper workings assayed 3dwts. 15grs. to ldwt. 3grs.
ALMA EXTENDED.—Locality, Waukaringa, W. and adjoining the Alma and Vic-
toria Gold Mine. There are three lodes upon the property, with an E. and W.
strike, one being 3ft. wide, the second averaging 3ft., and the third 5ft. wide. One
shaft was put down vertically to a depth of 470ft., and 390ft. of driving was done.
The matrix of the gold consists of iron pyrites and quartz. Assays made from time
to time yielded very satisfactory results. Thc Inspector of Mines reported favor-
ably, and gave as the assay of a sample by the Government Assayer 2ozs. 2dwts.
of gold and 3dwts. of silver to the ton. The plant (which was large and complete)
and construction expenditure on this property to the end of February, 1890,
amounted to £8,819 10s. 10d., and wages and materials account reached £9,487
17s. Id. ; total expenditure, £18,307 7s. 11d. In August, 1890, Mr. W. Bell pre-
sented a report to the directors, which stated that the gold occurred probably in
oblong patches, and that the stone required selection to avoid working at a loss.
GOLD.
199
He sampled and found in the stone gold up to loz. 12dwts. 6grs. per ton, and in
six of the 12 parcels nil; raw concentrates, 3ozs. 5dwts. 8grs. ; roasted concentrates,
2oz. 9dwts. ; tailings from amalgamating pans, loz. 9dwts. Ogrs. ; and slimes,
700yds. from battery, 4dwts. 3grs. per ton. The company stopped working in
October, 1892, and wound up in November, 1898.
The mine was renamed the “Glamorgan," and a syndicate was formed for the
purpose of thoroughly testing the stone at the various levels, and, if possible, inter-
secting the main shoot of ore lost in the Alma Mine adjoining, the evidence pointing
this property. The shaft has been sunk 470ft. vertically, and thence 525ft. on an
underlie of 32°, making a total of 995ft. The vertical portion of the shaft passed
through three distinct reefs, known as the Pug, Middle, and Bottom reefs, each
being about 130ft. apart, their strikes parallel, and having the same underlie.
The second, or middle, reef was intersected at the 325ft., or No. 1, level, and here
driving and stoping operations were in progress for some time; the lodo, in the
faces exposed, averaging fully 3ft. wide from wall to wall, composed of quartz,
calcite, and arsenical pyrites, strong and well defined. After careful examination
the inspector came to the conclusion that the payable or richer portions of the ore
body occur in shoots, which should be carefully followed, leaving the more barren
portions standing. From a number of assays one portion of the stope for about
40ft. in width gave a result of loz. per ton, while on cach side of this the average
was only between 2dwts. and 3dwts., and it appears that, by taking the full width
of the various stopes indiscriminately, the average would be reduced below a pay-
able margin. This should be avoided as far as possible in any future workings.
At 470ft., bottom of the vertical portion, the bottom reef was struck, and the shaft
continued on the reef underlie; this reef is smaller than the other, and has a less
promising appearance. From the 720ft. level a crosscut has been made S., inter-
secting the middle reef at 129ft., and a drive made a short distance E. along it;
it is of the same character and about the same size as described in No. 1 level, and
the inspector strongly recommends that this drive be continued some 300ft. or
400ft., for the reason that it is the most permanent-looking reef, the central one,
from which the other two could be explored by crosscuts if necessary; and, being
about 250ft. deeper than where the gold disappeared in the adjoining mine, the
position is good for intercepting any shoots of gold that may exist between the
two series of workings. There are other workings in various parts of the mine,
but, for the time, it would be advisable to confine operations to stoping ore from
the 40ft. shoot at No. 1 level, and driving E. on the lode at 720ft. level. The mine
is splendidly equipped with a 20-head battery, winding plant, air compressor, &c.
(I.M.R., 1-10-01.)
on the Neales River, where some years before gold was found -a waterhole called
Algebuckina, where the Great Northern railway line crosses the Neales, 653 miles
from Adelaide. Only a few colors of gold were obtained at the time, but the dis-
coverer, Biddle, continued the search, and succeeded in striking payable gold. As
far as can be ascertained, about 60ozs. of gold were got up to March, 1887. During
11 weeks' work a party of three men got 130zs. of gold; this appears to be the
richest result obtained. Colors of gold have been found over an area of country
extending from Mount Dutton to Coppertop Hill, a distance of 35 miles. The extent
of country available for prospecting is comprised within the Denison, Peake, and
other ranges to the N., which outcrop in isolated areas from beneath Mesozoic
plains, and along the courses of the Neales and other rivers where they have cut
into the bedrock. The auriferous area is therefore comparatively limited. The
Government Geologist visited and reported in July, 1889, and expressed a very
favorable opinion of the Neales district as a place where auriferous deposits might
be found. Later a Government party was sent, as suggested by the Geologist, to
bottom certain shafts in the River Neales, Algebuckina. It was reported that

200
MINING RECORDS.
shafts Nos. 1 to 4 were bottomed without meeting any gold except a few fine colors
in the course of sinking, and that the water in every case rose to within 4ft. of the
surface, making about 3,000galls. per hour after a depth of about 10ft. was reached.
They proved the valley for about one-third of its width, and the Government
decided to discontinue the workings. The principal place where the alluvial gold
was worked is along the conglomerate escarpment bordering the Neales River.
Small quantities of this metal were also found up the valley of the Neales and in
gullies at Mount Dutton.
At the end of 1898 a syndicate was formed, and a small battery was erected near
the Algebuckina Bridge in order to test the large cement deposits on the banks of
the Neales. The returns were unsatisfactory and work was discontinued.
During 1897 the Government assisted in prospecting for alluvial gold near Mount
Kingston, but without payable results.
ANGASTON.-Workings on section 781, hundred of Moorooroo. The Govern-
ment Geologist examined this property in 1896, and stated that waterworn gold
had been found in a Tertiary conglomerate resembling the Barossa auriferous
cement, and also in quartz and ironstone detritus lying upon metamorphic mi-
caceous sandstone and schist bedrock. In the first place examined there was a
shaft down 60ft., which, if continued, would most probably come upon auriferous
gravel or boulder wash. The debris should be prospected in each place with a dish,
to trace the gold to the reef or vein which was its source. On section 777 an iron-
stone vein containing gold was being prospected, and similar veins and quartz
outcrops exist on all the sections. The rock formation of the district generally
is favorable to the occurrence of gold and other metallic minerals, and is a con-
tinuation of the Blumberg and Mount Pleasant auriferous rocks. Deep leads may
possibly exist in the neighborhood.
ANGEPENA TREASURE.-Situated on sections 330 and 331, near Angepena Station.
The Government Geologist examined this property in 1896, and reported that on
331 a shaft had been sunk on the underlie of a lode formation 23ft., consisting of
ferruginous claystone, with veins of brown iron ore, gossan, and quartz, associated
· with manganese and carbonate of lime, and a brecciated formation, which appeared
to be a part of the lode; no defined hanging-wall reached, though a well-defined
footwall is shown. Strike of-lode E. 20° S. The country rocks are indurated slate
and sandstone and soft clayslates, and flags on the N. side of the lode, which has
been deposited along the line of junction of the hard and soft strata. It is not a
true lode. An outcrop can be traced along the surface, and samples taken from the
formation at shallow depths panned off a little fine gold, indicating the existence
of small auriferous veins in the main formation. If the shaft were sunk to a greater
depth, the direction and dip of these veins might be ascertained. This formation
is likely to continue in depth, in one place it is 10ft. wide; and in another place
: an excavation shows a formation 4ft. to 5ft. wide, striking E. 20° S., and dipping
. 55° to 60° N. It is enclosed between hard jointed quartzite, forming a footwall,
and softer flags and slates. In section 330 the width of the formation, as seen in
· the several excavations, varies from 2ft. 6in. to 7ft., and in places where there is
an outcrop of hematite, brown iron, and gossan it widens to 12ft. or 14ft. Samples
· assayed returned either no gold or only a trace. In the previous year the inspector
took samples, from which an assay returned 9ozs. 19dwts. of gold and loz. 3dwts.
of silver per ton.
A parcel of 4 tons 7cwts., treated at Mount Torrens Cyanide Works in July, 1895,
· returned 17ozs. 10dwts. 3grs. of gold, valued at £69 7s. 5d., an extraction of 4ozs.
"and the company working it went into liquidation.
near the boundary of the Ironclad Mine, 25ft. deep. Lode material composed of
· ferruginous slate, with veins of iron-stained siliceous matter. This prospects fairly
ĜOLD.
201
IT
well, and will probably improve in depth. In other parts of the property vein
.croppings are exposed, upon which a little work has been done. The country at
the surface is twisted and contorted in a most remarkable manner, making the
gold-carrying veins difficult to follow, and in order to prospect the ground thoroughly
depth must be attained. (I.M.R., 25–2-01.)
· AUREOUS.—Adjoining the Union Jack, near Mount Grainger. On the surface
shows a wide formation, consisting of quartz, sandstone, and slate, in which gold
has been obtained. Two shafts sunk, one on the underlie, 55ft., and the other
vertical, to water-level, 75ft. Various drives and crosscuts made, but no information
obtainable. There is apparently a strong quartz lode or vein in the bottom work-
ings, which should be further explored. (I.M.R., 31–8–01).
BALD HILL.—Locality, Cuttlefish Bay, Kangaroo Island. Prospected in 1896,
and it was stated that battery crushings yielded 3dwts. of gold per ton; it was
also stated that by the Christmas process of extraction 12dwts. per ton was obtained ;
and 5 tons treated by Haycraft resulted in 15dwts. per ton. In December, 1898,
the Government Geologist examined this property, and reported that a shaft had
been sunk and a tunnel driven into a large quartz lode, 18ft. to 20ft. wide, near the
top of Bald Hill. No gold is visible in the stone, but pyrites show occasionally.
The rocks and veinstones are favorable to the occurrence of gold, but samples
assayed gave no returns of gold or silver. More surface prospecting advisable.
BALHANNAH.–Vide COPPER SECTION, page 23.
BANKSIA MINE (later named the “Associated 0.K.”)–On section 4261, hundred
of Onkaparinga, near Oakbank. Gold has been obtained from a series of more or
less parallel leaders, striking N.E. and S.W. and dipping S.W. 45°, through meta-
morphic, granitic, and argillaceous rocks associated with granite. The veinstone
consists of quartz, cellular and ferruginous, iron oxide, and micaceous iron. One
shaft is sunk to a depth of about 80ft. Fifteen tons of stone yielded about 11dwts.
of gold per ton. Mr. J. C. F. Johnson states that a small crushing of 9 tons gave
9ozs. 6dwts. of gold, and that assays of pyrites from the same claim have given as
high as 10ozs. per ton. The Inspector of Mines reported that there are a series of
parallel leaders striking nearly E. and W., with a S. dip. Four of these have been
opened upon by means of shallow shafts. There is also a large ironstone reef cutting
these at right angles, and striking N. and S., with a dip at a low angle to the E.
The strata are composed of metamorphic and argillaceous rocks, with granite.
The matrices are cellular quartz, iron oxide, micaceous iron, and iron pyrites, the
latter assaying very high for gold. Assays of samples taken by the inspector-
(1) pyrites, 3ozs. 8dwts. of gold to the ton; (2) ditto, 2ozs. 10dwts. ; (3) N. and S
lode, loz. 4dwts. ; (4) 6ozs. 17dwts. ; (5) quartz, 8dwts. In the former working
of this mine, 10 tons crushed at New Era Mine yielded 23dwts. per ton; 13 tons
crushed at Two-in-the-Bush Mine yielded 13dwts., and 25 tons 16dwts., and another
25 tons 17dwts. per ton; 8 tons crushed at the Bird-in-Hand Mine gave 19dwts.
per ton; 25 tons treated at the Eureka Mine gave 14dwts. per ton, and 30 tons
10 dwts. per ton; 5 tons treated at Sandhurst, Victoria, gave 18dwts. per ton.
The total of 141 tons yielded 1060zs. 11dwts. of gold, the average being over 15dwt.
per ton, and the value of the gold was £3 18s. 10 d. per ounce. In these trials no
effort was made to deal with the pyrites, and assays prove that they carry the bulk
of the gold. · The ground is easy and cheap to work, and seven of the veins have been
proved to be gold-bearing. (1889.) For a time operations were resumed in 1895,
and work has been carried on intermittently up to June 30th, 1907. Eighteen
parcels were sent to the Mount Torrens Battery and Cyanide Works, for treatment;
these comprised 219 tons 17cwt, 2grs., which returned 180ozs. 13dwts. 7grs. of gold
valued at £698 11s. 6d., the average yield being worth 63s. per ton. Some of the
parcels contained a fair percentage of pyrites rich in gold, but with the battery
treatment, followed by the cyanide treatment of the tailings, gave satisfactory
results.
202
MINING RECORDS.
by the Senated from field is situated in to
BAROSSA, HUNDRED OF.
The Barossa Goldfield is situated in the S.W. corner of the hundred of that name;
it is separated from the Humbug Scrub goldfields (hundred of Para Wirra) only
by the South Para River, which latter is also included in the geological map of the
district. It was discovered in October, 1868, by Job Harris and mates, who found
gold in the gully now known as Spike Gully, which is about 1} miles long-the pros-
pectors' claim being near the middle. The depth of sinking was from 5ft. to 20ft.,
and some of the claims were very rich, yielding as much as £1,000 per man. In
an official return, dated July 31st, 1871, by the then Warden of Goldfields (vide
Gazette, August 10th, 1871), the value of gold found on this field, from 1868 to
1871, was estimated at £180,000. The price paid by the banks was at the rate
of £3 17s. per ounce.
The general features are a main rocky range, running from N. to S., of which
Mount Gawler, near the S. end, attains a height above the sea of 1,789ft. This
range is flanked on either side by patches of Tertiary deposits, on the spurs between
which the gullies descend gently into Malcolm's Creek on the E., and through steep
rocky gorges into the Little Para, Gould's, and Tenafeate crecks on the W. The N.
end of the reserve, in Barossa, is divided from that in Para Wirra by the deep rough
gorge of the South Para River. Here the main ridge runs N.W. and S.E., following
the course of the river, and being capped on its highest part by Tertiary beds, with
its small steep gullies running S. into the Para River, and N. down a gentle incline
into the Yetti Creek.
The Rocks of this district are supposed to be of lower Silurian age, from their
lithological resemblance to those of the Victorian goldfields; although from their
highly metamorphic appearance, and no fossils having been found, it is impossible
to say decidedly of what age they are. In several places intrusive granite dykes
are met with, and in one particular line, from Malcolm's creek to Mount Gawler,
they are very frequent. These rocks consist of metamorphic, argillaceous, and mica-
ceous schists, slates, sandstones, and grits, granite, gneiss, hornblende schist, mica
schist and quartzites with granite, greenstone, and felspathic dykes. As a rule
they have a uniform strike of about 20° E. of N., and dip to the E. from 350 to 70°;
the only exception to this rule seems to be near the Bismarck diggings, in the hun-
dred of Para Wirra, where the dip is 70° W. in two places ; but this is probably
caused by local agency, as it does not extend far. Nearly all the rocks of this dis-
trict, especially on the ridges, have so highly a weathered appearance and are so
decomposed that they might often be taken for Tertiary cements, particularly
some coarse-grained metamorphic granites, which contain a great deal of iron.
The only place where the rocks are not highly altered is along the Yetti Creek, where
they consist of sandstones and slates.
Pliocene Leads, Deep Leads, or Made Ground. During the Tertiary period, the
main range was out of water ; but two main streams flowed, one on each flank, into
which small gullies probably ran. Both these creeks flowed N., as is proved by the
level of their old beds descending in that direction. The one on the E. side seems to
have risen somewhere near Mount Gawler, thence flowing in a N. direction, its course
being now traced by a few outlying patches of made ground, and by a general line
of low country crossing the present creeks. The other had its rise somewhere to
the S., and passed on the W. side of Mount Gawler, and flowed N. towards the
Humbug Scrub, where, at the head of Leg of Mutton Gully, it was joined by the
E. stream. Thus increased in size it flowed across the present river to the Barossa
Goldfield, and so on in a N.W. direction to Gawler, where it discharged itself into
the sea. This is deduced from the position of outlying patches of Tertiary gravel,
sand, and clay, which have escaped denudation. These deposits constitute the
old gold drifts from which a considerable amount of gold has been obtained in
Barossa, and a smaller amount in Para Wirra. As the payable portion of these
gold drifts can only be ascertained by sinking shafts—often through hard con-
glomerate, the gold occurring in gutters beneath-a considerable amount of labor
GOLD.
203
has to be done before a run of gold is struck; in consequence a large area, consisting
of patches of this Pliocene Tertiary, have not yet been prospected by the gold miner.
Here and there a hole has been put down, but only in a random manner; and the
ground still remains unproved.
The patches of old gold drift, which are known as “made hills,” are generally
characterised by ferruginous sandstone and conglomerate capping, called cement,
which, being very hard, has protected the softer beds of sand, pipeclay, and gravel
from being washed away,
In some cases the lower beds have also been cemented, in which case crushing
mills had to be employed to obtain the gold. (Government Geologist, 10–12–1885.)
Barossa Cement.—The Government Geologist having reported, in 1898, that the
auriferous cement deposits on the Crown lands at Goddard's Hill were worth testing,
the Minister of Mines ordered a test to be made. The total result from treatment
by battery and cyanide process was-
Tons cwts. Ozs. dwts. grs.
24 0 yielded 10 2 0 gold i Mount Thorno covornmont want
29 0.668 1.2. ºno Mount Torrens Government plant.
45 10 66 12 10 2 " Petersburg Government plant,
98 10 31 4 9
In a memo, dated January 20th, 1905, the Government Geologist states that this
deposit is appreciably auriferous at certain points only, near the junction of the
cement with the bedrock, the payable gold being confined to a layer from 1ft. to
2ft. thick at the bottom of the deposit, where it has accumulated in “ runs." The
upper portion of the cement contains gold, but in small proportions only, and
consequently it cannot be worked in bulk. It has already been proved by the
crushing and treatment of 982 tons at Mount Torrens and Petersburg that auriferous
cement can be selected and mined from certain parts of the deposits yielding gold
at the rate of 6dwts. 6grs. per ton, which, with a plant on the ground, might be
made payable. (Government Geologist, 20-1-05.)
Barossa Deep Leads were the then richest diggings discovered in South Australia ;
they are situated at the head and down the side of Spike Gully. The following are
some of the most important :-
Cottier's Hill Lead crosses Moonta Gully and Moonta Hill, in the direction of
Yetti Creek. It started from the surface, going down into deep ground in ledges.
There it was rich, yielding as much as 8ozs. to 9ozs. to the tub; but it gradually
became poorer as it crossed the gully, and did not pay to work far into the Moonta
Hill.
Edwards' Rush.-Two or three claims paid very well; but as the washdirt was
cemented, it had to be crushed.
Enterprise. -Section 574. In 1886 Clode and Gaston, prospectors, found alluvial
gold in a gutter. A deep lead was believed to exist in a gully running N. and S.,
and companies were formed, and a large number of claims were pegged. A vast
quantity of water and drift were met with in sinking, and two of the companies
amalgamated, procured machinery, obtained three small subsidies from the Govern-
ment, and did excellent work. But, though the existence of a deep lead was proved,
the difficulty of coping with the water and drift-sand was beyond all available
resources, and the undertaking, with its timbered shafts and drives underneath the
deep lead, was reluctantly abandoned.
Goddard's Hill is on a spur between Nuggety and Gollop's gullies. The lead
splits in two, one point coming down the point of the hill, whilst the other goes into
Gollop's Gully.
Green Hill Lead, on the ridge between Green Hill Gully and Spike Gully, runs
in a N.E. direction into the Red Hill.
204
MINING RECORDS.
very but low dista2c
Hatche's Hill Lead, or Deep Lead, is a continuation of Victoria Hill Lead, but
is not so rich, though it paid very well down to Water Flat, where there are some
springs. Here the lead was lost, but lower down, where it ran into Walkervale
Gully, it was again payable for a short distance. The deepest sinking-120ft.-
was on the ridge at the head of Spike Gully.
Melville's Rush is situated about a mile from Williamstown. It starts on the
main ridge, and winds down a small spur in the direction of Victoria Creek. The
sinking was very hard, and the depth ranged from 15ft. to 20ft. All the washdirt
had to be crushed, and, except in the case of one or two claims, did not pay well.
Red Hill Lead, between Two-Speck and Nuggety gullies, is a continuation of
Simmons' and White Leads.
Simmons' Lead lies between the heads of Spike Gully and Two-Speck Gully;
evidently a continuation of White Lead.
Victoria Hill, S.E. from Spike Gully. The sinking was from 70ft. to 80ft. deep,
and as much as llozs. 14dwts. of gold was taken off the bottom of a shaft, the
largest piece of gold being 70zs. in weight. The Inspector of Mines (Rosewarne)
expressed the opinion that the reefs would probably become gold-bearing in depth to
a payable degree, but so far they were not continuous or regular. There had not
been any systematic mining, though work had been carried on for years. In con-
nection with an application for a subsidy, the Inspector of Mines reported (No-
vember, 1890) that the property consisted of four amalgamated reef claims. A
number of pits, and an underlie shaft 60ft. deep had been sunk on some small segre-
gated veins of ironstone and quartz in soft sandstone and micaceous schist. It was
stated that 1000zs. of gold had been taken out from the old workings. S.E. of the
underlie shaft is a main vertical shaft, 150ft. deep, at the bottom of which the
micaceous schist is stained with carbonate of copper. A crosscut N.W. was advised,
to prove whether the veins continued in depth.
White Lead is situated between the head of Spike Gully and the road, and is cut
through by several small gullies. The sinking is very hard, being nearly all through
cement, with layers of sand between; and as the washdirt was also cemented,
batteries had to be erected for crushing. Some of the cement yielded as high as
13ozs. to 14ozs. to the ton. The depth of sinking varied from 5ft. to 60ft., according
as the shafts were situated either on the top of a spur or near the edge of one of the
small gullies. The thickness of the washdirt varied from 2in. to 8in.
The alluvial diggings of this goldfield are very limited in extent, and seem
generally to have derived their gold from the deep leads which they had cut through.
The most important on the Barossa side are :
Bullocky Gully, which was thoroughly worked, but was not payable.
Gollop's Gully, also very rich at the part where it spreads out into a little flat.
Green Hill Gully paid to work for the distance of a few chains below Green Hill
Lead.
Hissey's Gully paid very well, although most of the washdirt had to be crushed.
The depth of the sinking was from 15ft. to 30ft.
Moonta Gully paid very well.
Nuggety Gully was very payable, and yielded nuggets up to loz. in weight.
Spike Gully, where gold was first discovered in soft ground at depths of from
5ft. to 20ft. The gold was nuggety, ragged, and smooth. Some of the claims were
very rich, a single one having yielded as much as £1,000.
Two-Speck Gully paid to work from Spike Gully to Green Hill.
Sim's Rush. Early in 1887 a discovery of alluvial gold was made on sections
Nos. 574 and 1103, near the junction of Spike Gully and Yetti Creek. The gold
was found in ordinary alluvium, which increased in depth to the N., and also in an
old lead, being a continuation of that which was previously worked between Yetti
Creek and Spike Gully. Some of the claims were sunk to a depth of 25ft., but
great difficulty was experienced owing to the strong influx of water. An extension
of the lead may be looked for to the N., where the surface indicates an area of similar
11110
GOLD.
205
“made” ground. Patches of this are found on many of the hills in the neighbor-
hood. The trend of the newer or alluvial lead, worked in Sim's paddock, is probably
down the Yetti Creek into the South Para River. It is impossible to state the
amount of gold obtained from these diggings owing to the reticence of the miners
and the owners of the property. The rocks of the neighborhood are white kaolinised
clayslates, quartzose sandstones, and metamorphic granite.
BAROSSA REEFS.-A good deal of work has been done on these reefs, though
little success has been experienced. In some instances this has been due to want
of system ; in others, even where the prospects were good, the enterprise has been
abandoned for some unknown reason; and in other instances, again, payable shoots
of gold have not been followed, and vertical shafts have been sunk, striking the reef
in a barren part.
Auburn. Some claims were taken up on Goddard's Hill, where a shaft was sunk.
110ft. At 60ft. it passed through some gold-bearing leaders, but these were not
followed. A shaft was sunk to a depth of 80ft. or 90ft. in 1869, between Two-
Speck and Nuggety Gullies, but no gold was obtained.
Moonta Hill.—The first auriferous reef was found here. As far as was worked,
it was not payable.
Barossa Junction. In this claim an open cut has been run 90ft. into the hill,
and at the end there is a shaft 30ft. deep sunk on a quartz reef, 3ft. to 4ft. wide,
said to carry fine gold; a winze shows that the reef dips E. Another shaft, three
chains away, is down 36ft., and the reef is stated to be 4ft. to 5ft. wide ; and another
shaft is down 27ft. (1896.)
Barossa Treasure.--A syndicate put down a shaft 115ft., and a leader passed
through gave a high assay.
Belle of Barossa.-Several shafts put down from 10ft. to 80ft. deep, from one of
which rich specimens were taken. Two distinct reefs worked. (1896.)
Breakell & Company, in 1882, put a tunnel 80ft. in length into Goddard's Hill,
but got nothing. In 1882 they extended the tunnel to a length of 500ft. ; they sank
a shaft on Cotter's Hill to a depth of 100ft., and in driving to the W. cut a flat reef
9ft. thick, but in neither case was gold obtained.
Buckerfield & Co.-This lies N.W. of the Treasure. A shaft has been put down
to the depth of 90ft, on the underlie; some of the stone raised carried gold.
Lady Pearce, afterwards amalgamated with Menzies Barossa.–Locality, sections
429 and 430, hundred of Barossa. The Government Geologist examined this mine
in March, 1896. The chief workings then consisted of two tunnels and a shaft in
a steep spur 400ft. high, margining the South Para River. There is a reef varying
from a few inches to 3ft. or 4ft. in width. The country rock consists of decomposed
granite and metamorphic, argillaceous, and talcose granitic schist and slate.
Alluvial gold has been obtained in the river below. The drives are in greenish
serpentinous granite, with veins of quartz, specular iron, clay, and gossan. The
strike of the formation or reef is a little W. of N. in No. 1 tunnel, and in No. 2 it
is N. and S., dipping at a low angle E. Specimens of gold obtained from rich shoots
in the reefs were shown. Further prospecting is required to test whether the stone
would prove payable before any machinery was set up. A crushing of 4 tons at
Gawler was said to have yielded 8ozs. 13dwts. of gold.
Lyndoch.-On section 3250, near Lyndoch, the Government Geologist noted in
1889 that two men sinking through the Tertiary drifts were obtaining a little gold in
the cemented quartz gravel and boulders overlying the bedrock. The sinking was
about 30ft. and dry, but the results were not payable, though it appeared probable
that payable gold would be obtained when a deeper run of ground was met with.
Lyndoch Valley.—The property is on section 54, Barossa, and the Government
Geologist reported upon it in September, 1898, to the effect that some quartz lodes
are exposed penetrating an outcrop of quartzose sandstone. In an open cut a lode
formation shows quartz associated with argillaceous siliceous ferruginous material.
and containing blue and green carbonate of copper and pyrites. It has a very
ha and 430, hundred of Barosse. The Government Geologas
gold has beenphie, argillaceous, and country rock
206
MINING RECORDS,
favorable appearance for gold, is 6ft. or 7ft. thick in places, and looks like the cap
of a permanent lode. Samples taken from the lode and tailings showed gold and
silver up to 4dwts. of the former and 12dwts. of the latter. Judging by the results
from the tailings, it is probable that gold in payable quantities was obtained in the
old workings, which it is said reached to a depth of 160ft. Later in the same year
the mine was put into voluntary liquidation, though crushings yielding an 8dwts.
return per ton had been obtained.
McRobie's.--Sections 159 and 200, hundred of Barossa, situated on the old
Barossa Goldfields, 9 miles from Gawler. The workings are on rising ground,
almost surrounded by a deep watercourse, with hills rising abruptly on either side.
A large number of shafts were sunk in search of alluvial gold, a considerable time
back, with probably very fair results. The sinking was from 10ft. to 30ft., the gold
being obtained from quartz, gravel, and clay material, on a pipeclay bottom. With
the object of lode-prospecting, three shafts have been sunk, two to the depth of 60ft.
each, and one to 70ft. From the material on the surface raised from the former little
is exposed beyond the pipeclay formation ; in the latter, the rock is ferruginous
claystone, containing small seams of iron-stained quartz, but nothing to enable an
opinion to be formed as to the existence of a lode formation. The country is
auriferous, and from its general character it is more than probable that beneath
the alluvial quartz lodes or veins exist; but as no work was in progress, and the
old underground workings could not be inspected, no definite idea could be formed ;
and for the purpose of determining the matter it will be necessary to sink a series
of small shafts, crossing the supposed line of lode, and connecting them by drives
a few feet below the alluvial formation. Two samples from the 70ft. shaft assayed,
one, ldwt. of gold per ton, and the other nil. (I.M.R., 24-1-00.)
1
confined to one reef, though it was stated that there were eight others in the property.
The ore consists of gossan and ferruginous quartz in a 6ft. reef, which has been
opened at the end of the tunnel. The original Menzie's Barossa Company, after
existing six months, amalgamated with the Lady Pearce, and the total holding
was about 100 acres. In March, 1897, a trial parcel of 23 tons 14cwts. was treated
at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works, and returned 150zs. Idwt. 14grs. of gold-
a yield per ton of 12dwts. 17grs. A 40-head battery was afterwards erected by the
company at the mine. Operations were carried on principally on the Lady Pearce
blocks, but the results of crushings proved very unsatisfactory. Some special tests
were made with a parcel of 206 tons of stone, and the yield was only 3dwts. 23grs.
per ton, with 19grs. per ton in the tailings.
Acceding to a request made by the directors to the Hon. Minister, the Govern-
ment Geologist in May, 1898, furnished the following report:
The workings comprise the Lady Pearce tunnel, No. 2 tunnel, the transverse tunnel and stopes,
the Phenix tunnel, winze tunnel, the north tunnel, and the main shaft.
The Lady Pearce Tunnel. The entrance of this tunnel is a few feet from the South Para River, at
an elevation of 21ft. above it, and it has been driven into the hill for a distance of 580ft. in a
general direction of N. 15° W.; 146ft. from the entrance a drive branches off to the right for a dis-
tance of 30ft., and then runs roughly parallel to the main tunnel for 98ft. At the extreme end of the
main tunnel the lode consists of rubbly quartz and gossan 1ft. 6in. thick, and at 7ft. from the end
there is a bunch of quartz with gossan 4ft. thick. At 17ft, the quartz is 3ft. thick; from this point the
lode consists of irregular bunches of hard quartz with vughs, varying in thickness from 3ft. to 4ft.,
this thins out at 150ft. into small quartz veins traversing kaolinised granite rock; 100ft. further,
at a point where a rise has been put up, the lode makes again; it consists chiefly of quartz, vary.
ing in thickness from 3ft. to 4ft., between well-defined walls, dipping 40°. E.N.E. From this
rise, outwards along the tunnel, the lode thins out to lft. Sin. and 1ft., occasionally widening out
for short distances to 2ft., 3ft., and 4ft. At 100ft. from the entrance it thins out into small
veins from lin. to 3in. thick. In the branch drive a quartz lode has been followed. In the face
of this drive there is a formation 3ft. thick composed of quartz, with vugns, containing gossan
and brown iron ore, with kaolinised country rock; it is not well defined. In this drive a little
stoping has been done. Near the junction of the drives there is a bunch of quartz 3ft. thick,
elsewhere the lode thins out either entirely or exists only as a thin vein. The quartz vein and
formation driven on here appears to be a separate vein on a branch of the main lode ; it dips in
the same direction as the latter, but at rather a lower angle. The general strike of the main
GOLD.
207
lode is N. 15° W., and dip from 35° to 40° E.N.E. Twenty-nine samples taken along the course
were assayed ; two of these returned gold at the rate of 4dwts. 12grs. and ldwt. 3grs. respectively,
the remainder contained traces (less than 1dwt. per ton). Traces of silver were present, and a
trace of copper in one instance.
No. 2 Tunnel.—The entrance to this tunnel is 40ft. above the Lady Pearce tunnel, and 40ft.
to the E. It has been driven 160ft. on a lode formation consisting of quartz, ironstone, kaolin,
and decomposed rock from 3ft. to 5ft. in thickness. It has a well-defined footwall dipping 45°
E.N.E., and is evidently a continuation upwards of the lode in the Lady Pearce tunnel. Nine
samples taken along the course of the lode were assayed. Two of these contained gold at the
rate of 18dwts. 10grs. and ldwt. 8grs. per ton respectively. The remainder contained traces
only.
The Transverse Reer.— The workings comprise an open cut along the outcrop, a tunnel on the
course of the lode, and stopes between them. The open cut, which is 135ft. long, has been made
on an outcrop of metamorphic argillaceous sandstone, with intruded granitic veins, traversed
by small veins, bunches, and cross-veins of quartz with iron ore and gossan. S.E. it is connected
with the tunnel at a depth of 34ft. below the surface. Along the border of these stopes and from
the open cut downwards portions of the lode formation are visible. In the upper portion the
walls are about 5ft. apart, and have between them a broken lode formation. Lower down this
thins out to a foot and less. The footwall dips 59° N.E. The tunnel has been driven 310ft.
In the N.E. end or face there is a quartz vein from 3in. to Ift. in thickness, dipping N.E. 45° in a
lode formation 2ft. thick between smooth walls. A lode of rubbly quartz, pug, and iron-stained
quartz, from 6in. to 2ft. thick, extends for 34ft. to the N. limit of the stopes, thence along the
tunnel for 40ft. ; it has a thickness of 2ft. and 3ft. in places. At 113ft. from the face a winze
has been sunk at an inclination of 45° to a depth of 48ft. on a smooth well-defined wall, with
pug casing, but carrying no veinstone. At the bottom of this winze there is a small vein of quartz.
Ten feet from this winzc the lode again makes, attaining a thickness of 3ft, in places for 30ft.,
but afterwards thinning out and becoming broken up. The walls continue on to within 40ft.
of the tunnel entrance. Eleven samples of the lode taken from different places, in the borders
of the stopes and in the tunnel below, returned only traces of gold. Of these eight were rough
averages of the lode and formation, and three were special samples of veinstone, which appeared
likely to contain gold. These results indicate that the lode so far opened up is not payable:
There is no reason, however, why better auriferous stone may not be found by prospecting at
greater depths.
Winze Tunnel.—This tunnel is 80ft. in length. A small lode composed of quartz, with brown
iron ore and gossan, is exposed in three or four places along it. In the face the vein is bin. to
8in. thick, about midway 7in., and at the winzelft. 6in. thick. A winze has been sunk on an
incline of 48° 17ft. from the entrance of the tunnel. In the winze quartz 2ft. thick is showing,
about 15ft. down. A crosscut has been put in from the S. side, which has met with a body of
quartz and ironstone from lft. 6in. to 3ft. thick, which, however, only extends 15ft. or 20ft. in
that direction. It dips 35º. From its position in relation to the winze I believe it to be a different
vein to the one sunk on in the winze. As this winze contained a quantity of water I was unable
to examine it below the depth of 35ft. The veinstone is quartz, containing brown iron ore,
specular iron, and gossan. "Average samples of the lode, taken from seven places where the
veinstone was exposed in this tunnel and the winze to a depth of 35ft., on assay returned only
traces of gold.
The Phønix Tunnel.—This tunnel, the entrance of which is opposite to and within 25ft, of
the winze tunnel, is 280ft. long, and has been driven on the course of a lode of variable and irregular
thickness and strike for that distance. In the face there is a vein of quartz and iron ore 3in. to
Oin. thick, dipping from 20° to 40° N.E. For a distance of 130ft. no defined lode is visible, mercly
small veins of quartz, rubbly quartz, &c., from 4in. to Oin. in thickness, except in one place,
where it is 20in. thick. At 145ft. a crosscut put in 158ft. has met with no veins or lode formation.
Near the junction of this crosscut with the tunnel the lode splits into two veins, varying respec-
tively in thickness from 9in. to 12in., and from 6in, to 20in. At 160ft. a winze has been sunk
at an angle of 43° on the lode. At a depth of 60ft. the quartz and ferruginous veinstone is 3ft.
thick, and has been stoped for a few feet on each side. I was unable to examine further, as the
winze contained water and was unsafe. In the tunnel above this winze the lode has bcen stoped
out to a limited extent, the portion left varying from 4in. to 2ft. in thickness, the dip of the foot-
wall being 28° E. From the top of the winze for 20ft. the lode has a thickness of 2 ft. ; 50ft.
from the winze a second winze has been sunk. This, however, is nearly full of water. The
lode here is 2}ft. thick, and dips E. at 54°. From this point a small quartz lode, having a thick-
ness of 3}ft. to 4ft. in one place, extends to the mouth of the tunnel. Average and special samples
of the lode taken from 16 places along its course returned only traces of gold. Three of these
returned silver at the rate of 2dwts. 10grs. per ton.
The Main Shaft.—This shaft is 214ft. deep, and is vertical. At the bottom a large chamber
or plat has been made on the W. side, from which drives radiate in three directions. One of these
drives has followed a rough wall for 57ft. in a S. direction, afterwards bending round to the W.,
in which direction it has exposed a small quartz vein some 2in. thick on the right and a pug vein
on the left, finally ending against a vertical wall, on which is disposed a formation of black and
greenish steatitic slate, without any quartz or other veinstone. The second drive has been put
in W. for 80ft., and has passed through a wall and slaty formation of 20ft. Beyond this point
208
MINING RECORDS.
it is filled with mullock, and consequently could not be examined. The third drive extends
N. for 34ft., and has walls on each side, but these carry no veinstone. At 34ft. it branches into
two drives, one going N.E., the other N.W. The N.E. drive extends 37ft., and follows the same
walls. At the end there is a rise or jump-up, which, being in a dangerous condition, I did not
examine. The N.W. drive extends 48ft. It also follows two walls, on one of which a little quartz
is visible. In the end is a small lode formation composed of pug and quartz deposited on one of
the walls. The operations at this shaft appear to have been confined to following the various
walls met with, in the expectation of them leading to a lode. One of the objects aimed at was
probably the cutting of the lode met with in the Phoenix tunnel. By continuing the N.W. drive
another 30ft., the shoot of stone followed down in the winze of the Winze tunnel should be met
with if continuous. Three samples of veinstone and formation occurring in connection with the
walls driven on from the bottom of the main shaft returned, on assay, traces of gold only.
North Tunnel.--This tunnel has cut a quartz lode at a distance of 190ft. from the mouth, and
has been driven along it in a S. direction for 64ft. The lode consists of quartz and iron oxides,
including micaceous iron. At the face it dips 49°, and where first cut 40°, to the W. The thick-
ness of the lode, where visible, is from 2ft. 10in. to 3ft. 6in. Average samples from four places
on this quartz lode returned, on assay, traces of gold.
The Country Rocks.—The rock formations consist of argillaceous sandstone and grit, argilla-
ceous and talcose and hornblendic slates and sandstones, quartzose sandstone and grit, &c.,
dipping at high angles—from vertical to 45°_and striking into which pegmatic and other granite
dykes and veins have been intruded. In the neighborhood of these dykes the sedimentary
rocks are highly metamorphosed, in some places being hard and crystalline, in others soft and
decomposed.
In my report of the Lady Pearce workings, dated March 19th, 1896, which workings are now
included in the Menzies Barossa Mine, I pointed out that the gold occurred in the stone in shoots,
and recommended exploring these by sinking and driving, and by having trial crushings made
from each place before erecting machinery for treating the ore.
The work done since 1896 has not developed any different conditions with regard to the lodes.'
The specimens of quartz containing gold found apparently come from small veins and crossveins,
and not from the larger lodes with which they are associated. The occurrence of such small
veins or leaders rich in gold is a feature in connection with gold-mining in the Barossa district. :
These facts, however, should not prevent deeper prospecting of these lodes by winzes and drives.
The conclusions I have arrived at are :-
1. That the lodes, so far as opened up, are too poor in gold to yield payable returns by
crushing all the material contained in the lodes.
2. That the quantity of veinstone disclosed by the operations hitherto carried on is too
limited to supply material sufficient to keep the extensive crushing plant erected here
employed.
3. That a great error has been made in erecting a large crushing plant, and sinking a main
shaft, before the lodes had been thoroughly prospected and their value ascertained.
4. Had frequent reliable tests Jf the value of the lodes been made from time to time, by assays
and dish-prospecting, or by the crushing of small parcels of stone, it would have been
known that the ore was not rich enough to be payable when treated in bulk.
An attempt at reconstruction having failed, the company holding the property
went into liquidation.
Menzie's Barossa North (Horseshoe Bend).-Situated N. of Menzie's Barossach
In 1896 one shaft was down 70ft., and there were several shallow shafts. It was
stated that there are seven reefs in the property, and that assays of prospectors'
samples returned 50zs. of gold per ton. Copper ore was afterwards found at this
place.
Malcolm's Barossa (Barossa Redemption) was discovered in 187-1. There is a
large vertical sandstone reef, about 15ft. wide, with small leaders of quartz. The
main shaft was sunk 200ft., and at 80ft. a leader carrying gold and 20 per cent.
of copper was struck. At the bottom of the main shaft a 200ft. drive was put in
to the E., and a non-auriferous reef was cut. Another shaft to the S. of the main
shaft was sunk 150ft.
Phanix Reef. ~ A discovery of auriferous stone in this reef was reported in
September, 1895. A parcel of 11 tons 15cwts., treated at the Petersburg Cyanide
Works in September, 1905, gave a return of 10dwts. 18grs. of gold per ton, equivalent
to 36s. per ton.
Red Hill.- About 1868 this proprietary sank a shaft 120ft. on a vertical reef.
At 70ft. they got good prospects, and sent a crushing to Adelaide, but the returns
not being so good as had been expected, the mine was stopped. In 1882 the ground
was again taken up. Three shafts, of depths ranging from 60ft. to 70ft., were sunk,
but without successful results,
.
. .
.
. .
.
GOLD.
209
Rosman & Company, in 1882, took up some claims in Gollop's Gully, and opened
out on a reef 3ft. or 4ft. thick. They also sank a shaft 40ft. on the same reef, and
took out a crushing, but it was not payable.
Victoria was taken up in 1884. From stone found on the surface, and crushed,
350zs. of gold were obtained. The reef first found was followed down 40ft.; a
vertical shaft was sunk 150ft. to the E., but failed tô cut it. A drive to the E.
through very hard ground was, in 1886, put in to meet it. There are two reefs,
one striking almost due N. and the other N.E.; both dip to the E. The prospects
washed from the stone taken were very good, and proved that the reefs were worthy
of being tested in a systematic manner. The rocks are feldspathic slates and schists,
sandstone, quartzite, and grit.
Wheal Francis.--In 1896 there was a shaft down 140ft., a drive 20ft., and a reef
3ft. wide, and the stone crushed and panned, it was stated, showed gold freely.
Williamstown.-One and a half miles S. of. Section No. 996. In March, 1907,
Inspector Matthews reported on a gold find made at this place, where a little pros-
pecting had been done and some gold found about 40 years ago. The present
workings are on the top of a hill about 100ft. above the level of the plain, and
consist of several small holes, 10ft. to 12ft. deep, and a considerable amount of
driving over an area of about 150ft. square. These disclose from 4ft. to 5ft. of
wash, consisting of clay and water-worn quartz boulders, large and small, resting
on a pipeclay formation, and very much resembling the bed of an old watercourse.
A puddling machine has been constructed, and recently about 50 loads of wash
have been treated, the concentrates being 12 to 14 loads, and a sample of these con-
centrates, when washed, gave a return of about 6dwts. of gold per load, and a fair
quantity of rutile. Another sample taken from the bottom of the puddling machine
gave much better results, probably from 15dwts. to 20dwts. per load, but the In-
spector lays stress upon the fact that these results represent the concentrated
material-not the crude wash. He considers that there is nothing here to warrant
sensational reports, and says that the better portion of the wash seems to lie 12in.
or 18in. above the bottom. (I.M.R., 5–3–07.)
BENDLEBY.-Mineral claims (abandoned) in the hundred of Bendleby. A
quartz leader has been followed down 50ft., the matrix copper-stained, but lode
poor; N. of the shaft is a strong quartz outcrop traceable for miles, and likely to
carry gold, but nothing has been found.
Big Blow.—Situated about 4 miles N.E. from Outalpa sheep station. There
are two rugged outcrops of conglomerate. Sample from depth of 20ft. contained
no mineral; the surface quartz and pyrites yielded 16grs. of gold per ton. (In-
spector of Mines, 1889.)
BILLY SPRINGS.-Near Mount Fitton. About 1 mile S. of the springs some dig-
ging has been done in shallow ground, having a limestone bottom, strewn with
quartz wash from a large reef a little to the E. Gold has been found here. The
samples seen in 1884 were coarse and rough, and showed no signs of being water-
worn. .
BLACKFELLOWS' REEF, in the Waukaringa district, is said to have yielded the
coarsest gold yet found in this locality. The vein is very thin, and consists of quartz
with carbonate of iron, iron pyrites, and oxide of iron in greenish clayslate and
argillaceous sandstone. The proportion of gossany quartz and iron ore found in
this and neighboring reefs is considerable; the gold is found in both, in a finely
divided state. The lodes are strong, and extend for long distances.
BOLLAND'S, URAIDLA.- Locality, section 128, hundred of Onkaparinga. The
Government Geologist's report states that two tunnels have been driven E. into a hill
rising some 150ft. above the gully flat, on the N.W. portion of the section, which
have intersected several veins of quartz, ironstone, and pyrites, which traverse
210
MINING RECORDS.
the hill in a N. direction, outcropping here and there. The veinstone obtained
from these tunnels has a favorable appearance for gold, but the samples taken
were found, on assay, to contain no gold, and unless gold is found by surface pros-
pecting there is nothing to warrant the continuance of operations; at the same
time, as the section adjoining on the S., No. 41, has a gully which a few years ago
yielded a considerable quantity of alluvial gold, and as this gully is crossed by
numerous veins and reefs of quartz running N. into section 128 (from which veins
the alluvial gold in the gully must have been derived), it is very advisable that
both sections should be thoroughly prospected, as it is likely that auriferous veins
and reefs may be found. The rock formation consists of argillaceous sandstone,
sandstone, and clayslate. (Government Geologis“, March, 1896.)
BOOMERANG.—Situated near the railway line, within 3 miles of Outalpa railway
siding. Lode strikes N. and S., with an E. underlie of about 1 in 3, and can be
traced for a considerable distance, in places being over 2ft. wide, in others narrow-
ing down to a small seam or vein. The N. block is situated in low ground, the
vein being overlaid with alluvial; on the strike of the vein, which is here erratic
in its course, several small openings have been made, from 2ft. to 19ft. in depth,
exposing vein matter, from 3in. to bin. wide, of siliceous iron-stained material. The
middle block is situated on a small ridge, rising slightly above the plain level; here
the reef shows more distinctly, and for a distance of 140yds. has been prospected
by a series of small shafts and openings, from 3ft. to 21ſt. deep, the lode matter
ranging from 4in. to 2ft. 6in. wide, portions showing bunches of galena, containing
gold, silver, and lead. About the centre of the workings a small shaft has been
sunk 21ft., the vein in the bottom being 16in. thick, a portion, then exposed on
the hanging-wall, being exceedingly rich, the stone showing gold freely; the walls
at this depth are fairly good, and will probably continue. The S. block has been
prospected by open cuts and a number of small shafts, in various places, for about
200yds. in length, and from 2ft. to 25ft. in depth. The vein appears to strike
diagonally to the line of the main lode, and averages about 3in. thick. For future
prospecting and development, three underlie shafts should be sunk to water-level,
at the most favorable points ; also a system of surface cross-trenching adopted in
various parts of the property, with the object of opening up other veins and forma-
tions, which, from surface indications, doubtless exist. Seventy-six tons 7cwts.
treated at the Petersburg Cyanide Works returned 670zs. 6dwts. 5grs. gold, valued
at £220 2s. 4d., the average yield being worth 57s. per ton. Two parcels, a little
over 8 tons, treated by the Broken Hill Proprietary, gave satisfactory returns. Ten
samples, from various points, extending through the three blocks, gave results from
loz. 4dwts. to 2dwts. gold per ton. One sample returned 2dwts. gold, 39ozs. 6dwts.
silver, and 53.1 per cent. lead. (I.M.R., 18-11-03.)
BOOMERANG NORTH.—Near Outalpa railway siding, adjoining and to the N. of
the Cooee. At the time of the inspector's visit little work had been done, but the
position of the ground is highly favorable, and will probably contain the same vein
and lode formations as the Cooee property. A system of cross-trenching would at
first be advisable, to locate the most favorable points for sinking shaft, &c. (I.M.R.,
3-12–03.)
BOWKER'S CLAIMS.--Situated at Lovely Gully, Waukaringa, adjoining the
Broken Hill Syndicate claim. Worked in 1894, and it was reported that stone
showing gold had been found, but little further was done.
BOOLOOR00.-In May, 1895, at Bunyeroo alluvial workings, a reef was found
at a depth of 25ft. composed of ironstone and quartz, with a thick casing of con-
glomerate, consisting of gossan, ironstone, and quartz, in which gold was visible.
BOOYOOLIE, HUNDRED OF.--The Inspector of Mines, reporting in 1895, on two
properties in this hundred, says, regarding the Flinders Gold Mining Syndicate, that
the shaft should be sunk deeper, until it cuts through the reef, and then continued
on the underlie 50ft. The lode should also be opened up at a point E. of the creek
workings, where a small pit has been sunk, Regarding the Roper Gold Mining
GOLD.
211
Syndicate, the lode is 18in. wide, enclosed in decomposed gneissic rock. · Samples
from the bottom of the shaft gave an assay return of 4dwts. per ton. The drive
should be continued to the S. until the footwall of the lode is met with. If the lode
proved to be more valuable it should be driven on E, and W., keeping the footwall
on the S. side of the respective drives. Failing to strike anything of value, he
recommends that the outcrop be prospected along its strike by costeaning pits.
BRILLIANT.-Locality, near Macaw Creek, 3 miles S. from Rhynie. An ironstone
formation outcrop, which was alleged to carry gold. A shaft was sunk to a depth
of 50ft., and a sample assayed was stated to have returned loz. 10dwts. of gold
and several ounces of silver per ton. It was also reported that at 40ft: a small
body of kaolin, with chloride of silver, had been met with, that the ore carried
exceedingly fine gold, and that there was a solid body of ore at the bottom of the
shaft. The ironstone lode outcropping can be traced several miles. (1897.).
· BROKEN HILL AND WAUKARINGA SYNDICATE, later known as White's Lovely
Gully Claim.-Situated about 8 miles W. by N. of Waukaringa. In 1894 the
Inspector of Mines reported that a shaft had been sunk 60ft. vertical and another
55ft. on the underlie. A lode exists about 3ft. 6in. wide, strike N.E., dip N.W:
It is poor near the surface, but at a depth an ironstone vein with gold was struck,
and yielded at the rate of 1dwt. 6grs. per dish. No further rich pockets were struck,
and work was abandoned. Prospecting was restarted in 1906, and a Iepartmental
report says that work was recently resumed by White (the original prospector) in
a shaft which had been sunk by the original syndicate to a depth of 35ft. or 40ft.,
partly vertical and partly underlie, on an irregular lode or formation composed
mainly of ironstone and ferruginous calcite. It strikes about N.E., through un--
settled slate, and dips N.W. The width is considerable, but, so far, undetermined.
At the bottom a drive has been made along it S., and a sample taken assayed under
idwt. About 80ft. to the S. White has sunk a shaft which, at 35ft., has come on
a gold-carrying vein, probably connected with the formation in the other shaft.
It is very small on the E. side, but opens out to nearly 6in. where it has been followed
down a little way to the N.W. A very rich pocket of gold specimens was found
here. The vein is being driven on N. to connect the workings in the two shafts..
A sample of fines obtained from the bottom part of the vein assayed 9dwts. per
ton; a sample from the top part 1dwt. ; and one from the E. end of the vein,
which is composed of ferruginous claystone, gave 2dwts. per ton. These assays,
and also the one from the body of the formation in the other shaft, are small, and
appear disappointing, but it is evident that a good shoot of gold exists here, which
should be followed up and proved at depth. (D.R. (Gee), 21-9-06.)
BUNYAROO SPRING.—This is near Leigh's Creek. Alluvial gold was discovered
in a small gully. The circumstances of the find are not known, but a storekeeper
at Leigh's Creek stated that he bought £200 worth of gold said to have been found.
- here. (1889.)
BULLAPARATTA: ---Situated about 18 miles from Yankalilla, on the old' Bulla-
paratta Goldfield, where alluvial gold has been worked for at various times in the
past with varying results. Recently attention has been directed to a large reef
formation in the vicinity, from which it is supposed the alluvial gold was shed.
The outcrop is very prominent, and traverses a rugged. ridge, surrounded on three
sides by steep gullies, 200ft. or more deep. The lode material consists mainly of
quartz, ironstone, and gossan, and for about 300ft. to the point of the range has a
very favorable appearance ; but in the opposite direction the surface outcrop con-
tains less iron, is not so friable, and is generally less likely looking. The workings:
consist of a tunnel, a shaft, and a number of trial pits and openings, extending for
about 400ft. along the line of lode; the two former and some of the latter were.
done some years ago, by previous holders, and apparently did not disclose anything
of value. The tunnel extends about 60fti, and at 10ft. from the entrance passed
through lode material about 5ft. thick, composed of quartz, iron, and gossan; this:
is an offshoot or slip from the main ore body. Beyond this the ground passed
212
MINING RECORDS.
through is soft ferruginous sandstone, without any indications of lode material.
On the opposite side of the principal formation a shaft has been sunk, about 50ft.
deep, apparently on the footwall side of the lode. The surface openings are from
1ft. to 5ft. in depth, and disclose a large quantity of lode matter, in places over
30ft. wide, and in others the lode outcrops extend far beyond this width. At some
period the outcrop must have stood high above the surface, and has now become
weathered and broken, shedding lode matter for some distance on each side of the
solid formation, the actual width of which cannot be determined until more work
has been done. Out of 11 samples taken roughly in bulk from various points
across the lode, three failed to disclose the presence of any gold, and the balance
returned from a trace to 4dwts. of gold per ton. The inspector considers that,
despite these poor returns, the property is worth development. Samples taken
from a portion of the lode, about 4ft. thick in the centre of the formation, were
dollied and washed in his presence, giving a return equal to 8dwts. to 10dwts.
per ton, and here a prospecting shaft should be sunk. The 50ft. shaft should also
be cleaned out, and a crosscut made, to determine how the lode carries down, and
its value. (I.M.R., 11–12–03.)
BULLAPARATTA SLUICING COMPANY.-Returns were not satisfactory, and the
co ppany was wound up (1906).
BURNSIDE.-In November, 1894, the Inspector of Mines reported upon workings
on sections 1051 and 1052, hundred of Adelaide. A tunnel had been driven 36ft.
on the course of a lode at Slape's Gully; strike W. 20° S., with a 37° dip E.S.E.
The lode, composed of ferruginous quartz enclosed by walls of claystone, was of an
average width of 3ft. No trace of gold on assay. Another lode had been opened
mile S., large and well defined, striking N. 15° W. Samples returned no gold,
but the line of lode should be prospected. It was said that free gold had been found
in the lode.
CAMERON'S REEF.-Locality, 8 miles N.W. by W. from Waukaringa. The
Inspector of Mines reported upon this property in March, 1894, and stated that a
lode exists, which, at a depth of 30ft., was 12in. wide, enclosed in calcareous slate.
It'appeared likely to be auriferous, but assays gave no trace of gold.
CALIFORNIA CLAIM.—On the Queen Bee (New Luxemburg) line of reef. A crush-
ing of 10 tons is said to have averaged 9dwts. per ton.
COOEE.-Adjoining the Boomerang on the N.W., and is about due N. of their main
workings, 3 miles from Outalpa railway siding. From the croppings on the sur-
face the vein can be traced almost through the full length of the property, and for
150yds. in length has been opened out at various points by a number of trial pits
and open cuts, from 2ft. to 10ft. deep. In most instances the openings have not
penetrated the solid country, being still in alluvial and broken country rock, dis-
closing vein matter from 2in. to 6in. wide, underlying E. about 1 in 3. Towards
the $. end an open cut, 10ft. deep, has exposed solid siliceous matter 6in. wide, with
well-defined walls, regular underlie, and having the appearance of making larger.
The other workings consist principally of a number of trial pits or openings, the
siliceous vein in each instance being from 2in. to 4in. wide, all containing more or
less gold. Four samples from the different openings assayed from Idwt. to 3ozs.
14dwts. of gold per ton. A parcel of over 5 tons treated at Petersburg gave the
result of loz. 2dwts. of gold per ton; this should encourage further development,
by sinking shafts on the line of lode, and also prospecting, by surface cross trenches,
to intersect any other lodes or veins that may exist. At present it is difficult to
determine if this is the same formation as the Boomerang, or an offshoot that will
junction with their main workings about the centre of their middle block. From
the general strike it is likely to prove the former. (I.M.R., 19-11-03.)
CLARE, HUNDRED OF, SEC. 41 - The Government Geologist reported upon
this property in May, 1893. The locality was a quarry in flaggy argillaceous slate
and sandstone, the rocks dipping vertically and striking N. 10° to 15° W. Gold
was obtained by washing the soil, decomposed rock, and other debr's covering the
GOLD.
213
rock on the E. side of the quarry, where there are several small veins, from lin. to
3in, thick, which cut through the vertical strata at an angle of about 45° E., with a
strike of N. 10° W. These veins are composed of siliceous brown iron ore and brown
ore and gossan. The gold is not waterworn, but is crystallised in flat plates and
octahedral and dendritic forms, showing that it has been derived directly from the
veinstone, through the decomposition of the latter; hence the gold found upon
washing the debris. It is not probable that this is the only auriferous locality in
the district, as the bedrocks are similar to those in which gold is found elsewhere
in this State. In many places they are traversed by quartz reefs trending N.
and S., some of which may prove to be auriferous. On sections 138, 219, 214, 217,
523, 233, &c., there are quartz and ironstone reefs which are worth prospecting.
Alluvial gold may exist in payable deposits in the alluvium of the numerous creeks
and gullies of the district. For the purpose of testing the value of the discovery
it was recommended that the veins should be followed down the underlie, to deter-
mine whether a larger vein or reef could be discovered, and that the surface soil
and debris should be prospected to the N. and S. of the actual discovery.
Crow's CLAIM.—Adjoining the Queen Bee Mine. Two shafts were sunk to a
depth of about 100ft. in soft micaceous and hornblendic schist, containing thin
veins of quartz showing gold; but no large reef has been struck.
CYGNET.-Situated on section No. 25, hundred Cassini, Kangaroo Island, and
originally prospected by Tilka, a settler in the district. On December 13th, 1898,
the Government Geologist reported that excavations were being made in a large
lode outcrop of quartz and other siliceous material containing arsenical pyrites.
At a depth of 45ft. the lode and formations, though ill-defined, are of considerable
width. The outcrop is traceable for some distance. It strikes N.W. and dips
60° S.W. Of seven samples taken across the width of the lode, and at various
points in it, only two returned a trace of gold. A washed sample of pyrites, how-
ever, gave-gold, 4dwts.; silver, 8dwts. One ton of this. ore treated at the Mount
Torrens Government battery yielded 5dwts. 3grs. of gold, valued at the rate of
£3 14s. 6d. per ounce. The outcrop of this lode is strong and worth prospecting,
as it is possible that payable shoots of gold may exist.
A Departmental report dated November 27th, 1906, states that operations
were then being conducted by Mr. H. G. Taylor on behalf of the proprietary. A
shaft has been timbered up in Tilka's old irregular workings, and the rest of the
workings filled in. The shaft was then continued to a depth of 80ft. The lode
dips to the S.W. at about 72°, and after passing a considerable distance down
through the lode the bottom of the shaft is a little to the N.E. of it; a crosscut
has been made from here across the solid lode, which was found to be 25ft. thick,
and continued on in the soft formation on the other side of it. Ten samples
taken along the lode in the crosscut assayed-No. 1, 1dwt. gold per ton; No. 2,
1dwt.; No. 3, 2{dwts. ; No. 4, ldwt.; No. 5, 2dwts. ; No. 6. Idwt.; No. 7,
8dwt. ; No. 8, 5dwts. ; No. 9, 3dwts.; No. 10, loz. 4dwts. The lode is strong and
continuous, the strike being about W. 25° N. It has been opened up at three
places to the W. by cross trenches, and is found to be from 4ft. to 6ft. wide
near the surface. A sample from the opening farthest W. from the shaft-about
25 chains—assayed--gold, nil; from the next opening towards the shaft, gold, a
trace; and from that nearest the shaft, gold, a trace (under 1dwt.). The lode
has also been traced for a considerable distance E., and a large outcrop on the
line of strike on sections 52, hundred Cassini, 3 miles W., is most probably the
same lode. (D.R. (Gee), 27-11-06.).
A Depar being copered up it was then cor passing
places the surface area that means considerare
through to a more or less extent. Twenty bulk samples, taken in 2ft. sections,
10 from each side of the crosscut, gave returns from traces up to 8dwts. per ton,
or giving an average value for the full width of the lode (20ft.) of 2dwts. 6grs. of
gold per ton. Seven samples taken from the ferruginous matter on the hanging-
wall side of the lode, each section being 2ft. 6in. a part returned--four samples nil,
214
MINING RECORDS.
1
three trace, and one gave ldwt. per ton. Sample also taken from the shaft where
the lode was intersected gave trace of gold only, and two samples taken from
the lode outcrop at each end of the shaft gave nil returns. From the above
returns it will be seen that the gold contents of the material exposed are of very
low value. The lode is large, well defined, and gives every indication of continuing
in length and depth. Probably should the development work be continued shoots
of better class material may be discovered that would warrant the erection of a
reduction plant, but at present any large expenditure in that direction would be
premature and unjustifiable. (I.M.R. (Jones), 23-9-07.)
Day Dawn.-Locality, Waukaringa, adjoining West Alma. There is a lode
running E. and W., 2ft. 6in. wide. One shaft has been put down 176ft. following
the dip of the lode. The matrix of the ore is quartz intermixed with ironstone,
and the country rock is sandstone. Samples taken from this lode in May, 1907,
assayed 3dwts. 5grs.
Daw's DIGGINGS.-Locality, the Eleanor River, about 28 miles W. from Kings-
cote, Kangaroo Island. Holes have been sunk along the river for a distance of
11 miles, both in the alluvial flats and on the rising ground. Gold occurs in the
washdirt, associated with rutile and zircon. Some of the holes sunk appear to
have opened upon an older drift deposit or Tertiary lead. The prospect of meeting
with payable alluvial gold by following up the veins of gold met with are sufficiently
good to induce experienced diggers to more thoroughly test the locality. Colors
of gold are obtainable in the banks of the Eleanor River about 1 mile below this
place, where the river flats are narrower.
Metallic minerals may be expected to be met with in much of the metamorphic
sandstone, slate, and granitic country from Backstairs Passage to Cape Borda,
and in payable quantities in some portion of the areas occupied by these rocks.
They are a continuation of the rocks of the mainland, which in many instances
have proved to be metalliferous. Gold exists in veinstone at the old Kohinoor
Mine, Tilkas, Debney's, &c., and in alluvial deposits on the Eleanor River. Hitherto
the prospecting for gold has been carried out in an unskilled manner, and it is very
probable a more energetic and systematic search will result in the discovery of pay-
able deposits. The Point Morrison district seems to me to present specially favorable
features for gold prospecting, and an examination of the alluvial deposits of the
Cygnet, Eleanor, Harriet, Stunsail Boom, and other rivers is most desirable.
(Government Geologist, 13–12–98).
Doig's GOLD LEASES, 543 AND 563.-Situated on the Angepena field. The
Government Geologist, in April, 1896, reported that he found here an irregular
mass or “ blow," in which were veins of kaolin and pockets of ferruginous clay
and gossan. Country rock chiefly crystalline limestone. Assays of average samples
gave no trace of gold.
DEBNEY'S.--Locality, section 96, hundred of Haines, Kangaroo Island. Here
pected to a small extent only. The strike of the lode is N.E. and the dip about
45° S.E. The veinstone has a highly favorable appearance for gold, and is worthy
of being more systematically prospected. Of four samples assayed two returned
a trace of gold. Further prospecting is recommended. (Government Geologist,
13-12-98.)
DUSTHOLES REEF.—This is a large reef or lode formation situated about 2 miles
N.W. from the Mount Grainger Mine; it strikes about N.E.; the outcrops are large
and well defined, and can be traced on the surface for over a mile. Practically
no sinking has been done upon it, and up to June 30th, 1907, the total quantity
of ore treated at the Petersburg Cyanide Works was 138 tons 13cwts., which returned
550zs. 7dwts. 19grs. of gold, valued at £199 5s. 8d., the average yield being worth
289. per ton.
ĠOLD.
215
ECHUNGA GOLDFIELD.-Situated in the hundred of Kuitpo, which see for details
of the workings, page 227. This field was discovered in the early part of the year
1852. The following description is abridged from an interesting account of the
discovery contributed to the Mount Barker Courier by Mr. W. Chapman, who
claims to be the first discoverer :-The first sign of gold was got on what was known
as “ the Company's land," about 18 miles S.E. from Adelaide, not far from the old
Wheatsheaf Inn. Mr. Chapman made known his discovery to his father and to
Messrs. Hampton and Hardiman, men who were well acquainted with the country,
and a thorough search was begun. Very rich surface gold was found by the party
on land not far from the place where the first prospect had been washed. It was
on the side of a hill above what is now known as Donkey Gully. The gold was
traced from there to Chapman's Hill. At this place gold was found at the foot of
a tree, laid bare by the dripping of water from the branches. Half an ounce was
picked up by dry fossicking, and on the following day Hampton washed several
ounces of gold from the roots of this tree. Before reporting the discovery the
men carted away two or three drayloads of dirt in bags, and stacked it on Hamp-
ton's land. Subsequently, on being washed, it yielded an ounce to the bag. By
this time the people in the neighborhood had begun to suspect that the Chapmans,
Hampton, and Hardiman were getting gold, but it was determined that the secret
should be kept until a claim had been made upon the Government for the £1,000
offered as a reward for the discovery of a payable goldfield. This offer was published
in the Government Gazette of December 18th, 1851. Mr. Chapman, sen., and Mr.
Hampton went to town for this purpose on August 23rd, 1852, taking with them
about 70zs. of rough gold. At the Treasury they made oath that the gold had been
found in the province of South Australia. On the day following a party of from
50 to 60 horsemen, headed by Mr. B. T. Finniss (Colonial Secretary), Mr. Chapman,
Mr. Hampton, and a number of police troopers visited the place. Mr. W. Chap-
man was told to wash out some dirt in the presence of Mr. Finniss, and in order to
render fraud more difficult of accomplishment he was made to take off his coat
and roll up his shirtsleeves. Mr. Chapman gathered up a dish of stuff from a part
of the surface not previously touched, and began to wash it. He was closely
hemmed in by an eager and excited crowd. Slowly the dirt was panned off, but no
sign of gold was to be seen. The crowd became angry and impatient; they swore
that the whole affair was a swindle, and expressed a strong desire to “ lynch” and
“ string up” the prospector. But he was confident of success and of protection
from the police. With a quick twirl of the dish the last of the dirt was shot out
and the gleam of gold could be seen at the bottom of the pan. Thereupon a scene
of great excitement ensued, and the shouting and noise was so great that horses
tied to trees hard by broke their bridles and galloped away. The desire to wash
for gold seized upon the people--saucepan lids, pannicans, kettles, cans, and even
hats were made use of, and a little gold was found by all. Mr. Chapman washed out
other dishes of dirt in the presence of Mr. Finniss, and from one of them nearly
a quarter of an ounce of gold was got. Mr. Finniss returned to town carrying with
him about half an ounce, and proclaimed the field to be a genuine discovery. The
conditions of the reward were that licences (at that time 30s. each) to the value
of £1,000 should be taken out during the first two months, and that £10,000 worth
of gold must also be found within the same period of time. In two months 684
licences were taken out, being equal to £1,026 sterling. The Messrs. Chapman,
Hardiman, and Hampton applied for the reward after an interval of three months,
but were not successful. There was no proof that £10,000 worth of gold had been
obtained, except the statements made by diggers and storekeepers; these repre-
sented that £18,000 worth had been got. The matter was brought before the Council,
and a sum of £500 was given to the prospectors, leaving the question of reward still
open. About 1871 two sums of £200 and £300 were paid for the discovery
of gold at Jupiter Creek. Mr. W. Barker, a storekeeper on that field, bought gold
to the extent of £3,000. It is impossible to state the amount of gold obtained on
the field since its opening,
216
MINING RECORDS,
...........
2,000
In a return dated July 31st 1871, by the then Warden of Goldfields (the late
W. J. Peterswald), ard published in the Government Gazette of August 10th,
1871, the following estimates of the value of the gold found to date are given :-
Old Diggings, Echunga ........
£300,000
Jupiter Creek
60,000
Barossa ...
180,000
Mount Pleasant ..........
Hamlin's Gully ...,
EAST ALMA.-Situated at Waukaringa, adjoining the Alma and Victoria Mine
on the E. There are two lodes, having a strike E. and W., and 2ft. 6in. wide. Two
shafts have been put down, respectively 190ft. and 109ft., following the dip of the
lode, and from the former there is a drive 148ft. long, and from the latter 20ft.
The lode formation contains quartz intermixed with ironstone, and the country
rock is sandstone. The company spent in the work of development to the year
1890 the sum of £3,151 2s. 8d. Samples taken by Messrs. Gee and Grundy from
these lodes in May, 1907, assayed from 3dwts. 12grs. to ldwt. 23grs.
ECLIPSE MINE.-Locality, section 80, Onkaparinga, near Forest Range. The
reef strikes N. and dips to the E., and the bedrock, consisting of greenish clayslate
and sandstone, strikes N. and S., and dips 45° E. Gold was found in 1875, and
carbonate of bismuth showing gold. This was said to have yielded at the rate of
14ozs. to the ton. A small company was formed, and the reef was worked for a
short time; but the results obtained were not good, and the company dissolved.
The section became the property of Mr. Love, when work was resumed for a
period. The country in the neighborhood is favorable for alluvial gold in the
gullies and surfacings.
ECLIPSE MINE EAST.—Situated on section 65, Onkaparinga. A shaft was sunk
(1883) in the hope of cutting the Eclipse reef at a depth of 100ft. No records.
FEDERAL.--Situated 23 miles N.W. of Woodside ; section 5186, hundred Onka-
paringa. For about 100yds. in length several small openings from 2ft. to 4ft. deep
and one shaft, sunk on the point of the hill to a depth of 27ft., have disclosed a lode
formation about 4ft. wide, consisting of friable sandstone carrying irregular veins
of siliceous ironstone, which in places run with the formation, and in others strike
diagonally across it. Portions of the friable material in proximity to the vein also
contain more or less fine gold. The formation strikes N. and S., has a W. underlie,
and dips rapidly to the S. Twenty-two tons of stone, treated at the Mount Torrens
Cyanide Works, gave an average yield of 10dwts., which is very encouraging, and
will justify a better system of development, by driving from the foot of the S. portion
of the hill along the course of the lode, by means of which a thorough exploration
above water-level would be made, and as the hill rises rapidly, 70ft. or 80ft. of backs
would be obtained in a comparatively short distance. Samples taken returned
as follows :-N. opening, 4ft. deep, 3dwts. per ton; second opening, 2ft. deep,
trace; coarse or selected stone from the shaft, loz. 4dwts. ; bulk fines from shaft,
ldwt.; pyrites from shaft, trace; opening 60ft. S. of shaft, 14dwts. per ton.
(I.M.R., 20-4-04.)
A further report in January, 1907, states that the work up to that date consisted
of three shafts, sunk to depths of 27ft., 40ft., and 35ft. respectively, and one tunnel
driven at the S. end of the hill. The shafts have disclosed lode formation, about
4ft. wide, composed of friable gritty sandstone containing irregular veins and
bunches of siliceous ironstone underlying W. and dipping rapidly in a S. direction,
all carrying more or less gold, some portions being of exceedingly good value. The
tunnel has been driven about 129ft., passing through several ferruginous veins and
lode matter fully 4ft. wide, all containing a little gold. From present appearances
it is difficult to determine whether this is the main formation or not, and to settle
this the tunnel should be extended another 30ft. or 40ft., which could be done at
small cost, as the material is of a soft and friable nature. With the exception of
one small opening, all the work has been done towards the S. portion of the hill, and
GOLD.
217
now it is recommended that at a shallow opening on the outcrop near the N. boundary
an inclined shaft should be sunk on the lode formation to a depth of 100ft., or as
much deeper as water will permit. The opening referred to has disclosed well-
defined ferruginous vein matter 4ft. wide, from which a sample taken at the previous
inspection gave 3dwts. per ton. This is not payable, but the vein at this point has
a very favorable appearance, and in depth the gold contents may probably improve.
(I.M.R., 3–1-07.)
The total ore treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works is 31 tons 6cwts., which
returned 150zs. 11dwts. 14grs. of gold, valued at £61 18s. 2d., the average yield
being worth 39s. per ton.
EDGARDO.---Locality, near Taltabooka (N.E.), and adjoining the Triumph.
The Inspector of Mines reported, in 1895, a shaft down to 90ft. The lode averaged
2ft. 6in. in width. Samples taken from a heap on the surface gave a return of ldwt.
of gold and 20zs. 2dwts. silver per ton.
· ESMONDE.-Situated 2 miles S.E. from Taltabooka. Two parallel E. and W.
lodes, dipping S., traverse the property. A shaft on the S. lode was reported by
the Inspector of Mines (1895) to be 125ft. deep, and at that point there are two
drives, E. and W. The lode from top to bottom averaged about 14in., and con-
fisted of ferruginous quartz intermingled with small quantities of carbonate and
sulphide of lead, enclosed in indurated and soft micaceous schists. Samples taken
assayed. loz. 12dwts. gold and loz. 3dwts. of silver per ton. The N. lode has an
average width of 10in., and is of a similar character; samples assayed loz. of gold
and 20zs. 6dwts. of silver per ton. A parcel of 6 tons sent to Freiburg returned
gold to the value of £43 9s. 5d., and a parcel of 5 tons 12cwts. treated at the Mount
Torrens Cyanide Works yielded 150zs. 2dwts. 8grs. of gold, valued at £59 16s. 11d.
At a later date small parcels were sent to the Petersburg Cyanide Works for treat-
ment, and 24 tons 18cwts. yielded 18ozs. 19dwts. 3grs. of gold, valued at £66 13s. 2d.;
the average extraction of the above parcels being worth 93s. per ton.
.:: FAUGH-A-BALLAGH.-Adjoins the Esmonde, and was first opened in 1893 by
Carroll and party. The Inspector of Mines reported in 1895 that the lode appeared
to be a continuation of the Esmonde N. lode; 18in. wide at the top, and increasing
to 2ft. 6in.; same constituents in lode and similar country rock. The stone is
richer as depth is reached. Samples taken from ore at grass assayed loz. 13dwts. of
gold and 3ozs. 12dwts. of silver per ton.
FERGUSON'S.-Locality, N.E. from Moolooloo Head Station. A trial of 15cwts.
of stone was stated to have yielded at the rate of 10dwts. per ton. (1899.)
FOREST RANGE DIGGINGS, hundred of Onkaparinga, near the Eclipse Mine. In
1854 gold was found in Stony Creek. Prospectors Biggs, Mason, and Norton got
200zs. gold from two loads of washdirt. The country rocks consist of greenish
micaceous clayslate and kaolinised slates; there are also large quartz reefs with
ferruginous cappings. The Inspector of Mines says of this property :- An enormous
quantity of prospecting has been done at shallow depths, and shafts sunk in clusters,
apparently without any definite object. One tunnel has been driven 234ft., and
its greatest depth is not more than 40ft. from the surface. The ground has been
proved only in one place to a depth of 145ft. If the reefs were proved to a depth
of 500ft. it is probable that satisfactory returns would be obtained. In one place
carbonate of bismuth was found, but the discovery was not pursued. For the
1890 edition Mr. Vinrace Lawrance, at request, supplied the following informa-
tion:-Our company is mining for gold and bismuth, and holds 238 acres of freehold.
No true fissure lode has yet been discovered, but innumerable veins, quartz deposits,
and dykes exist. The general strike is N. 4° to 6° W., with a dip 380 to 60° Ē., the
reefs varying from 12ft. width to mere streaks. Eight shafts have been sunk, of
depths ranging from 40ft. to 106ft., of which only three follow the dip of reefs.
The nine drives aggregate 1,382ft. The reefs consist of concretionary ironstone,
quartzite, and quartzose sandstone. The country rock is said to be lithologically
identical with that of the central and western goldfields of Victoria. The ore
218
MÍNING RECORDS,
consists of iron and arsenical pyrites, and so far no payable reef has been opened.
A crushing of 25 tons gave only 2dwts. to 3dwts. of gold to the ton. It is, however,
estimated that from £15,000 to £20,000 worth of alluvial gold was obtained here by
prospectors and diggers in former times. (1890.) It was reported in 1896 by Mr.
A. Baum that a nugget of gold weighing over 10ozs. had been found on section 65,
close to where rich gold was found several years previously, and where a nugget
weighing 48ozs. was met with.
Fox's PROPERTY (Marybank).-Section 829, hundred of Adelaide. The Inspector
of Mines reported in June, 1890, that there were strong indications of two lodes out-
cropping as ferruginous quartz, striking S.S.W. and N.N.E., and looking favorable
for gold; but assays did not give any return. Nothing had been done to test the
reefs. The Rev. Tenison Woods held the opinion that gold would be found in them.
GAWLER RIVER.—The upper branches of the river, known respectively as the
North and South Pára, are auriferous, gold having been found along their courses.
Very little prospecting has been done, owing to the greater part of the ground being
private property.
GLEN TAGGART.-This property is situated at Clarendon, and existed as a gold-
field a little over 12 months, after being opened under the Mining on Private Property
Act. It was reported that a quantity of gold was secured, but it was not regarded
as a rich field.
GOLDEN GATE.- Situated on the S.E. portion of section 810, hundred Moorooroo,
private property, about five miles from Angaston. In December, 1904, the Inspector
of Mines reports that this is a comparatively new discovery, located on a small
rise about 1 chain from section 454. The vein material is generally overlain with
alluvial in the portion worked. A vein of ferruginous matter about 2ft. wide
shows on the surface, and on this a shaft has been sunk 27ft., disclosing a body of
kaolinised material with small gritty ferruginous quartz seams running in various
directions with no particular strike or bearing, and having every appearance of
being a strong kaolinised dyke striking about N.W. and S.E. The workings so far
do not disclose any defined lode or walls, and doubtless the gold is contained princi-
pally in the gritty quartz seams, some prospects of which gave very good results.
A number of samples taken from various places returned on assay from a trace to
8ozs. 13dwts. per ton. At the bottom of the shaft a small crosscut has been driven
about 12ft., still showing the same decomposed matter, with no appearance of
walls. A similar crosscut should also be driven on the opposite side, as from surface
indications there is evidently vein material in that direction. A trial crushing of
61 tons treated at Mount Torrens Government Cyanide Works gave a little over
38ozs. of gold, or nearly 6ozs. per ton. From the dip of the veins it would be
advisable to sink a shaft some distance S.E. of the present workings, and at the
depth of 50ft. or 60ft. crosscut on each side to prove the width and value of the
formation, which at present has a very favorable appearance, but until further deve-
loped its actual value cannot be ascertained. (I.M.R., 1-12-04.)
Up to February, 1906, 135 tons 14cwts. forwarded to the Mount Torrens Cyanide
Works for treatment returned 269ozs. 19dwts. 5grs. of gold, valued at £1,130 Os. 4d.,
a yield per ton of loz. 19dwts. 18grs. ; the average value being worth 166s. per ton.
At the latter end of 1906 a 10-head battery was erected by the company at the mine,
and 440 tons treated returned 73ozs. 15dwts. of gold, being a yield per ton of 3dwts.
9grs. The company went into liquidation, the machinery being purchased by the
owner of the freehold. (1907.)
GOLDEN PILE.—Locality, section 5172, Onkaparinga. The Government Geo-
logist reported in 1898 that the workings on this property consisted of an inclined
shaft 58ft. deep, with drives at 25ft. and 54ft. The auriferous vein, which is a fe vi..
inches wide, fills a fissure conforming to the bedding of the blue clayslate which
forms the country rock. The vein contains, with argillaceous material, quartz
and ironstone, and carries fine gold, which also exists in the soft decomposed rock
which accompanies the lode. A parcel of 10 tons 16cwts. treated by cyanide
GOLD.
219
yielded 110zs. 16dwts. 14grs. of gold. Samples taken yielded various results up to
12dwts. per ton. The prospects justify exploration at greater depths.- Vide
“Golden Hill."
GOLDEN JUNCTION.- Situated about a mile N. of the Mount Grainger Mine.
In lease 631 an inclined shaft has been sunk to the depth of 80ft., exposing a ferru-
ginous formation, averaging 3ft. wide, with a W. underlie of 2 in 6. At the bottom
it appears more promising than at the surface, as it contains more ironstone, which
seems to be the principal gold-bearing matrix. The hanging-wall shows fairly
good; the footwall is broken and disturbed, and the question as to whether it is the
true footwall or not can only be determined by crosscuts. Throughout the pro-
perty there are small prospecting shafts and openings, for fully 100yds. in width
and about 12 chains in length, in almost every case exposing crushing material
containing more or less gold. For future exploration and working a main shaft
should be sunk far enough to the W. of the present underlie shaft not to intersect
the lode at a less depth than 200ft. ; then crosscuts should be opened out at the
100ft. and 200ft. levels. The other openings on the parallel veins should be further
prospected by underlie shafts, to test their persistence and value prior to sinking
vertically. Two samples from the shaft assayed 7dwts. and loz. ldwt. respectively.
(I.M.R., 19–2–00.)
In November, 1902, the inspector reports that the principal work of development
since the previous visit has been the sinking of a main shaft, and crosscuts at various
points, to connect with the original workings, from the old underlie shaft. From
the upper levels a good deal of work was done, and several parcels of good ore
raised by the original syndicate ; the mine was then taken over by an Adelaide
syndicate. The main shaft, which is 12ft. by 4ft. 6in., has been sunk to a depth
of 170ft., well timbered to about 150ft., centred, and good ladder road fixed; also
crosscuts driven and connected with the old workings. At the bottom two drives
were made on the course of the lode 30ft. and 35ft. respectively, each exposing
the same class of material, viz., slate with small ironstone veins, of too low value
in bulk to be payable. The Adelaide syndicate having discontinued operations,
the property was taken over by the present proprietors, who are sinking a winze
on the course of the lode, from 170ft., now down 20ft., disclosing lode matter about
5ft. wide, composed principally of clayslate, containing a small proportion of seams
and nodules of iron. Two samples from the coarse-sorted stone gave 3dwts. and
ldwt. per ton respectively, and two from the fines gave 9dwts. and 5dwts. per ton.
To further prospect this property, the winze should be continued, and by it the
lode can be explored to water-level at a small cost, and the quantity and quality
of the lode matter tested, with a view of ascertaining whether the further sinking
of the main shaft would be justified. The underlie of the lode has, apparently,
changed from its original course, the inclination being more under the upper work-
ings. (I.M.R., 26-11-02.)
One hundred and thirty-seven tons nine hundredweight treated at the Petersburg
Cyanide Works returned 60ozs. 7dwts. 8grs. of gold, valued at £231 5s. 2d., the
average yield being worth 33s. per ton.
GOLDEN HILL (also known as “ Duchess of Neidorf").-Situated about 1 a mile
from Lobethal. An underlie shaft has been sunk to the depth of 112ft., water-level,
on a ferruginous slate formation, the full width of the shaft, the hanging-wall being
fairly well defined, striking a little to the W. of N., and underlying 3 in 6 to the E.
the ore vein being in shoots and bunches of iron-stained siliceous material against
the hanging-wall, and having a N. dip. From these workings 12 tons of stone,
Tuturning loz. 2dwts. of gold per ton, have been taken; the quality of stone in each
drive is now of low value, but if they were continued, possibly other shoots of better-
class ore might be struck. There is a decided improvement in the stone for the
last 2ft. at the bottom of the shaft, the vein being 10in. wide, and associated with
iron of the most favorable character, but the gold contents are small. About
220
MINING RECORDS.
150yds, in a N. direction an open cut has disclosed a lode formation, but little work
has been done to test it. The shaft should be sunk 30ft. or 40ft. deeper, and future
operations guided by results. (I.M.R., 4-8-00.)
Cyanide Works returned 400zs. 7dwts. 16grs., valued at £149 12s. 8d., the yield
being worth 64s. per ton. A parcel of 11 tons included in the above figures was
a trial from the mullock dump, which returned Idwt. 20grs. per ton.
GOLDEN NOB.-Worked by a Port Victor syndicate. Situated near Black-
fellow's Creek, close to the Finniss River. At various times in the past a. con-
siderable quantity of alluvial gold has been obtained from workings in the lower
portion of the ground; above these the hill rises to a considerable height, and shows
a number of lode outcrops, striking N. and S., which have doubtless shed the alluvial
gold. To test these a tunnel is being driven E., which, at the time of the inspector's
visit, was in 209ft. The rock passed through is chiefly slate and sandstone, but in
the face a very favorable change is taking place, the rock being more decomposed,
and showing bunches of iron and kaolinised matter, indicating the near approach
to lode material. As a prospecting venture, the tunnel should be continued.
(I.M.R., 17-12–03.)
GOLDEN ROCK.—Situated 13 miles from Willunga, and about a mile N. of the
Little Gem, Blackfellow's Creek. The workings comprise several surface openings,
a shaft, and a tunnel. The latter, with the approach, has been driven on the course
of the vein formation for 130ft., and connected with the shaft at the depth of 35ft.
The lode formation is about 2ft. 6in. wide, and consists of ferruginous slate, with
small seams of quartz, from lin. to 3in. wide, the larger ones being near the centre
of the formation and the smaller on the footwall. The shaft has been sunk 75ft.,
the upper portion being securely timbered, and at 35ft, connected with the tunnel.
The vein matter in the shaft bottom is similar to that in the tunnel, with clean
unbroken walls and regular underlie. For a distance of about 300ft. N. of the
shaft several trial pits, from 2ft. to 20ft. deep, have been sunk, in each instance
disclosing the same formation, with rather larger veins of quartz, and will probably
be intersected by a drive N. from the shaft. To the E. of the main formation
there is a diagonal vein, from 15in. to 18in. wide, which will probably junction on
the surface, about 100ft. N. of the shaft; but taking the two underlies into con-
sideration, it should come much nearer as the shaft is being sunk. Nine samples
from various parts of the workings gave on assay very poor returns, the best only
showing a trace of gold. All the work has been well done. (I.M.R., 11-12-03.)
GOLDEN THORPE (CARN BREA).—Situated about 1 of a mile S. of the Federal,
24 miles N.W. from Woodside. Two shafts have been sunk to depths of 24ft, and
50ft. and connected by a drive. The lode formation is 5ft. wide, and is composed
of decomposed sandstone and gritty kaolinised material, with veins of ferruginous
quartz, the largest, on the footwall, being 4in. thick. The walls are fairly well
defined, and the vein matter is likely to be persistent in depth, and to test this the
shaft should be continued. (I.M.R., 20-4-04.)
Up to June 30th, 1907, 143 tons 18cwts. treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide
Works returned 680zs. 17dwts. 14grs. valued at £272 14s. 6d., the average yield
being worth 34s. per ton.
: GRUNDY GOLD MINE.—Situated on private property, at Second Valley, near
Cape Jervis. Reporting in December, 1901, the inspector states that prospecting
to a small extent has been carried on with encouraging results. A strong lode
formation, which appears about 12ft. wide, has been disclosed by a shaft 30ft.
deep; it strikes N.E., and has a rapid underlie to the S.E. A bulk sample of 11
tons 15cwts., tested at the Mount Torrens Government Cyanide Works, yielded -
8dwts. per ton, which is regarded as very satisfactory. About 300ft. from the shaft
a parallel formation exists, but, so far, little work has been done on it. The pros-
pects are encouraging, but the inspector recommends careful prospecting at depth
prior to erection of machinery. (I.M.R., 2-12-01.)
GOLD.
221
Further report, May, 1902. A company has been formed to work the property ;
the shaft has been deepened a little, and a drive made N., on the hanging-wall side.
A large body of gold-carrying ferruginous quartz was exposed; prospects tried
yielded at from the rate of ldwt. to loz. per ton. The free gold in the stone is of a
shotty character, and contains very little silver. Bismuth shows freely in places,
and high assays have been obtained for both bismuth and gold. Testing at deeper
levels is fully warranted. (I.M.R., 27–5–02.)
A third report, in October, 1902, shows that work of development has been
vigorously carried out. No. 1 shaft is sunk to a depth of 51ft., the lode at this
depth being about 10ft. wide, composed of highly ferruginous quartz, portions
passed through being payable. At 90ft. on the lode underlie, drives N. and S.,
15ft. and 26ft., and a rise of 14ft., disclose the same class of material. From the
hillside a tunnel has been driven 240ft., intersecting the lode at 260ft., on the under.
lie, where it proves fully 6ft. wide, and of the same favorable character. Drives
N. and S. are in progress on the course of the lode; the S. drive, at 18ft. from the
tunnel, contains a splendid ore body, fully. 6ft. wide, and showing gold freely in the
face. N. drive, 33ft., lode being of similar value and character for greater portion
of the distance; disturbed at the face by an intrusive bar of quartzite, which will
probably disappear as the drive continues. From the tunnel a winze was sunk
14ft, in good stone. Further W., and some considerable distance towards the
hilltop, a shaft has been sunk, about 20ft. deep, on No. 3 lode, which is of similar
character to No. 1, and carries a little gold. For future work a rise from the tunnel-
level should connect with No. 1 shaft, and in the N. portion of the mine a prospect-
ing shaft should be sunk, from 200ft. to 300ft. N. of the present workings. The
prospects of the mine seem good, and it is particularly well situated for working.
(I.M.R., 24-10-02.)
A 10-head battery was erected at the mine in 1903. Two parcels of stone were
treated, one of 128 tons gave 4£dwts. per ton, and the other of 450 tons, 24dwts.
per ton.
Operations were then discontinued and the company went into liquidation.
GRUNTHAL MINE is situated about a mile N. from the township of Grunthal.
There are two shafts, both nearly full of water. On the surface there are several
buildings, including an engine-house. The veinstone raised consisted of quartz,
calcspar, and gossan, with iron and copper pyrites. The country rocks are clay.
slates and argillaceous sandstones, dipping E. The locality is a likely one for gold.
No information received concerning the past working of this mine. (1887).
GOLDEN POINT.--Locality, 15 miles E. from Terowie (hundred of Wonna).
Veins, composed of quartz and gossan, with pyrites and iron oxide, occur between
layers of clayslate and jointed sandstone, proved in a shaft to a depth of 50ft.
It was stated that from Ample's claim 2 tons of stone yielded 5 oz. of gold under
treatment at Woodside. The rocks are similar to and are a continuation of the
Ulooloo rocks, and the country generally has an auriferous appearance. Mr.
Adamson, jun., forwarded these crushings :-At Teetulpa battery 2 tons gave
loz. per ton; Eureka battery, 2 tons gave 14dwts. per ton; and at Ballarat School
of Mines, 10 tons gave 10dwts. per ton. The Inspector of Mines reported on this
property in 1889. He saw veins of auriferous quartz and gossan from 3in. to 8in.
thick. The gold found was fine, and assays ranged from 5dwts. up to loz. Idwt.
per ton.
HARROLD'S CLAIM.—Locality, section 16, Arkaba. The report of the Govern-
ment Geologist in 1896 was to the effect that the workings were on a quartz reef
traversing clayslate and sandstone, consisting of veined quartz with gossan and
iron, and having a favorable appearance for gold, but not showing any. Assays
gave no return. More prospecting advisable.
HEATHER BELL.-N. of and adjoining the Mount Grainger Mine. The lode
outcrop, which is a continuation of the Mount Grainger lode, has been traced through
the property by a number of cross trenches and trial openings, which in every instance
222
MINING RECORDS,
show more or less gold. A vertical shaft was in progress, being at the time of the
inspector's visit 112ft. from the surface, and will probably intersect the lode at 150ft.
(I.M.R., 12-2-00.)
HORSESHOE.—Situated 3 miles W. from Lovely Gully, in the Waukaringa dis-
trict. The Inspector of Mines reported that there are five distinct lodes going
through the property. A shaft had been sunk 40ft. on a strong well-defined iode,
composed of quartz, gossan, and ironstone ; strike N. 35° E., with a dip E. 35° S.
4ft. wide at the bottom of the shaft, and enclosed by walls of indurated claystone.
The assay of samples gave nil returns. No. 4 shaft, 60ft. deep; strike of lode
E. 30° N., and dip S.E. A drive at the bottom of the shaft exhibits a strong lode
carrying copper, as do most of the other lodes in small quantities, but no trace of
gold. Surface prospecting recommended.
HYLAND'S GREAT GUN.—Situated on section 418, Monarto, and was examined
by the Government Geologist in 1897. Principal workings, two shafts 30ft. apart,
between 50ft. and 60ft. deep, on a large reef outcrop consisting of quartz, ironstone,
and argillaceous material, striking E. and W. through kaolinised slate and meta-
morphic sandstone and slates. Width of lode, 3ft. to 6ft. near the surface, but
not proved at the bottom of the shaft. Other veins of quartz and ironstone exist
in the vicinity, and the veinstone has a favorable appearance for gold. The reef
extends only 30ft. or 40ft. along its course ; operations had not got beyond the
prospecting stage. A little fine gold is visible in some of the quartz and ironstone
veins. Samples tested showed the existence of gold, but not in payable quantities,
there being only a few pennyweights to the ton.
INGLEWOOD.-Gold was found at Inglewood, 15} miles N.E. from Adelaide.
The only information obtainable is that during June, 1870, the English, Scottish,
and Australian Chartered Bank bought 70zs. 15dwts. of gold obtained here.
JOHNSON'S GULLY.—Ten miles N. of Waukaringa. Found in 1894. An ounce
of coarse gold was obtained from six buckets of washdirt, and nuggets from a few
grains to 3dwts. were secured. Twenty diggers were at work. In March, 1895,
the Inspector of Mines found 44 men there, one of whom stated he was getting
loz. per diem, whilst others were barely making a living. The gully was soon
worked out.
IRONCLAD.--Situated i a mile N.E. of Mount Grainger, on a large range, rising
to a considerable elevation above the plain. The workings are confined to two
shafts and several small openings, sunk on various promising formations. No. 1
opening is about in the centre of the property, and discloses a lode formation of
ferruginous quartz, from 2ft. to 3ft. wide. A little to the N. of this a shaft was being
sunk, the depth then being 15ft., in soft veinstone, 3ft. wide, which will probably
become harder as sinking is continued. About 5 chains further N. there is a strong
iron-stained formation, striking E. and W., and on the N. side a vertical shaft is
in progress, present depth 50ft. It was intended to continue this to the 100ft.
level, and then crosscut through the formation, to ascertain its width and value.
On the N. side of the formation, and 3 chains in a W. direction, a surface opening
exposes quartz croppings for fully 7ft. in width. A crosscut from the main shaft
should also prove the value of this. The general prospects are favorable, and
further explorations are warranted. In a further report, dated August 28th,
1900, the inspector states that No. 2, or the south, shaft is down 90ft., and from
the bottom, it was stated, 60ft. of crosscutting has been done, showing two forma-
tions, 9ft. and 6ft. thick respectively, which, as shown by the ore dumps and
material at the surface, consist of clayslate and ferruginous matter, assaying
from 2dwts. to 5dwts. per ton; much higher assays have at times been obtairied,
but the results have been very irregular. No. 1 shaft, further N., towards the
hilltop, is 100ft. from the surface, and a crosscut made 90ft. ; at 12ft. from the
shaft a formation is passed through, 9ft. from wall to wall, and containing two
veins of siliceous ironstone, each about 2ft. wide ; at this point occasional samples
worth from 5dwts. to 6dwts. per ton have been obtained, and the remainder of
GOLD,
223
the crosscut is in country rock, with occasional seams and bunches of ironstone,
carrying, in some instances, fine colors of gold. It is proposed to extend this cross-
cut some short distance further, with the object of intersecting a formation showing
on the surface, in which gold was obtained in a shallow trench. The most promising
formation at present exposed is situated about 160ft. west of the main shaft; it
is about 3ft. wide, strikes E. of N., consists of ferruginous quartz, containing
pyrites, and has assayed for gold up to 3dwts. per ton. This formation could
be tested in two ways; one by sinking on the present opening, as an underlie
shaft, for a further depth of 50ft., and then drive along the course; the other,
to drive in a N. direction from the same opening, in the lode continuation,
which, at a distance of 150ft., would probably give about 60ft. of backs. For
preliminary prospecting the latter would be the less expensive plan, and would
probably answer the purpose, as should shoots of better gold-bearing stone exist
at the deeper levels, doubtless they will be encountered in the tunnel, after which
deeper explorations could be made. (I.M.R., 28–8–00.)
In an additional report, dated February 22nd, 1901, Inspector Matthews says
that the present working shaft has been sunk to a depth of 86ft. The lode for-
mation is about 3ft. wide; it underlies to the N. very rapidly, and consists of a
network of small scams of ironstone, all carrying more or less gold. The tunnel,
which has been started apparently on a separate formation, has been extended
about 45ft. ; two small crosscuts have been made in opposite directions, each dis-
closing a considerable body of lode material, consisting chiefly of slate and siliceous
ironstone veins, from a few inches to 3ft. wide, of a very promising character, and
containing fine gold. This should be further prospected to ascertain its true course
and value. (F.M.R., 22–2–01.)
Eight tons treated at the Petersburg Cyanide Works returned 1lozs. 6dwts. 14grs.
of gold, valued at £42 8s. 4d., the average yield being worth 106s. per ton.
JUANITA.-Situated about a mile N.N.W. from Taltabooka Well. A shaft 17ft.
deep was examined by the Inspector of Mines in 1892, in which was an ironstone
vein 5in. wide, from which he took samples. Assays returned no trace of gold or
silver, and his opinion was that the venture was valueless.
King's BLUFF.-Situated 3 miles W.N.W. from Olary Railway Station. A
discovery of gold was made at this place on the 4th March, 1887, a prospector
getting 8grs. of gold to the dish of dirt by washing, at the foot of King's Bluff, in
a dry crcek running into a gully a I of a mile wide and about 2 miles in length. A
rush of from 300 to 500 men took place, but, though the prospectors are said to have
obtained an ounce of gold for their first week's work, the results as a whole were not
encouraging. In common with the Teetulpa field, the want of water was much
felt, and the place could not be properly tested. In the mine a considerable amount
of work was done in sinking and driving. The lode strikes N.E., and consists of
irregular masses of quartz, with leaders, cutting through a thick bed of quartzite.
The veinstone is white quartz, sometimes flinty, with cavities partly filled with clay
and quartz crystals. A micaceous clay, probably a decomposed dyke, is associated
with the reef, and also contains gold. The reef apparently occupies fissures caused
by the upheaval of the strata in the form of an anticlinal arch. One shaft was sunk
into the slate which underlies the quartzite, and is in blue calcareous slate with
iron pyrites. S., on the same line, a shaft was sunk on a formation of quartz veins
between smooth walls ; these veins also contain gold. Other small veins were found
to be auriferous here and near the alluvial gully discovered by Messrs. Mellor
Brothers. By continuing the present shaft it would be found whether there were
other auriferous veins at the junction of the hard and soft strata. In the neighbor-
hood there are also small ironstone and quartz veins, striking E. and W. through
slate. S. of this mine there are ironstone and quartz veins traversing slate country.
One of these worked to a depth of about 15ft., and the quartz obtained was said to
have yielded 3ļozs, of gold per ton. It is probable that when the rich formations
224
MINING RECORDS.
atisfactox rtzite rice composed me as taination, si:
have been sunk through other reefs will be found beneath near the junction of the
different beds. About 1889 the King's Bluff Mine ceased working, and the company
went into liquidation.
In May, 1901, a new find was made in this locality, and the Inspector of Mines,
reporting thereon, states that the Bluff stands fully 150ft. above the plain level,
and is principally composed of slate and quartzite; there is a strong outcrop of
the latter on the hilltop, and for about 2 miles in length, standing several feet
above the surface in places, and throughout the formation, and for a considerable
width, there are numerous quartz veins and leaders, of varying strikes. Towards
the N.W. side many of these veins were worked some years ago by a number of
cross-trenches and shafts, the deepest being 150ft. ; results, however, were un-
satisfactory, and work was abandoned. The new find is on the opposite side
of the quartzite ridge, and has been exposed by an opening 8ft. deep, disclosing
near the surface decomposed dyke matter, containing coarse specks of gold, which,
as sinking progressed, became a fairly compact body of white quartz, apparently
striking diagonally across the formation, 3ft. wide, and narrowing towards the
bottom. This stone showed gold freely, and it was stated that a parcel of 5 tons,
treated at the Wallaroo Smelting Works, averaged 3ozs. 8dwts. of gold per ton.
About 80yds. to the E a second opening, about 4ft. deep, exposed somewhat
similar material, but no defined vein or lode so far; a prospect washed from this
place gave over loz. per ton. In the block adjoining the prospector's, three open
trenches have been made across the supposed line of reef, but so far nothing of
importance discovered; the country is pegged east and west of the prospector's
for fully 5 miles. Regarding alluvial, probably in places on the cap of the quartz
formation a little may be found, but as the bedrock is quickly reached, and the
gold is undoubtedly reef gold, no alluvial finds of importance may be anticipated.
In July, 1902, the inspector reports further on the property, which was worked
by the Outalpa Proprietary Gold Mining Syndicate. The formation and occurrence
of the ore bodies are most peculiar, being a strong quartzite outcrop, resting on
a band of talcose schist, striking about E. and W., with a S. underlie of about
45°. For a considerable distance on the line there are cross fissures, erratic in
course, but with a general trend to the S. These appear to be the chief factors
in the production of the ore bodies, which principally occur in isolated pockets
and bunches, commencing from the talcose schist, and extending upwards
from 5ft. to 15ft. in height, and gradually narrowing towards the top, until little
can be seen beyond a small seam or joint in the rock, which, although small, is
apparently continuous, and, if followed towards the surface, ore bodies may be
exposed in the upper ground similar to those worked in the lower The main shaft
has been sunk to the depth of 443ft., on an average incline of 45°, the footwall
being the band of schist. At various points from the surface down, pockets of
ore have been disclosed, containing from a few hundredweights to several tons,
all carrying more or less gold, some portions being rich, and composed of talcoke
schist and decomposed quartzite. At the shaft bottom, which is a little below
water-level, this class of material has given place to slate, crystalline quartz, and
pyrites, the latter being decomposed, and occurring in the joints and cleavages
of the rock, with open cavities extending several feet beyond the face. Five samples
taken from the various classes of material in the shaft bottom failed to disclose
the presence of any metal. No. 2 shaft is about 250ft. E. of No. 1, and has been
sunk to the depth of 170ft., on a similar underlie. The ore bodies are of similar
character, but of much lower grade; they occur in considerable quantity down to
100ft, and below this the vein matter is small and poor. The main shaft, 343ft.,
S. of the tunnel is now down 34ft. through hard dense quartzite. At
present it appears useless, but if future developments disclose payable ore in the
upper ground it would then facilitate mining operations, and be useful for venti-
lation. No. 3 shaft is about j a mile S.W. of the tunnel, and is 56ft. deep; for
the first 20ft. it passes through quartz and gritty sandstone, which then gave place
GOLD.
.
225
to hard quartzite. A crosscut was driven 39ft. from the bottom, with the object
of intersecting the quartz material obtained above, but was not successful. There
is no indication of any defined lode, but it has more the appearance of an accumu-
lacion of quartz rubble, consolidated by time, formed horizontally on the quartzite.
A sample from the ore dump, raised from the 20ft. level, yielded 7dwts. of gold
per ton. In several other parts of the property there are a number of trial pits,
cross-trenches, and small shafts, opened out on various formations, in which gold
has been obtained, but, so far, not payable. One hundred and eight tons of stone
has been treated at the Government works, Petersburg, for a yield of 33lozs. 9dwts.
of gold, valued at £1,080. This is an exceedingly good average, and fully warrants
putting rises from No. 1 shaft, at the most favorable points, as previously sug-
gested. It would also be advisable to crosscut short distances from No. 3 shaft,
to ascertain the extent and value of the material above the quartzite. The further
sinking of No. I shaft is a prospecting venture; the absence of gold in the samples
tried is not encouraging, but, from appearances, if continued another 70ft. or
80ft., more favorable country will be met with. (I.M.R., 22–7-02.)
Later returns show that the total quantity treated at the Petersburg Cyanide
Works was 138 tons, which returned 346ozs. Odwts. 20grs. of gold, valued at £1,102
6s. 9d., the average yield being worth 159s. per ton.
Work was abandoned by the Outalpa Company. A new find was made by
prospectors in April, 1906, and a Departmental report states that it is situated
about 1 mile S.E. from King's Bluff trig., on the N. side of the large outcrop of
quartzite, the highest point of which is the hill known as King's Bluff. It is about
8 chains to the E. of the main shaft, sunk by a previous company to the depth
of 443ft. on the underlie. There are numerous other workings in the vicinity,
and they extend to the E. of the present find. The quartzite spur, which runs
about E. and W., is intersected at intervals by small quartz veins which, as a rule,
strike N.E. and S.W. The quartz in these veins is glassy and barren at the surface,
but they appear to be indicators leading to pockets or beds of quartz crystals and
kaolin, carrying gold. Under one of these veins, about 2in. thick, strike 220°, dip
vertical, an opening has been made in the side of the hill for a length of about 20ft.,
the end being about 30ft. below the surface of the hill. Gold was obtained all
- along this, and at the end about two-thirds of the face consist of quartz crystals
and kaolin, showing gold freely. Rich specimens of gold in quartz are seen, and
free filament gold is found throughout the mass. The drive is in quartzite rock,
and slate outcrops in the valley below. There was no appearance of a defined
lode or reef, and this seems to be an irregularly shaped body of auriferous material,
associated with the quartz vein above mentioned, and similar in character to those
previously worked in this neighborhood. A five-stamp battery was in course of
crection. (D.R. (Gee), 21-4-06). Returns up to June 30th, 1907, show that 127
tons of stone had been treated on the mine for 2500zs. of gold, valued at £750, the
KIRKEEK'S TREASURE.Situated on the Nillinghoo goldfield, 3 miles N.W. from
Mount Victor trig. The Government Geologist reported upon this property at
length in March, 1897. The main shaft was 210ft. deep. A lode of considerable
width exists, which was thought to have been cut off by a slide or fault; but there
is no proof of this, and the probability is that the lode will continue to greater depths.
Where stoped out the lode was proved to be 10ft. to 15ft. wide in places, and it is
fed by leaders and flat veins coming in from the walls. Another shaft has proved
the lode to be of a good size E., and a cutting 272ft. E. of the main shaft has ex-
hibited a wide lode formation of quartz and other lodestone. The strike of the line
of reef is E. 10° N., dip about 80° in the vicinity of the main shaft. The lode forma-
tion has been traced along the line of reef 300ft., and has been proved in the main
shaft to exist at a depth of 100ft. There is every reason to expect that it will
continue at greater depth, and that large bodies of ore will continue to be met with.
The Government Geologist was of opinion that this lode was well worthy of being
226
MINING RECORDS.
systematically and properly mined, and that the ore should be treated by the most.
approved methods. In 1895, 67 tons 17cwts. treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide
Works yielded on an average loz. 11dwts. 21grs. per ton.
In July, 1901, the mine was examined by the Inspector of Mines, who states
in his report that about four years previously a large amount of work was done,
and a five-head battery erected. The average value of the stone raised was good,
and the lode formation large, but owing to the company not having made necessary
provision for the conservation of water, only a limited quantity of lode matte:
could be treated, and that at a considerable expense; consequently, the battery
was removed, and work discontinued until the beginning of 1900, when the ground
was obtained by Mr. W. H. Carter, and work on a limited scale resumed, the ore
being carted to Yunta, and treated at Petersburg, costing for carriage £2 4s. per
ton. Operations were then in progress W. of and adjoining the previous work-
ings, and consisted of some small shafts and an open cutting along the lode about
100ft. long, with an average depth of 25ft. The lode is, in places, 9ft. wide, and
is composed of strong veins of quartz associated with iron, from 2in. to 18in. thick,
with bars of slate and sandstone between, striking about E. and W., with a slight
underlie to the S.; at both ends of the workings it continues strong and well
defined. To the W. three prospecting shafts have been sunk, and about 1,000ft.
S. a shaft has been sunk 200ft, in quest of water, not yet obtained ; there is a good
site for a tank, and a good catchment area in the vicinity. Eight samples from the
workings gave the satisfactory average of loz. 15dwts. of gold per ton. (I.M.R.,
16-7-01.)
: Mr. Carter had 212 tons treated at the Petersburg Cyanide Works for a yield of
4490zs. of gold. Other parcels were also treated at Petersburg, the total quantity
treated at the Government works being 485 tons, which yielded 7800zs. Ildwts. 9grs.
of gold valued at £2,845 15s., the average extraction being worth 117s. per ton.
"Another company was formed and a 10-head battery-being portion of the Alma
Extended plant-erected. Returns to June 30th, 1907, show that 115 tons were
crushed for 5dwts. per ton, and 130 tons for 10dwts. 19grs. per ton battery extraction.
Inadequate water supply is still the difficulty (1907).
KITTICOOLA.— Vide page 70.
KOH-I-NOOR.—Locality, about 15 miles S.W. from Kingscote, on Goyder's Range,
Kangaroo Island. In 1886 the Government Geologist reported the existence of
thin veins of quartz, some of which carried gold. The original prospector, E. Prime,
drove a tunnel and sank a shaft, and, with Government assistance, put down another
shaft from the top of the hill, but without special results.
In October, 1894, prospecting here was resumed, and in Mach, 1895, a parcel
of over 10 tons of ore treated at Mount Torrens Cyanide Works gave an average
yield of Idwt. 16grs. per ton.
In April, 1905, Inspector Matthews reported that no work had been done here
for a considerable period until about five months before the time of inspection,
when the present holders started operations. The principal work has been confined
to two shafts and surface openings. No. 1 shaft is sunk on the vein underlie to
the depth of 130ft., being about 80ft. vertical. The country rock is chiefly slate
and coarse gritty sandstone, the vein material in the upper portion being contracted
in many places to a streak of siliceous lode matter from lin. to 3in. thick. Towards
the bottom the enclosing rock appears more settled, and the vein has improved
considerably in width, but owing to the frequent breaks caused by faults running
in a diagonal direction it is almost impossible to continue operations from the shaft
bottom. At the distance of 180ft. N.W. of No. 1 a vertical shaft has been sunk to
the depth of 186ft., and with the object of intersecting the vein formation a crosscut
has been driven 90ft. It is anticipated the vein will be pierced within another 40ft. ;
this will be about 100ft. below the No. 1 shaft, and should go far towards proving
the vein continuation, also its size and value in the more settled country. Seventy
feet E. of the deep shaft an open cụtting, 10ft. deep, has disclosed vein matter 2in.
GOLD,
227
................
..............
.
thick, samples of which gave fair returns. This has probably been passed through
in sinking the shaft about 50ft. from the surface. A trial crushing of 4 tons of
stone recently treated at the Mount Torrens Government Cyanide Works gave an
average of over loz. per ton. Five samples taken gave the following results :-
ozs. dwts.
No. 1.–From No. 1 shaft bottom ................. 5 12 per ton
No. 2.-
.... 0 19 "
No. 3.-
16 Go
...... 4 7 -
No. 4.--
.. trace "
No. 6.-From open cut .... ...................... 2 17 66
This clearly shows that if the vein is small the gold contents are encouraging, and
fully justify the expenditure for development at the lower levels, where the country
rock will be of a more settled nature and the vein material probably more uniform
in character. Should the vein matter prove payable when intersected in the cross-
cut it will be advisable to sink a main shaft S.W. of the present workings to facilitate
operations at a still deeper level. (I.M.R., 25-4-05.)
A Departmental report in November, 1906, states that a considerable amount of
exploration work has been done by the present holders. Prime's tunnel has been
extended to 200ft., and at the end a winze sunk for 50ft., also from the end a crosscut
has been driven 130ft. N.E., about 125ft. below the surface. From the bottom of
the original deep shaft, which has been deepened to nearly 200ft., a crosscut has been
put in 150ft. S. E. From the old underlie shaft on the rise 45ft. deep drives have
been made 30ft. N. and 60ft. S. Gold-carrying stone was found here and sunk on
for 20ft. at a dip of 57° W. A new shaft 160ft. S.E. of the original shaft has been
sunk for 72ft., and struck the gold-carrying vein or reef about 10in. thick, and
connected up along it with the workings in the underlie shaft. This vein shows
gold freely, and a sample from it assayed 3ozs. 11dwts. per ton, which is very en-
couraging, and should fully warrant the efforts being made to discover larger gold-
bearing bodies 0. stone at this place. (D.R. (Gee), 27-11-06.)
In a report on Kangaroo Island of July, 1907, the Government Geologist, re-
ferring to the Koh-i-noor, says that this mine is situated on a spur of the tableland
country; shafts and a tunnel have been sunk on quartz veins traversing argillaceous
sandstone, clayslate, &c. The rocks containing are upheaved, and have an anti-
clinal form, and the quartz veins are broken and irregular in size at 70ft., where
quartz leaders in a lode formation show gold. An assay of the quartz returned
gold at the rate of 18dwts. per ton. The influx of water below 70ft, has hampered
prospecting, but the indications are favorable enough to warrant deeper sinking.
(Government Geologist, 3–7–07.)
des per ton. Shaite gold per ton monthly into leaders s
KUITPO, HUNDRED OF.
Bertram's Reef (Echunga) was taken up in 1872. The gold was first found in an
almost flat bed of quartz, 13ft. wide and 3ft. thick, splitting up into leaders S.
Twelve tons of this stone yielded 3}dwts. of gold per ton; and 20 tons, from a
depth of 32ft., gave 6dwts. per ton. Shafts and cuttings were put in on a large
quartz reef in yellow sandstone, grit, and quartzite, with kaolinised clayslate in
bands. The deepest shaft was 80ft.
Big Ben.-Situated on section 393. This mine produced a quantity of very rich
stone, and was worked for some time, but after a while the reef was lost and the
mine was stopped. It is stated that subsequently the reef was recovered, and
splendid specimens of stone taken from it. It was said to be Ilft. wide, and that
a trial crushing of 5 tons gave a return of 15dwts. to the ton. In August, 1896,
the Goldfields Warden reported that it was being worked by four miners, and that
an adit was being driven into the hill to cut westerly shoots of gold. Some good
stone had been taken out, but operations were discontinued soon afterwards.
228
MINING RECORDS.
Blackwood Gully is an alluvial diggings situated on section 626, and was discovered
by a Government prospecting party in 1886. The gully has been worked for a
distance of a quarter of a mile, and the sinking is shallow. At the upper part of
the workings there are apparently several runs of gold, and at this point a wide area
has been worked across the flat. Nuggets of moderate size have been secured, and
some very rich specimens have been got in Couch's claim. They were found at a
depth of from 10ft. to 20ft., in a vein composed of quartz, gossan, and kaolin. In
April, 1887, 41 tons of stone were crushed by the New Era battery at Woodside,
and yielded 4ozs. 11dwts. of gold. The bedrocks are kaolinised clay, and sandy
slates, sandstone, and quartzite, traversed by quartz reefs and veins. It is probable
that the alluvial gold has been derived from veins similar to those in Couch's claim,
traversing the bedrock. This gully has been worked intermittently for several
years. It is likely that a good deal of gold has been taken from it, but, in the absence
of any records, it is impossible to form any idea of the amount. It was reported
(5-10–95) that a llb. nugget was unearthed at these diggings by W. Randell, and
subsequently that other finds were made in old ground.
Biggs' Flat.-A patch of rich ground was found here in 1877 by a Government
prospecting party. The depth of sinking varied from 7ft. or 8ft. near the river to
36ft. at some distance from it. A good quantity of gold was got, of which the coarsest
pieces weighed about 2ozs. Native copper was found with the gold. Other places
on this flat were prospected, but, as far as is known, no payable results were obtained.
The sinking varied from 25ft. to 30ft. in depth, and was very wet. It is probable
that other leads of gold may be found on the flat.
Blackfellows' Creek Diggings were discovered about the 1st March, 1887. They
are situated on section No. 292, and about 1 mile above the junction of Black-
fellows' Creek and the River Finniss, on an alluvial flat on the creek. The sinking
varies from 8ft. to 10ft. in depth, and is wet. The gold found was fine. There are
wide alluvial flats, and a large extent of Crown lands available for prospecting
purposes.
An English company took up several leases here in order to conduct sluicing
operations on a large scale. A dam was made and some 2 miles of fluming erected,
but, owing to financial difficulties, operations ceased in 1897.
Bremer's.-Situated near Hahndorf. A shaft had (1891) been sunk 30ft., and a
crosscut driven 10ft. in argillaceous slates and sandstone. At 200ft. W. a pit had
been sunk 8ft, on a small vein of quartz. The Inspector of Mines thought the show
not worth further expenditure.
Chapel Hill and Windlass Hill contained basin-shaped hollows, filled with boulder
and pebble wash, rich in gold. From the vicinity of these basins several small
leads of gold started. Yorkey's lead was followed down into Wattle Flat, where it
became too poor to pay for working. Sandy's lead started at the surface, and
yielded from one claim, 8ft. square, 250zs. of gold and a nugget of 6ozs. in weight.
A number of shafts were sunk, varying in depth from 10ft. to 120ft, on various
leaders, one of which carries a little gold.
On the W. side of Chapel Hill gold was got at the surface ; going W. the lead was
found to pass over falls or precipices of 20ft., 15ft., and 10ft. in height, with flat
spaces between. Where the bottom dipped towards these precipices there was the
richest ground. They did not run straight; they were much cut under in places,
and ran quite out at Bell's point. The gold was patchy, with narrow connecting
gutters. In some places these were very rich, prospects having been obtained
of 12ozs. to the tub, and 50zs. or.6ozs, to the dish.
Chapman's Gully was the one first opened on the field, and proved to be the
richest. At one place some rich specimens of gold in ironstone were found. An
ironstone leader crosses the gully. The depth of sinking at the upper part of the
gully was from 6ft. to 7ft., and 12ft. at the lower part. The gully has been worked,
and was very rich up to the private property (section 3893), which, later, was
worked under the Mining on Private Property Act; the area was small and the
returns only fair.
GOLD.
229
Chapman's Gully Mine was started in 1881. The main shaft was put down
130ft., but no gold was mot with. On a white quartz leader a W. underlic shaft
was put down 40ft. It was driven on for a distance of 25ft., and a prospect of 2grs.
to a dish was obtained. A second shaft, 44ft. dcep, cut a gossany leader, dipping
W., carrying gold. A third was put down on a white quartz Icader carrying gold,
and several other shafts were sunk to shallow depths. In 1899 it was in the hands
of a company, who drove a tunnel over 100ft., some stone from which gave loz.
1dwt. per ton.
Christmas Rush.—Here the sinking was soft, and varied from 30ft. to 40ft. in
depth. The bottom was uneven, and payable gold was obtained.
Comet Minr.–An engino shaft was sunk 130ft., and an underlie shaft was put
down on a reef of from 2ft. to 5ft. thick. Ten ounces of gold wore got from the
crushing of a few tons of quartz. S. 3ozs. resulted from four dishfuls of dirt. A
crushing of 10 tons gave 8dwts. per ton. Some prospecting was done in this mine
during 1885-6, but no payable results were obtained, and the machinery was
removed.
The Inspector of Mines visited this old mine in February, 1900. He reports
that it is situated on elevated ground above the old alluvial workings. No work
has been done for many years. The underground portions of the mine could not
be examined, and very little reliable information could be obtained as to the size
of the lode or its value; but, from an examination of the surface, there can be no
doubt as to its auriferous character. Small ironstone detached lode croppings are
scattered over the surface, the alluvial being too deep to allow the lode outcrop
to appear. Apparently the mine developments must have been extensive, extend-
ing for fully 200yds. in length, consisting of several shafts, ranging from EOft. to
115ft, in depth ; the latter, which was the main shaft, was sunk vertical for the
first 40ft., the remainder being on the lode underlie E. 2 in 6, the strike being N.E.
So far as could be judged from surface appearances, the formation is from 2ft. to
4ft. wide, and is composed of ferruginous quartz and clay material of a favorable
character. The country rock is soft friable clayslate and sandstone, easy and in-
expensive to work. No further information is available beyond that already given.
(I.M.R., 13–2-00.)
- Crystal, formerly Plane & Riddle's, later called the New Crystal.-Locality,
Jupiter, E. of section 330. The workings consist of an underlie shaft 110ft. deep,
a vertical shaft of 20ft., and a drive of about 20ft. in length put in an E. direction
from the underlie shaft at a depth of 70ft. The bedrocks consist of mottled kaolinised
clayslates and sandy shales dipping E. The reef from which the gold is pro-
cured is composed of an irregular dyke-like mass of soft decomposed claystone,
intermixed with quartz, and a ferruginous gossany lode formation, with veins of
kaolin. Work done very limited (1884). An excavation of irregular shape had
been made where the stuff had been stoped out, judging by which about 20 tons
to 25 tons had been removed and washed. This is said to have yielded 428ozs, of
gold, some of which was in small nuggets. The underlie shaft has reached the water
level at 110ft., and in it there is another reef, lying more or less parallel to the one
worked. Adjoining and near to this claim there are several others which have
been worked and have yielded small quantities of gold. (1887.) Afterwards held
in connection with the Phænix, adjoining.
Phoenix.- Part of section 356, Jupiter Creek, and known as Wolters' claim.
The sole work done by the proprietary of this claim was to sink a closely-timbered
main shaft 11ft. by 4ft. 6in. down to 200ft., and driving 200ft. The intention
was to go down with the shaft to a depth of 300ft. or 400ft. ; but being unable
to raise the necessary capital the company, seven months after incorporation,
went into liquidation. (1887.) In November, 1890, the Inspector of Mines
reported that the workings were on the same dyke as that operated upon by the
Crystal Gold Mining Company. The country rocks are soft argillaceous slates
and sandstone, enclosing a formation in which are small veins of gossan and
'230
MİNİNG RECORDS.
ferruginous quartz, and bands of kaolinised clay. A vertical shaft 215ft. deep has
been sunk E. of the dyke, and on the W. a small vertical and underlie shaft 65ft.
deep, and from the bottom of this a drive N. had penetrated 42ft. None of these
workings yielded payable results, but a considerable quantity of gold had been
obtained in former years. Held in connection with the Crystal by another com-
pany in 1895.
This company was wound up, and subsequently the Crystal portion of the property
was worked by a party of miners who were unsuccessful. (1897.)
Diamond Gully. -A small quantity of gold was got in shallow ground, but it was
not sufficiently rich to be payable.
Echunga Mine, originally known as the Quartz Blow.-Locality, Chapman's
Gully. Gold was found in leaders by the alluvial miners in 1855, the surface leaders
being very rich. The National Company purchased the claim, erected machinery,
and sank a shaft 125ft. for water. Of this they got a good supply. In following
the leaders down 30ft., a 5gall. bucketful of specimens is said to have contained
£300 worth of gold. This company also prospected a large reef, but without any
good results. On the ground again becoming open to miners small patches of gold
were got from time to time, and on the discovery of a patch rather richer than usual
in 1881, by R. and T. Hall, the claim was sold and formed into a company,
called the Echunga Gold Mining Company. A large amount of work was done by
the company, and in 1882 a 10-head battery was erected.
No. 1 whip-shaft was sunk to the water level, 90ft., and No. 2 shaft 70ft., with
a drive, in which was cut a leader carrying gold. No. 3 shaft was sunk 50ft. in
· search of a leader in which gold had been found some years previously. The leaders
dipped to the W. until they came to what is known as the “ black leader.” From
this some good specimens were taken. Its thickness varied from 6in. to 16in. At
a depth of 60ft. a large number of leaders were met with, averaging about lin. thick.
A crushing taken from a face of 7ft., in which were four leaders, went 2 dwts. to
the ton; and a crushing of about 40 tons from the leaders yielded about 500zs. of
gold. A shaft was sunk to a depth of 250ft., and at 230ft. a drive was put in N.W.
for 180ft., but nothing was found. A second drive was put in to the E. 220ft.,
and a bunch of mundic and copper ore was met with. Operations were discontinued,
and the company wound up.
Echunga Gozernment Prospecting Party.—Early in 1886 the Government decided
to test the deep leads on Crown lands in the neighborhood of Echunga. The
first locality selected was on sections Nos. 158 and 159, hundred of Kuitpo. Shafts
were sunk, and the existence of a deep lead was proved. The washdirt consisted of
waterworn quartz and other gravel, and was similar to that found to be auriferous
in the old Echunga diggings. It occupied a watercourse of over 300ft. in width,
and varied in thickness from 1ft. to 2ft. The bedrock was soft decomposed slate
and pipeclay. A drive of 260ft. was put in from the main shaft at a depth of 65ft.,
and was driven across the lead near its junction with the wash. The dirt was
tested with the dish for the whole length of the drive. In appearance it was most
favorable for gold, and there were all the indications usually found in similar drifts
and well-defined gullies, and yet not a trace of gold was found. This is extraordinary,
and probably is the first instance in which an old Pliocene lead in a gold-bearing
district has proved to be absolutely barren of gold. The second site selected was
on section 337 and others adjoining, hundred of Kuitpo, and about 21 miles S. from
Echunga. Trial shafts were sunk across a wide extent of flat country and a lead
was found. The deep ground had to be tested by boring, as the presence of drift
sand rendered sinking difficult. Several bores were bottomed, but only a thin
stratum of washdirt was found. The drift sand made the boring exceedingly
difficult. As the bores progressed E. the ground became deeper until the lowest
depth was reached at 110ft. At this point the work was discontinued, as the next
bore would have come on private property. The manager of the party, Mr. G.
Mellor, reported that to sink a shaft through the drift sand that he had met with
GOLD.
231
would involve considerable expense. Although the upper part of the lead has
proved barren, yet the lower part towards the Meadows may be auriferous. But
as the best sites for shafts are on private property, some time will probably elapse
before anything is done to test the leads.
Electra.-Section 2791, hundred of Kuitpo. Some shafts were sunk, but no
record of results to hand.
Farrants.—Situated 2 miles from Hahndorf, and adjoining the Victoria Reef.
The Inspector of Mines reported in June, 1890, that a large amount of work had been
done in sinking and driving. The lode prospected was 5ft. wide, composed of
quartzite with quartz veins; strike, S.S.E. and N.N.W., dipping W. at an angle
of 35º Enclosing rocks, argillaceous slates with bands of pipeclay. Samples
taken did not return gold, but some gold must have been obtained by the owners,
for they had spent thousands of pounds in fossicking over the surface. The property
should be proved by deep sinking.
Golden Crown.-Adjoining the Kangaroo. The lode consists of white quartz,
with cavities filled with clay and quartz crystals. Prospecting was proceeding in
1895 by drives at a depth of 35ft.
Golden Reef. Three shafts were sunk to depths of 108ft., 110ft., and 50ft. The
last one cut a leader at 25ft., which carried gold. The mine was started in 1882.
Golden Rise.—Locality, section 417, Kuitpo, near Donkey Gully. The Govern-
ment Geologist reported in 1896 that two shafts had been sunk, and at 60ft. a drive
had been put in to intersect the auriferous vein or veins supposed to have supplied
the gold found in the neighboring gullies. He was of opinion that prospecting by
trenches sunk into the bedrock and with the dish would have been primarily a more
economical method of test as to the presence of gold in veins or reefs.
Golden Rise West.—This property has an area of 10 acres, and was regarded as
having excellent surface indications of auriferous deposits. (1885.) At à shallow
depth a 2ft. vein was struck, composed of gossany quartz and ironstone, enclosed
in greenish clayslate rock.
Glen Dhu.-Workings on section 3501 (Mitchell's), near Prospect Hill, Kuitpo.
The Inspector of Mines reported in June, 1890, that there was an outcrop of quartz,
which had been sunk upon 43ft., but the lode had not been tested for width. Assays
from samples he took showed that the lode was not payable, and his opinion was
that it was not likely to improve.
Hahndorf Gully was discovered in 1856-7. The first payable gold was got by
S. Jeffery, in about 7ft. sinking. Higher up the gully claims were bottomed at
20ft. The gold was rough and rugged. A branch gully was worked in 1872.
Hall's New Find.- Situated at the old Echunga Diggings. The Inspector of.
Mines in January, 1893, reported that Hall had put down two small shafts N. of
the old shaft, respectively 18ft. and 20ft. deep. An irregular vein of ferruginous
quartz, from lin. to 4in. wide, had been cut, and Hall took out about 5ozs. of gold.
From another pit, and from the same vein apparently, another digger took out
about llozs. of gold; and other diggers had been more or less successful on that
lead.
Jackman's Mine.—Drives and shafts to depths of from 30ft, to 60ft. were put
down to prospect veins of quatrz, ferruginous quartz, and ironstone, traversing
quartzite grit and argillaceous sandstone. There are no well-defined walls, the
formation being merely a collection of veins ; some of them contain pyrites. In
one of the drives a dyke-like mass of kaolin, with quartz and small veins of decom-
posed feldspar, and quartz and mica, has been cut, and might be prospected for
gold with advantage."
Jupiter.-Jupiter Creek and the S. portion of Long Gully, discovered in 1868 by
T. Plane and H. Saunders, who received a reward of £250 from the Government.
White Gully, Surface Point, Foster's Gully, and Golden Point were all payable
shallow diggings, draining into the main gully. The gold was nuggety, the largest
weighing about 13ozs. One storekeeper purchased about £3,000 worth of gold
232
MINING RECORDS.
from Jupiter Creek, and on July 31st, 1871, the Warden of Goldfields estimated
that £60,000 worth of gold had been obtained from this place. Rich finds of
vein gold in kaolin and earthy-vein deposits were made at this place (of which
the Crystal is an instance) and at Little Bendigo. These mullock reefs appear to
be decomposed feldspathic veins or dykes, associated with quartz and ironstone
leaders and gossany lode formations. None of these deposits have been followed
below the water-level, where the veinstone is likely to be undecomposed. The
discoveries at the Crystal show that extraordinarily rich patches of gold exist in
them. Additional rich patches may be expected to be met with in following
down the formation to deeper levels.
Kangaroo Mine. This was discovered in 1872, and a company was formed. A
small crushing, taken from a W. leader, from 4in. to 6in, thick, gave gold at the
rate of 2ozs. to the ton. A shaft 95ft. deep was then sunk; at 50ft. the reef was
cut, and a drive S. was put in a distance of 100ft. ; a crushing gave less than loz.
per ton. Another shaft was sunk 150ft., with a drive of 250ft., but no reef was cut.
The mine was then abandoned. In 1881, however, work was resumed, and a
crushing from the 95ft. shaft yielded Loz. per ton. A main shaft was then sunk
100ft., and a battery and machinery erected. The works were then stopped, owing
probably to want of funds. Six tons of quartz were crushed by Mr. A. von Doussa,
at Hahndorf, and yielded 80zs. gold; the stone was from a leader, which on being
followed pinched out.
King Mine was started in 1881. An underlie shaft was sunk on the reef to a
depth of 120ft. At 71ft. the reef was 4ft. thick, and a drive was put in along its
course ; 10 tons of quartz yielded 1 ozs. of gold; 250yds. to the E. another shaft
was put down to a depth of 50ft. ; here the reef was 3ft. thick, and 10 tons of quartz
gave loz, of gold.
Lawrence's Claim.--Three shafts were sunk to depths of 20ft., 28ft., and 35ft.,
at distances of 20ft. to 30ft. apart, and were connected by drives, in a soft decom-
posod sandy and micaceous slaty shale, through which pass a number of small
leaders. Near the surface these veins are composed chiefly of kaolin, becoming
mixed lower down with glassy and ferruginous quartz and ironstone. In them,
near the surface, some rich patches of gold were found, but owing to their number
and irregularity, the run of the gold is difficult to follow. Comparatively little
work has been done. There was no crushing apparatus, and the gold was washed
out with cradle and dish. It is impossible to ascertain the total amount of gold
found, the only certain information being that 41ozs., of the value of £157 16s. 10d.,
was sold to the Melbourne Mint shortly after the work began. The gold found
was often in filaments ; the largest piece, when cleaned, weighed 2ozs. The mine
was discovered in 1884. In 1885 20 tons of stone were raised, and were crushed
at the Ridge battery, Woodside. The yield of gold was loz. 6dwls. 6grs.
Long Gully.—Three companies were formed in 1866 to work the cement (or con-
glomerate) in this gully.
In 1868 Breakell & Co. erected crushing machinery and sank a number of shafts
ranging in depth from 50ft. to 100ft. A reef was cut at 70ft., and a bucketful of
stone yielded loz. 3dwts. No payable results were obtained; the battery was
badly placed, and seems to have been badly worked. Gold can be seen in some of
the heaps of cement raised for crushing.
Mizpah.—This is situated near Mount Pangæus, on the Hahndorf Road. The
Government Geologist, reporting upon the property in June, 1896, stated that there
were three shafts in direct line, each cutting the lode formation, which runs due
W., and is about 3ft. wide, with slate walls, and consists of parallel shoots of ferru-
ginous quartz in intervening bands of pipeclay. Gold was visible in two shafts,
and prospects were obtained in every dish; water exists at 24ft. Alluvial claims
were worked many years ago in this locality with good results. Nothing has been
done below water-level, the owners being unable to cope with the inflow. It is
believed that capital could be profitably spent upon this property.
GOLD.
233
Mount Monster. See page 251.
Mount Pangæus.-Situated in Hahndorf Gully, about 2 miles from Hahndorf ;
area, 25 acres. The Inspector of Mines stated (1889) that a tunnel had been driven
666ft. into the mount, and an air-shaft was being sunk. Two reefs had been inter-
sected, which should unite at about 80ft. below the tunnel level.
May Queen.-Situated in German Gully. In sinking, a reef 4ft. wide was found
at a depth of 30ft., with gold distributed in the quartz. A trial crushing returned
Loz. per ton. A strong pumping plant was required to keep the water under.
McMurtrie's Claims.-Situated on Blackfellow's Creek, hundred of Kuitpo,
5 miles S. from Prospect Hill. The Inspector of Mines reported that there is a
strong well-defined reef, on the average 3ft. 6in. wide, principally ferruginous
quartz, carrying a layer of plumbic schist, and in this flaky gold could be seen. An
average-looking stone taken from the footwall of reef assayed loz. 15dwts. gold
per ton, whilst the schist, in which no gold was visible, yielded 8dwts. 5grs. Course
of reef, N. 10° E. From a shaft 40ft. fully 100 tons was taken out. At the S. end
a shaft has been sunk 20ft. ; reef, 3ft. thick, carrying free gold. (1889.)
New Rush was discovered in 1858 or 1859 by a party of eight prospectors, who
were rewarded by a grant of money from the Government. The prospectors also
discovered gold at Blacksand Corner and at other places, which have since been
worked. Two or three months after the first discovery payable gold was struck,
and yielded from 12ozs. to 14ozs. to the load of dirt. The gold was scattered along
the foot of a precipice 10ft. to 15ft. high, on a flat bottom. The sinking ranged
from 20ft. to 30ft. in depth, and was very hard, owing to the beds of gravel and
cement.
North Warrakilla.—N. of and adjoining Bell's Warrakilla. In 1895 and 1896 a
few shallow shafts were sunk with unsatisfactory results.
Onkaparinga River Diggings were discovered in 1870 by Messrs. Scudds. The
river flat was found to be auriferous as far down as Pennyweight Flat. The pay-
able gold was found between the waterholes; some of these were pumped out, but
very little gold was found in them. Seaman's Point was the richest part of the
river; payable gold was also got at Blacksand Corner, and near Biggs' Flat; at
Hack's Bridge also it was discovered, but not worked.
Poor Man's Gully and Poor Man's Hill.—The sinking was through hard gravel
and cement, varying in depth from 1ft. to 30ft. It was stated that payable gold
and also diamonds were found here.
Queen Mine (Section 3851) was discovered in the year 1871. Gold was found
on the surface, in a leader which yielded 400zs. of gold. Subsequently 5 tons were
crushed and gave 5dwts. per ton. In 1881 the ground was taken up by a company.
They erected a battery, and pumping and winding machinery; and sank a shaft
100ft. deep, with a drive 100ft. W. A reef was cut 14ft. wide carrying a quantity
of mundic, and was driven upon N. To the N. of the main shaft two other shafts
were sunk, and were connected, at a depth of 25ft., by a drive 180ft. long ; 23 tons
of stone were crushed and yielded 410zs. of gold. In October, 1894, work was
recommenced, and in 1896 the Inspector of Mines pronounced this to be a very
promising looking property.
A Departmental report in February, 1905, states :—The only workings accessible
are those at 35ft. from surface, where two levels have been driven and connect
with vertical and underlie shaft at that depth. The hauling shaft is 35ft. deep,
and at the bottom a crosscut has been made S.E. for 5ft. and N.W. for 7ft. From
the end of this E. crosscut a level has been driven S. 23° E. for 76ft., at 42ft.
crosscuts have been put in N.W. for 23ft. and S.E. 20ft., which disclose a formation
23ft. thick consisting of soft kaolinised micaceous slate and sandstone, with ferru-
ginous quartz and gossan and ferruginous claystone in bunches connected by small
veins and segregations. N.W. from the shaft a level has been driven S. 35° W.
and some stoping done ; owing to falls of rock, &c., this level is blocked up for the
greater portion of its length, but where it is accessible ferruginous quartz occurs
234
MINING RECORDS,
for the full width of the drive. This level is connected with the water shaft by a
crosscut. Four samples of veinstone from the level gave, on assay, from nil to
3dwts. gold and a trace of silver per ton. From the end of the N.W. crosscut
from the hauling shaft, a level has been driven N. 10° E. 60ft. and N. 50° E. 17ft.,
and connects with Holmesby's shaft at the end ; it has also been driven S. 10° W.
54ft., all through soft kaolinised sandstone and puggy slate, with irregular seams
and bunches of ferruginous quartz and iron oxides and ferruginous clay. Two
samples from this level, on assay, returned respectively 5dwts. and 6dwts. gold per
ton. About 8ft. above this level an adit was driven, and the two levels are connected
by a small winze. In the adit level ferruginous quartz is visible on the hanging-
wall side for the full length of the adit accessible, portions having fallen in ; the
formation also carries lumps and pockets of kaolin, mica, and quartz grit. These
appear to be fragments of granite which have been enclosed in the lode formation
and subsequently decomposed. What appears to be the footwall consists of soft
friable sandstone, and the hanging-wall kaolinised slate ; but owing to the shallow
depth of these workings neither of the so-called walls are at all well defined.
From a report of the last mine manager, when the mine was in regular work, the
following particulars have been obtained :-“ From the shallow workings described
above a large quantity of the reef stuff was raised and put through the battery, and
although the machinery was very primitive and rudely erected, from 4dwts. to 5dwts.
of gold per ton were obtained. A further parcel of 23 tons of ore from the same work-
ings yielded 4lozs. of smelted gold. A main vertical shaft was sunk to a depth
of 103ft., and from the bottom a crosscut was driven 97ft. W. and cut through a
lode 13ft. in thickness, composed chiefly of pyrites, with quartz. A drive 4ft. wide
was put in N. along the footwall and disclosed similar material for that distance.
A few tons of ore from this lode was put through the battery, but the crude machinery
could not save the gold contained in the pyrites. The walls are uniform."
Samples of the pyrites on surface near the shaft and of tailings from the battery
gave the following results, viz.–Pyrites, 2dwts. gold per ton; tailings, 7dwts.
gold and 4dwts. silver per ton.
The timbers of the main shaft have burnt out above water-level and the collar
has collapsed.
During 1896 a parcel of ore 3 tons 12cwts. was treated at Mount Torrens-loz.
6dwts. 12grs. gold recovered by battery, loz. 7dwts. 7grs. gold recovered by cyanide,
total 2ozs. 13dwts. 19grs. (D.R. (George), 16–2-05.)
Rodert's Claini.--N. of the Comet Mine, 24 miles from Mylor, at the head of Snow.
ball Gully. A shaft was in progress 25ft. ; it was intended to continue it to 60ft.
and then crosscut for the formation, which is apparently very much broken and
gold found in the gully has doubtless been shed. The prospect is a fair one, and
the ground being easily worked, it can be tested at a small expense. (1.M.R.,
13-2-00.)
Sailor's Gully, discovered in 1872, contained a lead of gold extending the whole
length of the gully. The sinking was in hard and dry alluvium, and to a depth of
from 6ft. to 15ft. The largest nugget found weighed 4ozs.
Sawmill Gully, discovered in 1872, yielded nuggets, the heaviest of which weighed
about loz. Gold in quartz was also found. The sinking was wet, and the depth
ranged from lft. to 10ft.
Simond's Gully.--Three or four claims were payable. Professor Ulrich, in his
report (1872), states that a great portion of the gold found in Felter's Flat and
Chapman's Gully was not waterworn, but hackly and crystalline; a circumstance
indicating that, whilst the waterworn gold came from the denuded Pliocene drifts,
the hackly and crystalline were derived from the quartz reefs in the immediate
vicinity.
South Crystal.—Situate in Jupiter Gully. A great deal of work was done, and
numerous quartz stringers met with in the drives, and some leaders were found.
GOLD.
235
The Inspector of Mines expressed the opinion that what the prospecting under:
takings wanted in this neighborhood was a trial sinking to a depth of 500ft. before
driving or crosscutting. (1889.)
South Echunga.Started in 1881; machinery was erected, and a main shaft
was sunk to a depth of 180ft., but no reef was found.
Sunny South.-Situated in Sailor's Gully. The Inspector of Mines in 1890
reported that four shafts had been sunk and drives put in upon this property. The
lode is from 18in. to 3ft. wide, carrying gold, and the country rock is soft argillaceous
slate. The gold was very fine, and required special treatment, and the property,
in his opinion, was well worth thoroughly testing.
The Stirling Reef.-The first gold obtained was found on the surface by a man
named Scudds. He showed it to Messrs. Bowes and James, and they began to work
on the spot. Finding the gold was not alluvial they took up a reef claim, and after
sinking to a depth of 4ft. came upon some gold-bearing leaders in the slate and
greenstone. Good results were obtained by simply crushing and washing the stuff.
Feeling, however, that they could do but little without capital, Messrs. Bowes and
James sold their lease to an Adelaide company for £100 cash and 250 paid up shares.
A five-stamp battery was put up, and work was continued for about 12 months.
The profits were not, however, sufficient to cover the expenses and the work was
stopped. During the next nine months tributers made very good wages in working
it. The property then passsed into the hands of the late Thos. Breakel). Five more
stampers were added to the battery, and a tramway was laid from it to the mine.
Crushing was ried on for about 18 months and the mine was then abandoned.
The material crushed consisted of quartz and ironstone leaders and a greenish
soapy stone known as “green dyke.” The richest gold was found in the last-
named stone. The mine has been abandoned for a considerable time. The place
where the work was carried on is marked by a large open cutting in grit, slate,
sandstone, and conglomerate. The conglomerate is composed of kaolin and water-
worn quartz, with mica and feldspar crystals. In the hard rocks magnetic iron-
sand is plentiful, and quartz and ironstone leaders are visible to a small extent.
Professor Ulrich visited and reported on this mine in 1872, and says the reef runs
between micaceous sandy slates and massive beds of coarse felspathic quartz
grit at a strike of N. 30° E., dipping apparently vertical, whilst slate and grits,
though showing the same strike, dip E. 30° S. at 60° to 63º. The workings ex-
tended about 6 chains along the strike of the reef, the principal one being a wide
quarry-like open cutting, several chains in length and 10ft. to 14ft. in depth, at
the up-hill end ; further on follows a large open pit, and beyond this, right on the
top of the spur, are several shafts, in all of which the auriferous muliock has been
struck. As regards its character, he did not consider it a genuine quartz reef, but
more nearly resembled what, in Victoria, are called mullock reefs. He compared
it to a large fissure, in places 30ft. and 40ft. wide, filled confusedly with masses of
the wall rock-grit and slate. The interstices between these masses are filled with
mullock enclosing irregular pockets and veins of quartz, through which rather solid
crystalline specks of gold are distributed. Irregular veins cross the mass in all
directions, horizontally, vertically, and obliquely. Consequently, as each vein
cannot be separately followed, the reef has to be quarried out, and the stuff subse-
quently classed. This, besides being a troublesome process, is also one during
which it is impossible to prevent a large quantity of poor matter getting mixed
with the quartzose mullock, and thus producing the low yield of 2dwts. to 24dwts.
per ton average. There can be no doubt but that this reef largely contributes, by
denudation, to the gold found in the Onkaparinga River. Professor Ulrich was
of opinion that, on a large scale, the reef might be profitably worked, and that there
was a chance of its becoming much better defined in depth.
Small efforts have been made from time to time to rework this property, but so
far nothing practical has come of them.
236
MINING RECORDS,
Victoria Mine (Sailor's Gully), was discovered in 1872. The lode consisted of
hard quartzite, interlaced with gold-bearing quartz veins. It was very rich near
the surface. The deepest shaft was 70ft, to the water-level, with a drive of 70ft.
to the reef. Shafts, trenches, and open workings were put in along the ouctrop of
a quartz reef striking N. and underlying E., through quartzite, sandstone, and
kaolinised clayslates.
The Inspector of Mines, reporting in 1889, recommends that the rcef should be
proved below water-level.
Victor George Mine was taken up and worked in 1881, on a brown ferruginous
leader dipping W., and from lft. to 2ft. thick. One hundred feet E. of the reef a
shaft was sunk 70ft., with a drive 100ft. to the W. Five tons crushed yielded
2oz. to the ton. Other shafts and tunnels were put in on hard massive quartz
veins in sandstone and quartzite. (1887.)
Wattle Blossom.-Situated at Jupiter Creek, near the Phoenix and Crystal Mines.
It was restarted in July, 1896, with the intention of trying to discover the continua-
tion of the Crystal ironstone lede.
Warrakilla (Bell's).—On sections 418 and 507. The workings are in a dyke-like
formation composed of soft decomposed rock intermixed with gossany quartz
and masses and veins of kaolin, similar in many respects to the “mullock reefs”
mentioned under the heading Jupiter. The gold was first obtained by washing.
and the harder material was afterwards crushed. Very good returns have been
obtained, particularly in 1896-7, when the property was first worked. In May, 1897,
9cwts. returned 14ozs. 13dwts. 4grs. of free gold. Very fine specimen gold was
found, both of gold and bismuth, fantastically intermixed, and also of the rare
crystalline gold.
Warrakilla South.—There were in May, 1897, four shafts, totalling a depth of
150ft., and a drive 275ft. Besides the lode strong seams of quartz and gossan were
encountered. Assays were stated to have yielded 4dwts. per ton.
Warrakilla South Extended. — In a drive 30ft. (August, 1895) several leaders had
been met with, one carrying colors. In August, 1896, it was stated that nothing
payable had been struck.
Warrakilla Broken Hill.-In November, 1895, a drive was being put through the
hill. Between sandstone and slate a deposit of quartz containing pyrites was found,
and was regarded as promising.
Win'ilass iIill.-A reefing prospecting area, on which, in July, 1895, a leader
was struck, giving colors of gold.
NOTE.—The bulk of the early information regarding the Echunga field has been
extracted from the Government Geologist's “Notes on the Echunga Goldfield,"
Parliamentary Paper, No. 32 of 1885.
The records were, for the most part, obtained from men working on the diggings
in 1884, and who were acquainted with the operations carried on by the various
companies. It is noticeable that a small amount of work only has been done in
testing the reefs at a depth. Where deep shafts have been sunk the reefs met with
have not been followed or worked in a systematic manner.
Echunga Proprietary Hydraulic Gold Sluicing Company, Long Gully Hydraulic
Gold Sluicing Comp ny.—These companies are conducting operations in Long
Gully, but so far the results have not been satisfactory. (1907.)
LITTLE GEM.-Situated 13 miles from Willunga, near Blackfellow's Creek; has
been prospected for about 10 chains in length by a tunnel and several small trial
shafts. The tunnel has been driven 70ft., the lode is very irregular, but has a
general course of N. and S., underlying E. Near the tunnel entrance the vein is
2ft. wide, but gradually narrows to hin. in the face ; it is apparently making a splice,
and will probably increase in width as the tunnel is continued; it is of a siliceous
nature, associated with auriferous-looking iron. N. No. 1 opening is 5ft. derp,
GOLD.
237
disclosing similar lode matter 18in. wide. No. 2 opening, 14ft. deep, with vein
15in., with cican and well-defined walls. No. 3 opening is also 14ft. deep, with
vein 6in., and similar walls. Beyond this, the vein can be traced for a considerable
distance, but no work of any consequence has been done to prove its size or valur,
Six bulk samples taken from stone raised gave small results, the best being 3dwts,
gold per ton, from the vein in No. 2 opening. The inspector approves of the mode
of prospecting in operation. (I.M.R., 11–12-03.)
Lux, also previously named Mingary and New Mingary.—Locality, New Luxem-
burg, 14 miles E. from Olary Railway Station. This property included a number
of claims, amung them the Birmarck and John Brown.
The New Luxemburg reefs were discovered in 1887, and in a report dated May
29th, 1888, the Government Geologist, after giving details of the various workings,
concludes by saying-“ The rocks in the locality are metamorphic and intrusive,
the former being represented by metamorphic granite, generally gneissic, mica
schist, hornblendic schist, and other metamorphic hornblendic rocks, into which
have been intruded veins and dykes of coarse granite, to which the metamorphism
is due. It is probable that besides the eruptive granite diorite dykes will also be
found in sinking, as this rock generally accompanies the metamorphosed horn-
blendic rocks-to which it is closely allied. The geological structure of the locality
is very similar to that of the Barrier country, and is a continuation of the same
formation, which, however, ceases about a mile and a half W. and S., where the
slate country begins. The reefs are situated near the boundary of the granite and
metamorphic rocks and the slates. The formation is also similar to that of Yudna-
mutana and Neales River districts, where gold occurs. No drives have yet been
put in along the recfs, the quartz now on the ground having all been obtained in
sinking the shafts. There are many varieties of veinstone here, viz., quartz rock,
micaceous ironstone, gossany quartz with iron ore and gossan, brown iron ore, and
copper carbonate.
The percentage of copper is very slight in most of the lodes, but it may be ex-
pected to be met with more abundantly in time; but even should this prove to be
the case it is not likely to interfere with the extraction of the gold above water-level.
The richest specimens of gold are seen in the gossan and quartz of the Prospecting,
or Bismarck, claim, in quartz at the John Brown claim, and in gossan at the Queen
Bee claim. These quartz lodes are the largest, best developed, and most permanent
in appearance yet discovered to be auriferous in the North-East. Owing to their
great width large quantities of quartz can be raised at a small cost, and a low average
yield of gold here will pay better than a high average where the reefs are small.
The whole of the claims will, of course, not be found to be payable, but when the
auriferous “shoots” come to be followed down it is to be expected that many of
them will yield payable stono, and in some rich discoveries of gold be made."
(Government Geologist, 29–5–88.)
The Bismarck prospecting claim is where the first discovery of gold in this locality
was made, by Messrs. Smith and Bottcher, in 1887.
The Bismarck shaft is 50ft. deep, and is sunk perpendicularly on a quartz vein,
in which, not far from the surface, coarse gold could be seen. The vein occurs in
a solid hornblendic rock resembling amphybolite. In Strawbridge's shaft the reef
is over 4ft. wide. The quartz contains carbonate of copper and gossan, and fine
gold can be obtained by crushing and washing. (1889.)
The John Brown reef forms part of the Lux. Shafts were sunk along the line
of reef, and gold could be seen in the surface quartz and gossan. A crushing of
5 tons from the vicinity of the John Brown shaft averaged 18dwts. gold per ton.
The country rocks are metamorphic micaceous granite, with coarse eruptive granite
dykes. (1889.)
For years work was carried on under great difficulties, so that the mine has
never yet been properly developed. There are a number of reefs on the property,
some of which gave rich specimens of gold. The Inspector of Mines (1895) was of
opinion that 8dwts. to the ton should pay. There were 20 men employed at the
238
MINING RECORDS.
time of his visit. Financial reasons led to the holders letting out the mine on a
tribute, and later work ceased. With a reasonable amount of capital the mine
should prove a profitable undertaking. (1899.)
Operations were not resumed, and the company was wound up.
LADY JANE.--Situated about 8 miles E. of Callington Railway Station. Three
shafts have been sunk within 1 chain in length, the deepest being from 70ft. to 80ft.
The country rock is micaceous schist of a favorable character; the lode material
consists of micaceous quartz, strongly associated with iron, and is apparently of a
fair width. Stone raised from the bottom of the deepest shaft shows copper stains
and small prills of ore, but so far of little value. The vein appears of an auriferous
character; the country rock is of a soft nature, easily worked, and any further
prospecting should be from one of the present shafts. Three samples taken from
the various ore dumps returned traces of gold. (I.M.R., 25-4-02.)
LAMBERT'S.-Situated at Paratoo, 7 miles N.E. from Nackara Railway Station.
The Inspector of Mines reported in May, 1894, that little work had been done, and
up to date nothing of a payable nature found. About a year later the Inspector
found that an underlie shaft had been sunk 115ft., a vertical shaft 28ft., an underlie
shaft 30ft., and one 20ft. vertically and 70ft. underlie. Fair stone was being raised
that showed gold very freely, and the reef was in some places 5ft. wide, composed
of ferruginous quartz and ironstone. The Inspector stated that the country was
auriferous for miles round.
LAURA SYNDICATE.--Operations in progress in 1895 at Lovely Gully. The
Inspector of Mines reported that an underlie shaft was down 160ft., and that a
vertical shaft cuts it at 68ft. At the 110ft. level a drive had been put in 14ft. The
vein of ore was exceedingly small, both in the bottom and in the drive. Some
rich specimens were obtained from this property.
LEY's.-Locality of workings, a mile and a half S.W. of Copperalinka Dam, and
9} miles from Olary Railway Station. The Inspector of Mines in 1892 reported
that shallow pits had been sunk on small ferruginous quartz veins, which carried
ldwt. of gold per ton. A vertical shaft had been sunk 16ft. on an ironstone and
quartz lode 4ft. 6in. wide, and striking E. 10° N. Samples taken gave an assay
return of loz. 18dwts. per ton. This should be tested in depth.
LOVELY CULLY.–Vide page 211.
MALPAS'S SECTION (Hundred of Adelaide).-In April, 1895, it was reported that
gold had been found on section 5660, at the foot of Black Hill. The Inspector of
Mines reported that a small cutting had been made in a bank of alluvium; and the
owner had stated that from half a ton of material 6dwts. of gold were obtained
and that 11 tons produced 8dwts. The Government assay from alluvium and
bedrock gave no return of gold. There was, in the opinion of the Inspector, no
sign of a lode.
MANNAHILL.
The first official notice of the discovery of gold on this field is contained in a report
from Mr. Bedford Hack, Warden of Goldfields, dated December 2nd, 1885. He
describes the locality as being on the Oulnina Run, 5 miles N.W. of the Mannahill
Hotel. The depths of the workings varied from 1ft. to 3ft. Samples of stone
showing gold freely were brought down by the warden.
The Nectar and No Gammon reefs were the first found, and later on the Birthday,
Elsie May, Aurora Australis, Westward Ho !, Jackson's, and other reefs.
There are three localities where mining is being, or has been, carried on, viz., at
the Nectar and No Gammon claims, on a belt of reefs known as the Birthday and
Aurora Australis, and at the Elsie May reef.
THE BIRTHDAY LINE.
This line of reef extends E. 30° N. about 1 mile. The country rocks here also
form an anticlinal arch, dipping at a low angle to the S., but steeper to the N.
Quartz, ironstone, and gossan reefs cut through the bedrocks at various angles from
40° to 60°; they dip S. In some parts of the line there are two or three parallel reefs.
GOLD.
239
The prospecting claim, McEvoy's, is situated about 8 miles from the Mannahill
Well, and on a bearing of about W. 10° N, magnetic. Several shafts and excavations
have been made, commencing near the western boundary. The first is about 14ft.
deep, on a large quartz and ironstone reef about 4ft. thick, striking E.N.E., in clay
and calcareous cleaved slates. Two tons of crushing stuff have been raised, consist-
ing of ferruginous quartz, quartz, iron ore, and gossan, with a little iron pyrites.
In the middle of the claim a cutting has been made, its greatest depth being 8ft.
across the veins, the largest being 2ft. thick. The underlie of these veins is S.S.E.
The E. workings comprise a cutting some 10yds. long, along a reef striking E.N.E,
and having a width of from 6in. to 18in.; small specks of gold were to be seen in
some of the material raised. A crushing of 61 tons from this place, mixed with
11 tons from Gibbons' claim, further E., was crushed at Waukaringa, and yielded
150zs. of gold (McEvoy).
Going E., Gordon and Stirling's claim is the next adjoining McEvoy's; the first
excavation is about 12ft. deep, on a reef of quartz and ironstone, with gossany
cavities. The second 15ft. deep, on a large reef 6ft. or 7ft. thick, underlying S.S.E.
45°. The third working is a shaft 30ft. deep on a reef from 2ft. to 3ft. thick in the
bottom, where it shows a considerable amount of gossan. About 18 tons of crushing
stuff have been raised on this claim from the two parallel reefs prospected.
Haycock's claim adjoins the last mentioned. Here an underlie shaft has been
sunk 28ft. between two quartz and gossany quartz veins some 3ft. apart; in the
bottom of the shaft two other leaders show; they underlie S. and E. 45° to 50°;
12 to 15 tons of crushing stuff have been raised. From two holes near the shaft a
trial crushing of 5cwts. was obtained, which yielded 14dwts. of gold.
C. Smith's Claim.-An underlie shaft has been sunk 15ft., two veins dipping
S.S.E. 60°. About 5 tons of crushing stuff have been raised.
* Ivey's Claim.--Two or three small veins have been exposed by trenches and
shallow shafts; they have the same underlie and belong to the same belt of reefs as
those further W. An underlie shaft has been sunk 18ft.
Gibbons & Company.--Here all underlie shaft has been sunk 34ft., on a vein of
ironstone and quartz, having a width at the bottom of 1ft. The second underlie
shaft further S. has a depth of 27ft., and exposes a reef which is from 1ft. to 2ft.
thick at the surface, and underlies at an angle of 70° S.S.E. From this claim 11 tons
of quartz were crushed with 61 tons from McEvoy's Prospecting Claim, as pre-
viously mentioned; this mixing of the quartz was doubtless accidental, but has
rendered the results from both claims uncertain. The specimens shown to me by
the proprietors contained the coarsest particles of gold I saw on the field. About
11 tons of crushing stuff have been raised here.
Goshen Claim.-Four or five shafts of an average depth of 8ft. or 10ft. have been
sunk on veins of quartz, ironstone, and gossan.
H. Konig's Claim.-An underlie shaft about 25ft. sunk on a small vein.
H. Werner's Claim.-A shallow underlie shaft has been sunk on a small vein,
dipping 60° S.S.E.; about 3 tons of quartz have been raised.
Continuing E. along the line many claims have been pegged out and prospected,
but only to a small extent.
Jenkin's Claim is the most E. in work. Here some 3 tons of quartz have been
raised from a large blow of quartz, iron ore, and gossan in one place, and a similar
quantity from two other places, at a depth of 12ft., where there is a reef 2ft. to 3ft.
thick. Here, as well as in some of the other claims near, calcspar (crystallised
carbonate of lime) is associated with the vein quartz. Returning to McEvoy's
claim, and proceeding W. along the line, the claims are as follows :-
Christmas Day Claim, Roberts & Co.-An underlie shaft has been sunk to a depth
of 65ft. at an angle of 55° to 60°, on a reef ranging in width from 6in. to 1ft. This
reef has been passed through near the bottom of the shaft, and two veins or leaders,
240
MINING RECORDS.
struck in the hanging-wall. The reef, besides brown iron ore and ferruginous and
white quartz, contains mundic; small specks of gold are sometimes visible in the
stone.
Moore's Claim.-Three or four shallow shafts have been sunk on two small parallel
veins, which underlie to the S.S.E., but are less inclined in that direction than the
veins in the other claims; specks of gold have been seen in the stone from the
southern vein,
Padmore & Co.—A shaft has been sunk about 30ft., and 4 or 5 tons of quartz
raised. This reef also contains mundic.
All these claims adjoin one another along the line or belt of reefs, extending in an
E.N.E. direction for about 1 mile. They in some places conform to the bedding
of the rock for a short distance, at others they cut across it, and apparently fill up
fissures made by faults in the strata. The strike of the rocks is roughly approxi
mate to that of the veins, and they dip in a S.S.E. direction at a low angle. The
rocks consist of clay and sandy slates, claystones, and calcareous cla yslates. The
general strike of this belt of rocks is E.N.E, and the general underlie S.S.E. The
veinstone is composed of a hard glassy and white quartz, with cavities containing
gossan, ferruginous clay, iron oxides, and pyrites, and admixtures of these with
quartz. The gold occurs in fine particles, and is generally contained in the iron
ore and siliceous ferruginous rock, though sometimes seen in the quartz. Owing
to the nature of the veinstone, it is difficult to discern the gold without crushing
and washing the material. Many of the reefs contain traces of copper. The free
gold has doubtless been derived from the decomposition of the pyrites.
This belt of reefs lies N. of, and roughly parallel to, the Birthday Reefs. at a dis-
tance of 20 to 30 chains. Claims have been taken up from opposite McEvoy's
Prospecting Claim, in a S.W. direction, for a mile or so. The following claims are
being prospected, commencing at the N.E. claims and going S.W. :-
Dalton's Claim.--Here a large outcrop of quartz occurs, and a trench has been
cut.
Roberts & Co.'s Claim.-Holes have been sunk in three or four places on large
reefs and blows of quartz and iron ore, and a shaft sunk to a depth of 30ft. on a
large reef of quartz, iron ore, and gossan, with a considerable quantity of iron pyrites.
The reef is from 3fi. to 4ft. wide in the bottom of the shaft, where it shows a slight
N. dip. Fourteen tons of quartz have been raised here. Further S. a shallow
shaft exposes similar stone from 2ft. io 3ft. wide, on the same line as the first shaft.
There is another shaft 15ft. deep on a vertical reef containing much pyrites. Four
tons of crushing stuff have been raised here.
Elliott & Clarke's Claim. Here a shaft has been sunk 12ft. on a reef which is
from 12in. to 18in. wide, striking N.E. by E. There is also a shaft 20ft. deep on a
vertical reef, which is from 12in. to 18in. thick. Pyrites is here associated with
Lester's Claim.-Here there is an ironstone vein striking E.N.E., and dipping
S.S.E., which has been sunk on in two places, and about 2 tons of stuff have been
raised for crushing.
Roberts & Padmore, Golden Hill.—Two veins of quartz and ironstone have been
prospected, and about 2 tons raised. A shaft has been sunk 13ft. on a large reef
of quartz, gossan, and ironstone. The strike of this reef is N.E., and it underlies
N.W. 70°.
Holmes & Radford have sunk a shaft about 30ft. on a quartz and iron ore reef.
There are several veins more or less parallel in this and the adjoining claims.
Putt's Claim.—Similar veins are being prospected here.
The large reefs on this line seem to have split up in this direction into several
parallel veins or leaders. I am not aware of any of the stone from this part of the
field having been crushed.
GOLD.
241
THE ELSIE MAY REEF (vide also page 244).
Goslin's Claim is situated about 2 miles in a W. direction from the prospecting
claim. This reef has been prospected in several places, and trial crushings taken
from two places. At the E. end the deposit of iron oxide and gossany iron ore,
of which the veinstone is composed, lies almost flat on the top of a low spur, cropping
out to the surface N. and dipping gradually S., where it has a steeper inclination.
The thickness of the deposit varies from 12in. to 18in. Six tons have been crushed
from this part of the reef. In a W.N.W. direction, some 700ft. distant, a crushing
of 6 tons has also been taken out from an outlying patch of iron ore and gossan, a
foot or more in thickness, which is apparently a portion of a flat reef outcrop, which
has not been denuded from the crown of the hill. These 12 tons of ore have been
crushed at Waukaringa, with, I am informed, a satisfactory yield of gold.
Potter's Claims are about 300yds. S. of Goslin's reef. A number of claims have
been taken up on a quartz and iron ore reef, with a low inclination to the S. No
work is being done on this line at present.
No GAMMON REEF (vide also page 243).
This is situated about 5 miles N.W. of Mannahill. Several holes have been sunk,
and trenches cut to a shallow depth, for a distance of about 20 chains. Commencing
at the E. the first hole is 3£ft. deep, and is in brown iron ore and quartz, which ap-
parently form the broken up outcrop of a reef; the second hole is 6 ft. deep, in
rubbly quartz, gossan, and iron ore, also the broken up outcrop of a large reef;
the third is a shaft 20ft. deep, in rubbly quartz and soft calcareous clayslates; the
fourth is an excavation 2ft. to 3ft. wide and 8ft. deep, in broken ground, apparently
the top of a large reef (about 15 tons of stuff have been raised here); the fifth is
15ft. deep, in it a flat ironstone and quartz reef 2ft. to 3ft. thick has been sunk
through and followed for a few feet on its underlie; the sixth is an excavation 15ft.
deep, in kaolinised and calcareous clayslates. Besides these there are other holes
and excavations, including a trench some 70yds. long and 2ft. to 4ft. deep. The
Nectar claim is 1 mile W.N.W. of the No Gammon claim. On a N.E. line, included
in the distance of 50yds., there are no less than six shafts. Commencing at the E.
nend, the first shaft is 18ft. deep; 6ft. from the surface a flat vein of ironstone was
passed through ; the second shaft is 14ft. deep; here gossany ironstone veins inter-
sect the hard calcareous slates and limestone rock; the third shaft is 9ft. deep;
the fourth and fifth each 15ft. deep. In all these ironstone leaders or veins traversed
the joints of the bedrock; none of these are large; they are often intermixed with
quartz and rubbly stuff, forming a network of veins. The sixth shaft is 20ft. deep.
Here, in sinking, 6ft. of reef, chiefly quartz, which crops out S.E. and underlies
N.W., was passed through. A drive is being put in in a N.W. direction from the
bottom of this shaft, following a rubbly formation, the continuation of the reef, which
has a gentle inclination in the same direction. Rocks here are hard and broken.
The ironstone leaders cut across the bedding of the rocks, whilst the quartz reef
just mentioned conforms more or less to the same. In this case, and also in those
of the No Gammon and Goslin's claims, I believe it will be found that the flat veins
and reefs lie in the crowns of anticlinals, or arches, made by the undulations of the
strata between the hard and soft beds, which are also intersected by other veins
cutting across the strata, and branching into them after the manner of what are
known as saddle reefs. It is, therefore, likely that other similar reefs exist beneath
the footwall of these flat reefs, and will be come upon by sinking vertically through
the rock beneath them into the underlying strata. It is more advisable, however,
to follow down the veins, which, although they conform to the stratification of the
rocks in some places, also cut across them in descending below the surface. From
this claim 2 tons 8cwts. of ore were smelted at the Intercolonial Smelting Works,
Spotswood, Victoria, and yielded gold at the rate of 2ozs. 17dwts. 3grs. to the ton,
and 2 tons 6cwts. crushed at Waukaringa averaged 20zs. 11dwts. per ton. From
the nature of the stone found in this field-composed as it is of quartz, hematite,
212
MINING RECORDS.
brown iron ore, iron pyrites, siliceous iron ore (ironstone), and gossan--it is difficult
to see the gold without crushing and washing the material; the gold is generally
in small particles, and where such is crushed and washed shows good prospects.
Specimens with visible veins were shown me at the No Gammon and Nectar claims,
also at McEvoy's, Gibson's, Roberts's, Christmas Day claim, Moore's, Goslin's,
etc., etc. Owing to the scarcity of water on the field, the crushing and washing
of prospects is not much resorted to as a means of ascertaining the presence of gold.
I would recommend miners to make a practice of trying prospects more frequently,
as by doing so they may be saved the trouble of raising stone which may not be
payable.
Lead ore--galena-occurs in a large quartz reef near the Nectar claim in small
quantities, and also some 3 miles N.W. of the prospecting claim, Birthday reef,
in a siliceous, ferruginous, and gossany veinstone striking E. and W.
Taken generally the prospects of these reefs are very encouraging, although there
is no reason for supposing that all the claims taken up will be payable; the gold
being, as usual, in shoots and patches, which will have to be foīlowed. From the
abundance of iron oxide in the veinstones it is safe to infer that when the water-
level is reached they will chiefly consist of iron pyrites, which is already present to
some extent in some of the reefs near the surface.
Of the stone procured by me on the field and since tested by crushing and wash-
ing, that from the No Gammon and Nectar claims shows most gold. All specimens
in which a single speck of gold is seen when crushed show numerous other particles
of that metal. Eleven samples, consisting of gossan, quartz, pyrites, and tailings,
which were assayed, were found, with the exception of two, to contain gold, thus
showing that the gold is widely distributed. The extent of country occupied by
these reefs is large and the reefs numerous and well defined, and persistent along
the strike; the rocks they traverse are similar to those found to contain auriferous
veins in other parts of the colony.
Probability of Alluvial Gold. On the Salt Creek and in its vicinity there are
wide alluvial flats which it would be advisable to prospect for gold, as, owing to the
presence of water, there would be no difficulty in doing so. Up to the present time
no effort worth mentioning has been made to try for alluvial gold, either here or in
the immediate neighborhood of the reefs.
(Government Geologist, 19–6–1886.)
Additional Notes and Information, 1898.
In August, 1886, the Mannahill Goldfield, 120 square miles in area, was pro-
claimed, and on September 3rd, 1886, 50 bags of ore, representing samples from
10 different claims, were collected by the Warden of Goldfields and forwarded to
the School of Mines, Ballarat, for treatment, as a test of the value of the ore for gold.
The returns were as follows:
---
---
----
-
-
Locality.
Yield of Golil
per Ton.
duts,
gine
5
..................
Elsie May Reef ..
Holmes & Radford's .......
Holmes' (Golden Hill) ............
Roberts' (Aurora Australis) ....
Golden Crown (Birthday Reef) ....
....................
...................
or C7 W ON Gronor
Haycock’s Claim (Birthday Reef)
McEvoy's Claim (Birthday Reef) ....
Nectar Reef ...
No Gammon Reef ...,
..................
..........
............................
These bulk assays appear to have been treated by crushing and amalgamation
in the ordinary way, but no returns were given of the gold remaining in the tailings,
GOLD.
243
In November, 1886, 200 bags of ore, taken from five different claims, were for-
warded by the Government Geologist to Melbourne and treated by the “ Newberry
Vautin” chlorination process. The full return is given in the following table : -

Name of Reef or Claim.
Weight of
Stone Treated.
Yield per Ton,
tons
Aurora Australis Reef
Haycock's Claim (Birthday Reef)..
Westward Ho! (Holmes & Radford) ................
Nectar Claim .....................
....................
Star of the East (Birthday Reef) ......
....................
cwts, ozs, dwts.
2 0 2
10 2
| 2 0
0 13
6
grs,
5
13
5
4
7
The belt of reefs, of which the Westward Ho! and Trojan reefs form the E. and
W. extremities respectively, extends in an E. and W. direction for 3} miles along
a line of broken ranges of low elevation. The auriferous veins, or reefs, outcrop
irregularly and intermittently, and are almost invariably flat or undulating near
the surface, but gradually dip S., the angle increasing the further the veins are
traced in that direction. This is due to their being interstratified or segregated
between the bedding of the country rocks, which have all along the line been up-
heaved into a low anticlinal arch, accompanied at the N. side by numerous faults,
running also in an E. and W. direction, and dipping vertically. These bedded
veins are associated near the outcrop with veins and reefs, often of considerable
size, cutting through the strata at various angles.
The veinstone consists of quartz, hematite, brown iron ore, gossan, jasper-quartz,
ferri-calcite, calcspar, and other calcareous and siliceous materials.
With the exception of the Westward Ho! Mine, the numerous reef outcrops
along this line have been only prospected. As a rule the veins are not of sufficient
size or importance to warrant more than this. At the same time it is most probable
that some of them, if followed down on the underlie, will be found to increase in size.
These veins may be found to occupy their present position with regard to the
strata when followed deeper, or may cut through the strata and become true fissure
Veins at a depth. Judging from the fact that they have been deposited in the
spaces left between hard and soft beds of rock, caused by upheaval of the strata, it
seems most probable that other similar vein deposits would be found by sinking
vertically through the subincumbent strata.
The country rocks are calcareous clayslate and limestone, argillaceous sandstone
and micaceous slate, dipping S. at a low angle (10° to 15°).
The No Gammon Mine was discovered by H. Mills, in 1885, who at that time was
prospecting for alluvial gold in the locality. The latest workings comprise an
underlie shaft, about 60ft. deep, dipping at an angle of 27° N., on a formation com-
posed of kaolinised slate and sandstone, with quartz bunches and ferruginous veins,
between walls from 4ft. to 6ft. apart. Several shafts from 20ft. to 30ft. deep have
also been sunk on quartz and ironstone reefs. No record of results is obtainable.
Mine abandoned.
The country rocks consist of argillaceous slate and sandstone, blue calcareous
slate and limestone, forming an anticlinal arch, in the bedding of which the vein-
stones chiefly occur. (Vide also page 241.)
The Nectar Mine was discovered by Roberts shortly after the No Gammon Mine
was started. Numerous shafts have been sụnk to shallow depths, and cuttings
made, over an area of about 1 an acre of ground. Some of the shafts have fallen
in, and it was therefore impossible to examine them. The deepest shaft is about
30ft. deep.
. The country rocks are argillaceous slate and sandstone, calcareous clayslate,
and limestone in anticlinal form.
The gold was found to occur principally in the small veins of iron oxide and
ferruginous quartz intersecting the strata. The larger quartz and ironstone veins
which conform to the stratification contain little or no gold, April, 1886—Two
244
MINING RECORDS.
tons 6cwts. yielded 5ozs. 18dwts.; June, 1886, 2 tons 8cwts. smelted, yielded gold
at the rate of 2ozs. 17dwts. Zgrs. to the ton.
The Trojan.-Discovered by Jackson. The veinstone consists of quartz,
ironstone, and gossan, forming irregular deposits in the crevices of an anticlinal
ciused by the upheaval of clay and calcarcous slates and sandstone. The strike of
the veins is E.N.E. and dip S., increasing gradually in that direction to about 45°.
Copper pyrites and green carbonates of copper are associated with the veinstone.
As the workings have fallen in, no information on this point could be obtained by
inspection. Previous to 1887 41 tons of ore yielded at the rate of loz, to the ton.
The Eudunda Hope (vide also page 246).–Found by Wm. McEvoy in 1886, and
afterwards worked by a Eudunda syndicate. There are numerous shallow workings
following ironstone, gossan, quartz, and jaspery quartz veins horizontally disposed
in the bedding of the rocks in some places, in others occurring vertically. The
general dip of the veins is to the southward, but they have not been followed far
in that direction. A large quantity of ore now lying on the surface has been raised
from these cuttings. A vertical shaft about 4 chains S.W. of the other workings
has been sunk 110ft. in calcareous clayslate to water-level. Five tons of ore crushed
at the Salt Creek Battery in March, 1887, gave a return of 6ozs. of gold.
ELSIE MAY REEF (vide also page 241).
An undulating reef outcrop, consisting chiefly of brown iron ore and hematite,
varying in thickness from a few inches to 18in., interstratified with argillaceous,
calcareous, and micaceous slates and sandstones, striking nearly E. and W. and dip-
ping S. at a small angle. A crushing of 70 tons was made in 1887 for a return of
4ozs. 2dwts. of gold; abandoned.
EASTWARD HO! REEF.
An undulating outcrop of ferruginous quartz and ironstone dipping S. 10° inter-
stratified with calcareous and micaceons slates and sandstones. No returns ;
abandoned.
Westward Ho! Mine (vide also page 247).- This mine was discovered in 1886 by
Messrs. Holmes and Radford. Later the mine became the property of Dr. Dixoni,
who erected a 20-head battery and worked it for some time. The reef is large, and
strikes E. and W., and underlies S. at an angle of 20°. Near the surface the reef
is composed chiefly of iron oxides and gossan, gradually turning into pyrites as
depth is attained. A little copper is contained in the pyrites in places.
The water-level now averages 35ft. from the surface.
The country rock is blue calcareous clayslate and limestone. The dip of the
reef conforms to the bedding of the country rock as far as followed down.
In 1887 a crushing at the Salt Creek battery of 25 tons returned 3lozs. of gold.
No returns are obtainable during the time the mine was worked by Dr. Dixon.
It is generally understood that owing to the refractory nature of the ore a large
percentage of the gold could not be extracted by the methods then adopted. The
Inspector of Mines in 1889 estimated this loss at 10dwts. to the ton.
About this time the mine was closed by Dr. Dixon, since which no work of any
consequence has been done, but returns for 1898 show that 3,000 tons of tailings
treated by Deeble's agitation cyanide process yielded 6750zs. of gold.
Two inclined shafts 110ft. apart were sunk, connected at the water-level by a drive.
Between these shafts, and to the E. and W., the ground has been partly stoped,
as the reef was from 2ft. to 15ft. thick. A vertical shaft was sunk 320ft. S. No
information could be obtained with regard to the mine befow water-level. The
reef apparently has a much steeper inclination S. at water-level.
This pyrites lode has not hitherto been mined in a workmanlike manner. With
proper management, and the employment of the latest methods used in extracting
metals from this class of ore, mining on this lode might prove profitable. It is not
unlikely that the iron pyrites will be, to some extent, replaced by copper ore at a
depth,
GOLD.
245
THE AURORA AUSTRALIS LINE (vide also page 240).
This belt of reefs extends in a N.E. direction for 60 or 70 chains. Near the N.E.
end it includes large massive quartz reefs, vertical and slightly inclined, containing
gossan, pyrites, iron oxide, and attaining a thickness of 5ft. and 6ft.
Towards the S.W. end the reefs thin out into quartz veins from 3in. to Sin. in
thickness, well defined and steeply inclined S., containing a large proportion of
brown iron ore. The bed rocks are argillaceous sandstone, claystone, and mudstone.
Their general dip is S.E. 17° to 20°. No further work appears to have been done
on this reef subsequent to the previous report.
Galena.-A small vein of galena occurs near the E. end of the Elsie May reef,
and also at a place 21 miles N.E. of the Birthday. The latter returned an assay
of 23ozs. 10dwts. 9grs. of silver per ton.
Euro Mine. A bedded formation, consisting of slate and sandstone contain.
ing iron oxide in veins and bunches accompanied by quartz veins and ironstone.
The country rock consists of sandstone and calcareous sandstone and slate, forming
a broken or faulted anticlinal. In November, 1897, a parcel of 12 tons of ore was
treated at Petersburg Government Cyanide Works, and yielded 2ozs. 7dwls. from
battery treatment. The tailings contained 2ozs. 7dwts. of gold.
Homeward Bound Mine (vide also page 246).—The reef consists of ferricalcite
and calcite, with quartz and gossan, containing a little carbonate of bismuth and
gold. It strikes E. and W. and dips S. at an angle of 25°, and is from 3in. to 10in. in
thickness. A parcel of 5 tons of ore treated at Kapunda yielded 14dwts. 13grs. of gold.
So far the prospecting done on the numerous reef outcrops has not afforded great
encouragement to the gold miner, although here and there rich specimens have
been occasionally unearthed; but it must be borne in mind that at the time the
field was worked the present cheap processes for extracting finely divided gold from
low-grade ores were not in use, consequently only ore containing visible gold could
be economically crushed.
The assays given below are from samples recently taken from the reefs :-
Gold,
Silver,
Westward Ho!-
OzS. dets. gisel 025. dets. grs,
0 6 0 0 2 4
trace
trace
.......................
66
ŽŽŽŽŽŽ
No. 3 ...
or A WON
9
21
0
0
2
3
10
4
16
No. 6, pyrites
No. 7
No. 8
No. 9
Eudunda Hope .....
Pyrites.
0
1
0
HA COM
trace
13
trace
3
4
1
trace
4
0
10
6
.............................
0
7
18
10
0
9
0
10
Aurora Australis (Roberts' Claim)
trace
2
2
10
trace
No Gammon ........
......................................
Birthday Reef (McEvoy's Claim)
Homeward Bound
...................
Euro.
"
.........
.................................
-02
Silver-lead Reef
trace
* Copper, 31 per cent,
+ Picked specimens,
(Government Geologist, 1898).
246
MINİNG RECORDS.
Eudunda Hope (vide also page 244).--Vertical shaft put down 110ft., which passed
through pyrites and galena in a small vein. There was also some costeaning done,
but operations ceased for lack of capital. (1888.) In 1898 the Mines Department
raised and forwarded two parcels of ore and sent it for treatment at the Petersburg
Cyanide Works. Thirty-two tons 15cwts. were treated and returned 70zs. 18dwts.
13grs. of gold, valued at £30 138. 4d., the average extraction being worth 18s. per ton.
Homeward Bound (vide also page 245). Located 8 miles W. of Mannahill. The
lode has been traced through the full length of the W. block, and for a consider-
able distance through the adjoining one, and from the little work done and dis-
coveries made on the property adjoining the E. boundary there is no doubt that
the lode continues through the full length of the four blocks. In places lode crop-
pings can be seen on the surface, in others it is overlain by sandy loam; for over
30 chains in length it has been explored by numerous cross trenches, in most in-
stances disclosing lode material from 4in. to 18in. in width, containing gold and
bismuth in places. The principal work is on the W. block, and consists of two
shafts and two open cuts, extending for about 350ft. in length. No. 1 shaft, sunk
on the vein underlie to a depth of 104ft., discloses lode material from 9in, to 18in.
in width, striking E. and W., with a S. underlie of 45°; at the 48ft. level two drives
have been made E. and W. on the course of the lode, 21ft. and 100ft. respectively,
each exposing the same class of material—siliceous calcite associated with iron,
and about 18in. thick. No. 2 shaft is about 160ft. W. of No. 1; present depth
- 50ft. from the surface on the underlie, and exposes material of the same class and
of about the same width as previously described. No. 1 open cut is about 138ft.
in length, with an average depth of 8ft.; the vein, similar to that in No. 2 shaft,
is exposed in the bottom for the full width. No. 2 open cut is about 3 chains W.
of No. 1, and shows the vein, as in No. 1. There are other shallow workings still
further W., which prove the lode to be persistent in its course and uniform in its
character for a considerable length. Care is taken in the separation of the ore
containing bismuth, and requiring special treatment from that sent to the cyanide
works. Nine samples taken by the inspector from different portions of the work-
ings gave returns from 1dwt. to 40ozs. 19dwts. gold, and from trace to 2.8 per cent.
bismuth per ton. The returns showed that 116 tons treated at Peters-
burg yielded 10dwts. 17grs. of gold per ton, and 10cwt. of bismuth ore
sent to Queensland for special treatment, 134ozs. of gold, no return for
bismuth. Recently a further parcel of 170 tons sent to Petersburg gave
39ozs., making the average of the whole parcel a little over 10dwts. per ton, which
is satisfactory, and will warrant future vigorous working. For the future develop-
ment, the main underlie shaft should be continued, in order to explore the lode
and obtain a supply of water. Eventually it will probably be found advisable
to sink a main vertical shaft, to intersect the lode at a depth of about 300ft., and
connect the same with the underlie shaft. (I.M.R., 17-3-02.)
In June, 1904, Mr. J. Gottlieb secured the right to work this property, and with
a party forwarded to the Petersburg Cyanide Works 43 tons 3cwts. 2qrs., which gave
the splendid return of 3370zs. 10dwts. of gold, an extraction per ton of 7ozs. 16dwts.
10grs. of gold, worth £3 19s. 11d. per ounce. The total ore treated at the Govern.
ment battery was 367 tons 7cwts. 2qrs., which returned 532ozs. 11dwts. 16grs. of
gold, valued at £2,092 6s. 6d., the average extraction being worth 114s. per ton.
A 10-head battery is now being erected at the mine, and a dam has been sunk for
a water supply. (1907.)
Klondyke. On the continuation of Homeward Bound reef, adjoining the Home-
ward Bound Mine on the W. Twenty-eight tons 18cwts. treated at the Petersburg
Cyanide Works returned 650zs. 9dwts. 17grs. of gold valued at £257 18s. 3d., the
average yield being worth 178s. per ton.
Spanish American.-Situated on the Homeward Bound reef, adjoining and W.
of the Klondyke. Three shafts sunk, two 15ft. deep each and one 85ft. deep. In
the former the vein averages 12in. thick, carrying more or less gold throughout,
GÖLD.
247
some of the assays giving high results. The deep shaft has been sunk on the lode
underlie, which inclines rapidly to the $. For the first 50ft. the vein is of a rubbly
nature, very much broken, and averaging about 9in. thick; below this it is more
solid, composed of siliceous material, strongly associated with iron, and towards
the bottom about 12in. thick; in some places showing traces of bismuth, which
doubtless occur in streaks and patches, and indicate the richer portions of the
material. A 5-ton parcel from the upper workings, treated at the Government
works, Petersburg, gave 5dwts. per ton; the ore at the bottom appears more
promising. The sinking of the underlie shaft should be continued, to ascertain
the size and value of the lode, prior to sinking any vertical shaft. Sample of ore
from shaft bottom, 85ft., yielded 3ozs. 11dwts. of gold per ton, with trace of bis.
muth. (I.M.R., 2-4-02.)
Waterhouse's Claim.--Adjoining the E. boundary of the Homeward Bound. Two
openings had been made, the deepest, 10ft., exposing a vein formation 9in, wide,
apparently the same body as being worked in the Homeward Bound. At the time
of the inspector's visit it was simply a prospecting venture, and little work had been
done. (I.M.R., 2–402.)
Westward Ho !-From this mine 12 tons of ore sent by the Government to be
treated in Melbourne gave a return of 2ozs. 6dwts. per ton. The mine became the
property of Dr. Dixon, and a 20-head battery was worked. The reef is large, runs
E. and W., and underlies S. at a low angle. It is composed chiefly of iron oxides
and gossan, and has every appearance of being permanent, and can be easily mined.
Water-level, 60ft. The Inspector of Mines reported, in 1889, that thousands of
tons of vein material had been dealt with, but the gold, being fine, had escaped into
the tailings to the extent of fully 10dwts. to the ton. The sulphide ore had been
proved to carry over 1ļozs. to the ton, a portion being free gold. From the con-
centrates 68ozs. 8dwts. and 21grs. gold and 3ozs. 5dwts. 8grs. of silver per ton were
obtained ; and the tailings of the concentrates showed 16dwts. gold to the ton.
Recently the tailings lying there were treated, resulting in a bar weighing 1040zs.,
valued at £4 2s. 6d. per ounce, obtained by the Deeble process. In December, 1898,
this property was examined by the Government Geologist. He states that the
main inclined shaft had been sunk 72ft. below water-level, and that at the bottom
there had been a drive put in for 50ft. A large pyritous lode, varying in thickness
from 5ft. to 10ft., a continuation of the lode worked on the surface, is disclosed,
and looks to be strong and permanent. The veinstone is chiefly iron and arsenical
pyrites, associated with quartz, ironstone, and gossan; and it has been followed
from the surface 225ft. The samples taken from the bottom and the end of the
excavation gave good assay results, up to as high as loz. 9dwts. per ton, and show
that the lode at the deepest point reached is rich in gold. The vertical depth from
the surface is only about 50ft., and, taking into consideration this fact, together
with the size of the lode and the large quantity of auriferous pyrites that could be
cheaply obtained by a proper system of mining, it is almost certain that satisfactory
results would accrue if skilfully worked. (1899.)
The Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H. Matthews), reporting in April, 1900, states
that the lode has been explored on the surface by small shafts and trenches for
over 200yds. in length, but so far nothing of importance had been discovered,
except in the main inclined shaft, which has been sunk to a depth of about 220ft.,
being only about 55ft. vertical. The lode on the surface, and for some depth in
the shaft, is from 12in. to 18in. in thickness, but as it continues down makes very
much larger, being at the bottom from 8ft. to 10ft. thick. It is composed chiefly
of ferruginous matter from the surface to the 200ft. level, some portions containing
a much larger percentage of iron than others. On this a large amount of work
has been done, the gold apparently making in irregular shoots and bunches for
about 150ft. in length, some portions being of very high grade. Below the 200ft.
it has changed into a pyritic lode, containing a large quantity of sulphur and arsenic,
which cannot be successfully treated by the ordinary milling process. Three
248
MINING RECORDS.
hundred and fifty feet in a S. direction from the inclined shaft a vertical shaft
has been sunk to the depth of 71ft. ; its continuation should shortly pass through
the lode, should the ore body continue the same course; but from appearances
this seems doubtful, as the indications are in favor of the underlie being more vertical
than hitherto. Bulk samples taken from the bottom drive of the main shaft gave
4dwts. and 14dwts. of gold, and two samples from bottom of the shaft gave 2dwts.
and 6dwts. per ton; also one from the stopes gave 5dwts., the total giving an average
value of slightly over 6dwts. per ton. By further sinking the gold contents may
possibly improve, and to determine that point the sinking of either the inclined
or the vertical shaft should be continued. (I.M.R., 27-4-00.) Vide also page 244.
MCLEAN's.-Adjoining the Walter Outalpa, near Walparuta Springs, on an alluvial
flat. It was examined in 1895 by the Inspector of Mines, who reported that pros-
pecting operations were in progress, by which means a lode had been traced, which
seemed continuous and worth prospecting.
MEDORA MINE.-Adjoins the Mount Grainger Mine on the S. In October, 1897,
it was reported that the lode had been struck at 45ft. in the two vertical shafts
sunk, and that gold was showing freely. At the Petersburg Cyanide Works a parcel
of 191 tons of ore was treated August, 1898, which returned 42ozs. 11dwts. 21grs.
of gold. The total quantity of ore treated at the Petersburg Cyanide Works was
200 tons, which returned 182ozs. 6dwts. 23grs. of gold, valued at £694 9s. 9d., the
average extraction being worth 69s. per ton.
MID-ALMA.—Situated between the Alma and Victoria and the East Alma, and
the two lodes in it strike E. and W., one averaging ift. and the other ift. 6in. in
width. Two shafts have been put down to the respective depths of 296ft.
and 93ft., both following the dip of the lodes; and there is a drive of 80ft.
The ore matrix is quartz intermingled with ironstone, the country rock being
argillaceous sandstone. The total amount expended to April, 1890, in the develop-
ment of this mine was £3,917 12s.
MINTARO ALLUVIAL DIGGINGS.-Locality, section 2153, and a small adjoining re-
serve, hundred of Stanley. The gold, says the Government Geologist, is found on
two bottoms, namely, in the surface loam and gravel, from a depth of 6in. to
1ft. or 2ft., and in red clay and wash underneath, and which rests upon the bed-
rock, and is of an unusually good quality; some is waterworn, and nuggets of a
few ounces in weight have been found. Gold has also been found in other places
in the vicinity. No well-defined quartz reefs or igneous dykes are visible, and the
gold may have been derived, as at Echunga, from small kaolin and ironstone veins.
The rocks are favorable to the occurrence of gold, and places where there are cap-
pings of Tertiary gravel and conglomerate, as well as the gullies and creeks of the
district, might be tested for gold. (1892.)
MONTACUTE MINE.-This mine is mentioned under the head of “ COPPER," but it
is said to have also yielded gold. No reliable information has been obtained beyond
the fact that samples from the lode, on washing, gave good colors. It has been
stated that during the time the mine was worked, viz., 1844-51, assays showing
gold up to 4ozs. 13dwts. 8grs. per ton had been obtained.
MONTE CHRISTO (Sullivan's Claim).-Locality, 1 mile N.E. from Mount Victor.
The Inspector of Mines examined this property in October, 1894, and reported
that there are several strong outcrops of lodes, and on the E. slope of a hill a shaft
cut one of them at 20ft., passing through it at 30ft., and drives were put in. Paint
gold was visible on some of the stone, and samples taken gave an assay result from
a trace to ldwt. per ton. In another shaft, 35ft. deep, a strong vein strikes E. and
dips S. Further prospecting in depth recommended.
MOPPA GOLDFIELD.—Locality, 21 miles from Greenock. It was reported that
alluvial diggers did well here between 1893 and 1895, two men obtaining 280zs. of
gold, one piece weighing 19dwts. 17grs. Subsequent workings proved that the
GOLD
249
gold was to be found in irregular patches, and was difficult to trace. Sinking was
from 12ft. to 30ft. in soft sandy clay. In the latter part of 1895 only a few diggers
continued working there. The Inspector of Mines in 1893 reported that 20 men
were working on alluvial on sections 7 miles S. of Kapunda, some of whom had
obtained a little gold. Gold exists in reefs in the locality, and there is a considerable
area of alluvial ground. Results up to that date had been poor, but little work
had been done to prove the property. It was recommended to test a deeper gully
S. of section 7, and one on section 5.
Moppa Hill.-In September, 1894, some men were obtaining gold near Fitzgerald's
and on Heggie's and Johnson's land. Several men had been getting fair prospects.
The gold was reported to be of good quality, being purchased at the Melbourne Mint
at £4 ls. per ounce.
Heggie's.-In 1904 Inspector Matthews reports :-Situated close to the old Moppa
Gold Diggings, hundred of Belvidere, 3 miles N.E. of Greenock township. The
section (No. 6) is traversed by a low range of hills, of an auriferous character. For
a considerable width there are numerous veins and quartz leaders. The principal
formation showing on the surface extends over 10ft. in width; it consists chiefly of
slate, ironstone, and quartz, striking N. and S., and underlying 45° E. On this
several small openings have been made, and two or three small prospecting shafts,
from which it was stated fair returns had been obtained, but, not having been
worked for a considerable time, most of the workings had fallen in, and could not
be examined. W. of the principal outcrop a shaft has been sunk over 60ft., and,
apparently, a crosscut driven, but not far enough to intersect the main ore body.
The waste material on the surface shows that veins of ore have been passed through,
samples of which returned 1dwt. gold per ton; other samples tried from some of
the openings gave little or no result. The property is undoubtedly auriferous, and
for further prospecting it would be advisable to open up the various lodes and veins
by sinking trial shafts, and cross-trenching on the surface. (I.M.R., 10–2–04.)
In June, 1905, 41 tons treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works returned
20ozs. 18dwts. 10grs. of gold, valued at £85 14s. 7d., the yield per ton being 4ozs.
12dwts. 23grs., the average value being worth 380s. per ton.
MORIALTA.--In 1890 gold was being found in gullies on the Morialta Estate, at
the head of the Fifth Creek, in the hundred of Adelaide. It was of a peculiar
character, being frequently found in flat pices, bearing serrated feather-like mark-
ings. The owner of the land bought 500zs. of gold from the diggers, but there is
every reason to believe that this represented but a small proportion of the quantity
found. (See also “ SILVER-LEAD.”)
MOTTRAM'S.-Situated near Angepena. The Government Geologist reported
(March, 1896) that a shaft had been sunk 60ft. in soft slate, near a small outcrop of
ironstone and crystalline limestone, and drives put in. Average samples from
ferruginous material and manganic iron in the veins gave each a trace of gold.
MOUNT CRAIG.–An Adelaide exploring and prospecting syndicate reported in
July, 1897, striking a 2ft. reef in this locality which carried good gold.
Mount DUTTON RANGE.-In June, 1889, the Government Geologist roughly pros-
pected this locality, which lies some 12 or 15 miles N.W. of Algebuckina and higher
up the Neales River. Encouraging prospects of alluvial gold were found in several
places, and there is every reason to suppose that payable patches of auriferous
ground exist and might be found by diligent prospecting. The areas occupied by
the Mount Dutton, Peake, and Mount Denison Ranges, extending from near Anna
Creek to Mount Dutton, a distance of about 80 miles, are surrounded by Mesozoic
plains, with a great thickness of sandstones, shales, and other deposits covering the
bedrock. Prospecting for gold should commence on or near the outcrops, and once
a lead or run of gold is struck it is possible that it may be traced far out beneath
the Mesozoic deposits of the plains.
250
MINING RECORDS.
MOUNT GRAINGER.–Situated about 9 miles N. of Oodla Wirra. In December, 1894,
the then Inspector of Mines reported in detail, the sum of his statements being that
at about 150ft. above the creek a long open cut had passed through a rubble forma-
tion 30ft. wide, with quartz stringers showing gold occasionally, whilst decomposed
material prospected over 2ozs. of gold per ton, Jaspery honeycombed quartz was
abundant; also yielding excellent prospects. A strong well-defined quartz reef
exists, carrying gold; strike, N.E. and S.W. The gold was free, coarse, and easily
saved ; and 5dwts. per ton should pay. The results from 20 washings showed from
loz. to 6ozs. per ton. A subsequent inspector reported that doubtless there would
be a compact lode found at depth. Samples taken by him from the workings varied
from 2dwts. to 30zs. 14dwts. of gold per ton, and 3ozs. 2dwts. of silver per ton. In
March, 1895, he found that the underlie shaft had been continued to 53ft., and a
drive put in 20ft. from that level, with a winze thence 45ft. ; lode still in unsettled
country; prospects good. The Government Geologist examined the property in
1895, and stated that the rich formation is composed of hard and soft sandstone,
quartzite, clayslate, and argillaceous sandstone, with calcareous sandstone grit
and quartzite in the neighborhood. The gold-bearing veins together make an
irregular lode formation 3ft. to 4ft.in width, apparently due to the intrusion of veins
or dykes of igneous rock into sandstone and clayslate, in the fissures of which rocks
ferruginous material has been deposited. The formation resembles those occurring
near Mount Pleasant. Good prospects of fine gold are to be obtained by washing
the vein-stuff from any of the excavations on the mine. Some of the stone treated
at the Government Cyanide Works gave these results :-Stone, 4 tons 6cwts.,
treated by battery, 50zs. 3dwts. 9grs., valued at £3 18s. per ounce; by cyanide,
15dwts. 14grs., valued at £4 per ounce.
Report by Inspector Matthews, in May, 1900. Up to then the principal work
had been confined to block No. 296, which is in the Mount Grainger Range, and
stands about 120ft, above the plain level. The lode outcrop can be traced through
the full length of the block, and in each end of the adjoining leases, being, in places,
over 20ft. wide, composed chiefly of friable ferruginous lode material, the enclosing
rock being principally slate of the usual gold-bearing character, and is probably
in the same mineral belt of country that extends on to Teetulpa, from whence
large quantities of gold were formerly obtained. The workings consist of several
cross trenches, underlic shaft, vertical shaft, winze, and drives, the surface trenches
exposing in each instance lode material, and proving its course to be N.E. and S.W.,
with a W. underlie. About 30ft. from the hilltop an open trench has disclosed the
lode for fully 20ft. in width, and the prospects tried all contained gold to a greater
or less extent, many of them being very good indeed. From this point a very
irregular underlie shaft and small workings have been carried down to the depth
of 75ft., some of the drives being across the formation, others on its course, but in
no particular instance to any great extent. About 100ft. S.W. of the underlie a
main vertical shaft has been sunk to the depth of 150ft., and connected with the
former. At this point the lode has been crosscut, showing the formation to be from
25ft. to 28ft, in width, composed chiefly of siliceous gritty kaolin, with small veins
and seams of ironstone, in places crossing from wall to wall; drives have also been
made a short distance on the course of the lode. In the S. drive, 20ft. S. of the
shaft, a winze has been carried down a further depth of 70ft., making a total depth
of 220ft. on the underlie, or 200ft. vertical from the surface. Here the lode
formation appears of greater width than at the 150ft. level, but the character of
the material has somewhat changed, containing boulders and blocks of intrusive
rock, with small quartz and iron seams running through the joints, in which gold
can be frequently seen, portions being very rich. Doubtless as the works are
continued to a greater depth the intrusive rock will again disappear, leaving the
ore body as it appears at the 150ft. level. From all parts of the underground
workings described there have recently been treated at the Petersburg Government
Cyanide Works 398 tons of ore, which yielded 1750zs. 10dwts. of gold, or an average
GOLD.
251
Hindi MELAH
of 8dwts. 20grs. per ton, which can only be regarded as very satisfactory. Further
vigorous working of this property is fully warranted by its present appearances
and past returns. There are other parallel formations which should be prospected;
having up to the present received little or no attention, their size or value has not
yet been ascertained. (I.M.R., 1–5–00.)
Reporting further, in December, 1900, the inspector states that the work of
developing the property is proceeding satisfactorily. A winding engine, with
appliances, has been erected, and the main shaft sunk and timbered to a depth of
220ft. Chambers have been opened and crosscuts driven at the 120ft. and 220ft.
levels, the latter being about 300ft. below the site of the old shaft on the hilltop,
and at this level the crosscut has been made for 35ft., passing through 30ft. of
lode matter, consisting of ferruginous kaolinised slate material, containing seams,
veins, and bunches of ironstone, running in various directions, some of them pros-
pecting equal to the upper workings. At the 120ft. level the crosscut has been
extended 40ft., and in about 60ft. more will probably intersect the lode. A most
promising formation, 7ft. thick, was passed through about 10ft. from the shaft;
it is very similar to the material of the main lode, but containing less iron, and
gives good prospects. All work has been done in a very creditable and workman-
like style. (I.M.R., 8-12–00.)
In March, 1901, the inspector again reports that the work of development is
proceeding satisfactorily, and that the levels and crosscuts in various parts of the
mine prove the lode formation to be over 20ft. wide, and of a nature as previously
described. The crosscut at the 120ft. level has passed through the formation,
which at this point is 28ft. in width. A drive has been made N., and by means
of a rise is connected with the upper workings, from the old shaft. From bulk
samples of the day's hauling, the satisfactory average of 11dwts. gold per ton was
obtained. It is intended to continue the main shaft, to obtain a supply of water
for milling purposes. (I.M.R., 5–3-01.)
The total quantity of ore treated at the Petersburg Cyanide Works was 520 tons
8cwts., which yielded 219ozs. 19dwts. 6grs. of gold, valued at £862 19s. 7d., the
average yield being worth 33s. per ton. A battery was afterwards erected at the
mine, and in September, 1901, started crushing, 250 tons being crushed for 3lezs.
of gold. Some time afterwards the mine was worked on tribute, and 500 tons
crushed returned 3dwts. per ton.
MOUNT MONSTER.—Blackfellow's Creek, Mount Magnificent, on the E. side of a
fairly continuous line of steep rugged ranges, of an auriferous character, rising to
a considerable height on the W. side of Blackfellow's Creek. In the S. lease there
are two surface openings and one shaft, the latter sunk to a depth of 26ft. These
workings have exposed, for the length of about 200ft., a lode formation, composed
of ferruginous quartz of a most favorable character, being impregnated with iron
more or less throughout, more pronounced, and the material being more friable on
the hanging-wall side; the strike of the lode is N. and S., with a W. underlie of
2 in 6. The No. 1, or S., opening is a surface trench cut through the lode outcrop,
which shows for about 18ft, in width, but sufficient depth to show well-defined walls
have not been attained. On the W. side a portion of the lode body, 2ft. 6in. wide,
was more friable and iron-stained than the balance. No. 1, midway between the
openings, has been sunk to a depth of 26ft. on the W. or hanging-wall side. At the
bottom the lode has a much better appearance than near the surface, there being
a larger number of ironstone veins, in which, apparently, the gold chiefly occurs.
The wall exposed is fairly good ; in places bands of ironstone break through, but
will probably not continue far into the enclosing slate and sandstone rocks. The
second cutting is simply a surface opening, not of sufficient depth to expose the
full width of the lode, which at this point is, to a large extent, overlaid with alluvial.
On the W. side a vein of quartz, iron, and clay, from 6in. to 2ft., was met with.
A parcel of 6 tons taken from this place, and treated at the Mount Torrens Govern-
ment Cyanide Works, gave 12dwts. 12grs. of gold per ton. In the N. lease a small
III
252
MINING RECORDS.
......
opening has been made to the depth of 12ft. or 15ft. on the footwall side of the
lode formation, exposing a vein of quartz from 6in. to 8in. wide, containing a little
iron, but not of the same character as that shown in the other workings. From its
position the inspector was inclined to think it a parallel lode formation, but until a
series of cross-trenches have been made the point cannot be determined. This
should be done, as the lode is apparently very large, and a shaft sunk at the most
favorable point. Should these operations be successful, there is a good site for a
tunnel at the foot of the hill. Samples taken gave the following results :-
No. 1, or S. opening ................ ............ trace of gold
No. 1 shaft, bottom, two samples iron-stained quartz...
66
No. 1 shaft, end of shaft, 2ft. from bottom, containing
large percentage of iron........
.......
4ozs. 14dwts.
No. 1 shaft, opposite end, containing large percentage
of iron ..
10ozs. 9dwts.
Second opening, vein 12in. wide, containing large per-
centage of iron...............................
loz. 3dwts.
Third opening, N. block........................... nil
These clearly show that at present the better class ore is associated with the iron
bands. The results from the shaft and the second opening are encouraging; the
reef, so far as exposed, is strong, and likely to continue, with good prospects, and
work of development is fully warranted. (I.M.R., 8-1-00.)
A tunnel has been driven from the foot of the range for 240ft. ; the E. wall
of the lode was cut at 218ft., and the W. wail has not yet been reached, as the
remaining 22ft. of the tunnel is in lode material; the face shows country rock,
with small quartz seams. The lode material is of a siliceous nature, and portions
contain iron and pyrites in considerable quantity, and of character favorable for
gold-bearing. The size of the lode body cannot yet be determined, but it is evidently
large, and appears permanent. At this point it is probably of low grade in bulk,
but from indications in the upper workings, it is probable that by driving S.
along the course of the lode much more valuable ore will be encountered. The
shaft is now 60ft. deep; it has followed the lode, which consists chiefly of iron-stained
quartz, containing a little pyrites, with occasional open vughs, or cavities, filled
with soft gritty kaolinised matter, rich in gold. A sample taken from one of these
at 50ft. deep gave 9ozs. 16dwts. gold per ton, and two samples of quartz taken from
the shaft bottom returned loz. 6dwts., and traces respectively, showing that the
high and low grade materials are closely associated, making it most difficult to obtain
a correct average value, except by actual battery and cyanide treatment of separate
parcels from the different localities. It is advised that the shaft and tunnel should
be connected, in order that the trend and value of the ore bodies could be examined.
The inspector considers the prospects to be encouraging. (I.M.R., 17–7-02.)
The total quantity treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works was 47 tons
6cwts., which returned 150zs. 15dwts. 19grs. of gold, valued at £57 2s. ld., the
average yield being worth 24s. per ton.
In 1904, the shoot of gold-bearing stone having been lost, it was determined to
test the ground at depth, and the use of the Government diamond drill was obtained.
The lode was bored through at various depths from 300ft. to 600ft., and proved to
be 9ft. thick. Unfortunately the gold contents, where passed through by the drill,
were small, and the company went into liquidation.
MARIA.—Situated 27 miles S.E. of Taltabooka Well. Auriferous quartz was
discovered on the surface in 1894. The Inspector of Mines reported that some
costeaning pits showed a fair amount of auriferous stone. Samples from these and
from heaps on the surface assayed 2ozs. 6dwts. of gold and loz. 12dwts. of silver
per ton. There is no defined lode, but the property is worthy of development.
(1895.)
GOLD.
253
- MOUNT KINIORE.---Locality, 11 miles N.W. from the Alma. Two peaks on
a hill form a centre towards which six distinct reefs of white barren-looking
quartz strike. The Inspector of Mines stated that the whole hill is a mass of hungry.
looking quartz, not likely to carry payable gold. Samples tried by the Government
Assayer gave no valuable result. Little work had been done on the claim at the
time of his visit. (1889.)
MOUNT MAGNIFICENT.—Gold was found on section 209, hundred of Myponga, near
the River Finniss, and 2 miles in a W.N.W. direction from Mount Magnificent. At
a spot 20 chains E. of the river, and 150ft, up the slope of the hill, a large quartz
reef crops out. A tunnel has been driven into the hill about 10ft. below the reef
to a lode formation from 2ft. to 3ft, in thickness, and from which quartz was ex-
cavated for about 16ft. The reef strikes N. and S., with an underlie of 45° E.
N. and S. of the tunnel it bends round in the shape of a horseshoe. The quartz
generally is very ferruginous. Good prospects of rough gold were obtained from
stone taken from the tunnel and the outcrop; no fine particles were found. The
reef is large and well defined. This is the prospectors' claim. On Mincham's
claim a tunnel of about 75ft. was driven along a small reef higher up the hill to the
S.E., having a S.E. underlie, and composed of white and ferruginous quartz. No
gold was to be seen in the quartz. An attempt was made by a small company to
work these reefs, but the claim was abandoned before much work had been done,
and before any payable results had been obtained. Subsequently shafts were put
down and tunnels driven, but no valuable discovery made. The Inspector of Mincs
stated that the mine was situated in an auriferous belt of country. The long tunnel
had been driven 275ft. (1889.) Prospecting for reefs should be encouraged in
this vicinity.
Vide also Little Gem, Golden Nob, Golden Rock, Nicholas' Lease, and Mount Monster.
MOUNT OGILVIE.--Locality, 31 miles S.S.E. from Tower Gap, Mount Lyndhurst
Run. Gold was found to occur in small veins of ferricalcite and quartz, traversing
siliceous and calcareous slates. Rich specimens of gold were obtained from thesc
veins, associated with ores of cobalt, nickel, and arsenic, in which the gold was
sometimes found embedded. The Inspector of Mines reported that there is a con-
tinuous run of broken hills and low-lying ranges from Gill's Bluff to Nichol's Nob.
a distance of 10 miles, capped by beds of concretionary slates, in places ferruginous,
and besides there are masses of siliceous and cherty slates. Gold was visible in the
barytes, and the compact ullmanite nearest the barytes was remarkably rich in
gold. There was no trace of copper 2ft. below the surface, though the outcrop
contained carbonate of copper. (1889.)
The work done soon after the discovery seemed to prove that the gold-carrying
veins are not persistent in depth here.
MOUNT OGILVIE WEST.—Locality, S.W. of and adjoining Mount Ogilvie Mine. Two
shafts were sunk, No. 1, 42ft. vertical, passing through nine leaders containing
quartz, calcspar, and iron, carrying a little gold; and No. 2, sunk on the underlic
of a lode at an angle of 50° to a depth of 64ft. The width of the lode on surface
increased to not less than 20ft. at the depth mentioned, where it consists of iron,
calcspar, quartz, oxide of manganese, and earthy iron gossan. A picked parcel of
llcwts. of this treated in the Huntington mill yielded loz. 9dwts., being at the rate
of 3ozs. to the ton, and assays have been had as high as 220zs. gold and 1180zs. of
silver. A small lot of lcwt., treated by Harrold Bros., yielded 41 per cent. nickel
and į per cent. bismuth, with traces of cobalt. Two other reefs on the property
have not been tested. (1890.)
MOUNT RUFUS.—Locality, sections 149 and 150, hundred of Dutton, 17 miles
N.E. from Kapunda. The Inspector of Mines reported in January, 1895, that on
the saddle of a high hill there is a strong body of quartz, 3ft. wide, enclosed by de-
composed granite stained with iron; samples gave no return of gold. A vein of
254
MINING RECORDS.
quartz on the crown of the hill assayed a trace of gold. There are other shallow
sinkings exposing veins which gave no results, but these veins are of a kindly nature
and auriferous. They should be tested at depth.
MOUNT VENTURE is on section 4107, Onkaparinga. In January, 1887, gold was
found on the cap of a reef, which strikes nearly due N. and S., with an underlie E.
and traceable on the surface for some distance. A shaft was sunk to a depth of
63ft., and at 31ft. a crosscut put in. This showed the reef to be 18ft. wide. Assays
taken yielded gold at the rate of 23ozs, to the ton. At 63ft. drives were extended
N. and S. along the reef, which consists of ironstone, with veins of quartz. The
existence of a defined and continuous shoot of gold was not proved. (1889.)
MOUNT VICTORIA MINE is about 2 miles S.W. from Mount Victoria, in the N.E.
district. Prospecting for copper ore was carried to a depth of about 60ft. The
lode contains specular iron, carbonates, red oxide, and sulphides of copper, and
iron pyrites. The lode strikes N.W., and is about 2ft. wide, in a soft decomposed
granitic dyke. Gold occurs in the green carbonate, the quartz, and the iron oxide,
in coarse and fine specks. The lode is worth testing for gold to a depth much
greater than that reached. (1883.)
The Inspector of Mines, in March, 1900, reports that from time to time a con-
siderable amount of work has been done in the way of sinking shafts and driving
on a fairly well-defined lode, striking N.W., from which very rich gold and copper
specimens have been obtained. The principal shaft in the old workings has been
sunk to a depth of 70ft. on the underlie, and a drive made S. for 104ft. In conse-
quence of water and debris remaining in the workings, they could not be thoroughly
examined, but, judging from small portions left in the upper levels, the lode forma-
tion is from 3ft. to 4ft. wide, containing veins of good-grade ore. The inspector
was informed that the previous company had sent away 35 tons of ore, which gave
a return of 2ozs. of gold and 15 per cent. of copper per ton. From the same work-
ings the present owners had raised a few tons, then on the dressing floors, which
contained a fair percentage of copper, and free gold could be seen associated with
the iron. For some time operations had been confined to the sinking of a main
vertical shaft, situated 80ft. S.W. of the old workings, to the depth of 90ft. ; from
the bottom a crosscut was in progress, through very hard granite ; 19ft. had been
done, leaving 15ft. or 20ft. more to reach the supposed position of the lode. At
70ft. from the surface, in the shaft, 8ft. of broken country was passed through,
containing small veins of copper and iron gossan, and should the bottom crosscut
not prove satisfactory, it would be advisable to crosscut at this level, as the small
veins would probably lead to a larger ore body. Samples taken gave the following
results :-
From 90ft. shaft, 70ft. from surface ...... 304 % copper
From surface opening, 50ft. E. of 90ft. shaft trace
Bulk sample from dressed ore, 80ft. N. of
90ft. shaft...
....... 19 % copper, loz. 5dwts. gold.
These results may be regarded as satisfactory, and warrant the continuance of
operations. (I.M.R., 15-3-00.)
MULDOON'S CLAIM.-Situated at Angipena. The Government Geologist examined
this property in April, 1896, and found a shaft down 30ft, on a large “blow" of
brown iron ore, siliceous iron, and gossan, up to 15ft. wide, and pyrites. Four
average samples returned, in two cases, a trace of gold, and in the others nil.
MYPONGA.-In May, 1886, the Government equipped a party of 18 men to pros-
pect for gold in the hundred of Myponga. They began on section 287, Meadows
Creek, near its junction with the Finniss, and in a line of shafts, varying in depth
from 5ft. to 17ft., put across the creek, gold was found, but not in payable quantities.
The E. slope was tried within 100yds. of the creek, and a fair prospect was found
in 4ft. sinking. In one shaft a small patch yielded about loz. 10ðwts. of rough gold.
Around this shaft a great number of others were sunķ to depths of from 4ft, to 30ft.,
GOLD.
255
ons wereot directly. Spected Fanniss Rivetths of
ould be a race from ected for golary of
but no payable gold was found. A little distance below the junction of the Finniss
and Meadows creeks some holes were put down to depths of 1lft. and 14ft., but
greater depths could not be reached owing to the influx of water. Some specks of
gold were met with in the drift. Four hundred yards below this point a line of
shafts was thrown across the river, and two distinct runs of gold were struck. Near
Mount Compass shafts were sunk from 3ft. to 40ft. deep, and gold was found in
nearly all. In the 40ft. shaft it was found at 17ft., on a false bottom. From that
depth the sinking was through sand cement on to a granite bottom. Other trial
shafts were put down in the neighborhood of Mount Compass, without result.
Holes were also sunk down the river to about 300yds. below the junction of Black-
fellow's Creek. Specks of gold were found in most of the holes. Returning to their
starting point on the Meadows Creek, and prospecting N., the party obtained signs
of gold in nearly every gully, but not in payable quantities. In Cooper's Gully a
good prospect of shotty gold was got, but operations were greatly retarded by the
large quantity of water met with. At Lantern Flat, about 13 miles N. of the
starting point, the party prospected places where two long gullies come into it.
Some of the dirt yielded from 2dwts. to 3dwts. of gold per load. Prospecting opera-
tions were not carried beyond this point. (1887.)
At a spot directly on the boundary of Myponga and Kuitpo a few yards square
of surfacing was prospected for gold. A trial washing yielded four or five specks.
By making a race from the Finniss River a short distance above this point, sluicing
could be engaged in during several months of the year. (1889.)
MOONLIGHT.-This claim adjoined the Lady Franklin Mine, Port Lincoln district.
Six shafts have been sunk, from 20ft. to 37ft. in depth. The reef is well defined,
and was reported to be auriferous. (July, 1897.)
NANTAWARRA. —Locality, old Nantawarra Dam. In a conglomerate ironstone
deposit, in the bed of a dry creek on Johnson's land, it was reported in October,
1895, that traces of gold had been found.
NACKARA REWARD.-Situated about 6 miles E. of the Nackara Railway Station,
on the Hog Back Range, a strong line of ranges running N. and S., and in places
rising more than 300ft. above the level of the plain. On the hilltop there is a strong
quartzite outcrop, striking in the same direction as the main ridge, underlying
slightly to the E., and containing small veins, seams, and leaders of quartz; these
are irregular, have no general strike, and occasionally show coarse specks of gold.
The outcrop has been broken in places, but has not been sunk upon. On the E.
side of the range, which rises very abruptly to the height of about 400ft., a tunnel
has been driven for 171ft., and should be, when extended, fully 150ft. below the
highest point of the outcrop. The rock driven through is chiefly sandstone and
quartzite of an extremely hard nature. Small seams of quartz were found, in-
cluding one of fair size, in which it was stated a little gold had been found. At
the end of the tunnel the rock is not quite so hard, and contains a little pyrites,
probably owing to the face of the tunnel nearing the outcropping body; and
considering the amount of work done, the inspector advises that the tunnel should
be continued until the formation is struck; this may be expected within another
60ft., and the ground would then be thoroughly tested. From the surface openings
and breakings of the outcrop 8 tons of material, treated at the Government battery,
Petersburg, gave 5dwts. per ton. (I.M.R., 15–8–01.)
On a further inspection it was found that the tunnel had been extended 81ft.,
making, with the approach, a total length of 252ft. The inspector was satisfied
that the veins mentioned are the lode continuation, and it would be of no advantage
to drive the tunnel any further. Future development work in the lower levels
should be preceded by surface prospecting by a series of open cuts across the line of
lode at the most favorable points, and the prospects then gained would guide
future operations. Samples taken from the veins passed through in the tunnel
ſeturned traces of gold. (I.M.R., 24-10-03.)
256
MINING RECORDS.
NOARLUNGA.—- In 1894 an Adelaide syndicate worked a large reef containing
sugary spar and iron pyrites, carrying a little gold. The assays were poor, though
one was said to have reached loz. 3dwts. of gold and 5ozs. of silver per ton. It
is distant about a mile from the Almanda Silver Mine.
NORTH NAIRNE.—Locality, near the Nairne Railway Station and nearly adjoining
the New Banksia. The Inspector of Mines reported that there was a large reef
upon the property, which required capital for thorough prospecting. From 3dwts.
to 4dwts. per ton could be obtained by trial crushings all through the reef, which
is 10ft. thick at the 140ft. level, but pinches going S. At the 80ft, the reef averages
5ft. It had been estimated that under effective treatment the reef would yield
loz. per ton. The lease contained mile in length of reef, striking N. and S.,
with a dip E. at an angle of 10°. The drives opened and winzes sunk exposed fully
11,000 tons of material. Numerous assays obtained averaged 12dwts. per ton,
and the gold was of high quality. Stopped working, wanting capital. (1890.)
NORTH PARA RIVER.-On section 586 a party of men tunnelling in the banks of this
river, at the junction between the bedrock and the Tertiary drift, got washdrift con.
sisting of cemented gravel and boulders, showing gold. The ground tried up to
1889 was not regarded as payable.
NICHOLAS LEASE.—This adjoins the Golden Nob, close to the Finniss River, in the
vicinity of Blackfellow's Creek. Portions of the ground have from time to time
been worked for alluvial, with, it is stated, very fair results. The present operations
are confined to an opening 6ft. deep, exposing lode formation from 7ft. to 8ft. wide,
composed principally of slate and promising looking veins of ironstone, from 4in.
to 12in. thick. Prior to sinking shafts it would be advisable to further prospect
on the line of lode by a system of open trenches and trial pits, by means of which
shoots of gold may be discovered, and the proper position for sinking shafts for
deeper development indicated. (I.M.R., 17-12-03.)
NILLINGHOO GOLDFIELD.—Situated near Mount Victor. The Government Geolo-
gist in 1895 described the mode of occurrence of gold here, remarking upon the
peculiarities exhibited in the Kirkeek's Treasure Mine. The country rocks consist
of quartzite, sandstone, siliceous slate, and clayslate, striking E. and W., and
tilted up into an anticlinal arch. The lode strikes through these rocks in an E.
and W. direction, penetrating the quartzite rock, which contains thin bands of
kaolinised slate. The lode formation carries hematite, brown iron ore, and gossan,
with quartz and kaolin intermingled with quartzite rock, and cavities are occasionally
filled with brown clay containing crystals of limonite of all sizes, cubical and modified
(evidently at one time pyrites), and crystals of quartz. The limonite has resulted
from oxidation. (See “ Kirkeek's Treasure.")
A number of claims were taken up in the neighborhood of Kirkeek's Treasure
soon after its discovery. They were more or less prospected, with varying results,
and finally abandoned. The names, as far as known, are-.Nillinghoo, Birthday,
Nillinghoo Eastern, Nillinghoo Extended, Nillinghoo Gold Mining Company, Nil-
linghoo Lookout Hill, Nillinghoo Proprietary, and Nillinghoo Western Blocks.
No alluvial gold finds have been reported from this locality.
NOR’-WEST PROSPECTING COMPANY. - This was formed at Hammond in
December, 1894, to send out prospectors through the country lying between the
settled districts and the W. boundary of the province. A party was formed, and
Government assistance obtained, but results were not satisfactory.
ONE TREE HILL.--Locality, Shillabeer's section. Prospecting commenced in 1896
on a reef traceable along a ridge, and it was stated that two samples assayed res-
pectively 20zs. 1ldwts. 16grs. and 50zs. per ton of ore. A syndicate secured a
mining right over four sections. A later report stated that a tunnel had been driven
211ft., and a lode 2ft. wide, and numerous leaders had been prospected. Open cuts
had been excavated, and a shaft sink 40ft.
OUTALPA MINE (Carson's later called the “Golden Dewdrop"):--Situated about
1} miles N.W. of Outalpa railway siding. Workings consist of two vertical shafts,
GOLD).
257
111ft. apart, 60ft. and 25ft. deep, surface costeans, and two inclined drives along
the course of the lode. One of these starts at a point 130ft. N. 56° E. from the 60ft.
shaft, and has been driven S.W. along the course of the lode, slanting downwards,
connecting with the 25ft. shaft at 17ft. from the surface; the other starts in same
surface workings, 175ft. from the deeper shaft, and goes down in a similar manner
under the first drive to a point S.W. from the 25ft. shaft. The deep shaft has been
sunk on the footwall side of the lode, and is connected with the inclined drive by a
short crosscut at the bottom, where water has been met with. The workings have
been made on a lode consisting of ferruginous quartz and gossan, which, at water-level,
is replaced by pyrites and a little quartz. It varies in thickness from 3in. to 20in.,
strikes N. 65° E., and underlies steeply to the N.W.; it is irregular, and has no
defined walls. Sixty-six tons 12cwts. of ore treated at Petersburg Government
Cyanide Works returned 420zs. 12dwts. 16grs. of gold. (4-12-01.)
V
PARA WIRRA, HUNDRED OF.
Notes on the Gumeracha and Mount Crawford Goldfields. (10-1-86.)
The area comprises most of the E. portion of the hundred of Para Wirra, with a
few sections in the N. of the hundred of Talunga. It is bounded on the N. by the
South Para River, and on the S. and E. by the range of hills which form the water-
parting between the Torrens and the Para River basins, and on the W. by the private
property in the valley of Malcolm's Creek.
There are two distinct tracts of country divided by Murray Vale--that to the E.
is a large tableland, about 1,000ft. above sea-level, consisting of flats and swamps,
with low hills, generally covered with dense honeysuckle scrub and grass trees ;
whilst that to the W. is very rough, being a series of steep timbered ranges, with
gullies running in deep channels, and frequently passing through gorges and over
waterfalls.
The highest hill (1,400ft.), at the head of Sailor's Gully, is a peak in the N. and
S. range, which is the continuation of the range from Mount Gould. To the W. of
this hill are several rough steep spurs, but none attain anything near the height
of this hill..
The range that forms the boundary between the hundreds of Para Wirra, Talunga,
and South Rhine is very low along the S. boundary until it nears the S.E. corner,
where it attains its greatest height at Gillmore's Hill (1,300ft.), after which it gradu-
ally decreases in height to the N. Mount Crawford is on the N. bank of the South
Para River, and is 1,358ft. above sea-level ; it is an isolated hill, and very steep on
the N. side, where the gorge of the Para River separates it from the little mount
(1.200ft.), which is at the N. end of a ridge that runs N. and S. between Murray
Vale and the large flats to the E.
The South Para River drains the whole of this area, and is always running below
Mount Crawford, where it flows through a series of steep rocky gorges, sometimes
200ft. sheer down. There are few defined creeks to the E., and they spread out into
large swampy flats and waterholes ; they never run except after continuous heavy
its way through the sand into the river during the summer months ; this, in a large
measure, accounts for the constant flow of the river. The creeks to the W. run
generally in steep rocky channels, but arc interspersed here and there with small
grassy flats; like the creeks to the E., they never run except after heavy rain..
Geology.-In this, as in the other goldfields, we find comparatively new Tertiaries
lying directly on the old Palæozoic and Metamorphic rocks, which latter are here
greatly broken and altered by numerous granite dykes.
Newer Gold Drifts.—The most recent formations here are the sand, clay, loam,
and gravel of the gullies ; of these, the sand is far the most abundant, particularly
in the E. portion ; altogether, they have nowhere proved to be of any great thickness.
258
MINING RECORDS.
Small Cappings and Patches (Surfacing).-Between the boundaries of the older
gold drift capping (made hills) and the newer drifts of the flats the surface is generally
strewn with debris of the former, often in such quantities that it is quite impossible
to trace the boundaries of either ; but the reefs and masses of rock which protrude
in places intervening show that these drifts cannot be thick.
The Older Gold Drifts (Made Hills and Cappings) are ferruginous conglomerates,
sandstone, claystone (cement), sand, clay, gravel, &c.
These rocks cover a large area of this district, particularly in the E. portion,
where they form all the low hills, and flank the range on the S. E..
This formation appears to be the remains of what was a lake bed in Tertiary
times ; levels, carefully taken, show that there was no outlet low enough to drain
the central part until the present river gorge cut its way through.
The lake probably overflowed at the low saddle, towards Springton, and was fed
by various tributaries, portions of the beds of which are still left, one of which
comes down from the Blumberg cemetery; there are also two others, coming from
a S.W. direction.
Bedrock.--Here, as in the other goldfields, we have called the bedrock Lower
Silurian, although, as in the other cases, no fossils are found which can determine
its age.
The rocks are micaceous, chloritic and clayslates, with beds of quartzite and
schistose sandstone, with numerous quartz reefs; these are well exposed in the
range on the S.E. and E. boundaries, and are apparently much broken and faulted,
as great variation of strike is found, even in following them for a short distance.
There are three large beds of quartzose sandstone-one in the S.W. corner (S. of
Dead Horse Gully), one forming the main range from the Gumeracha Diggings to
the Para River, and one the range of which Little Mount Crawford is the highest
peak.
The highly metamorphic rocks consist almost entirely of mica schist, with beds
of quartzite, sandstone, and gneissic rock, with a general N.E. dip, intersected by
numerous quartz reefs and granite dykes. These rocks occupy the whole of the
N.W. corner of the area, from the Gumeracha Road to the Williamstown Road,
and in it the goldfield is situated.
Dykes, Veins, &c.—The most prevalent strike of the dykes and veins is nearly
N. and S., but there appears also to have been a second dislocation nearly at right
angles to the first one, and at a later period, which formed the E. and W. lodes and
dykes. A peculiarity of the veins is that they are often a mixture of solid white
quartz and granite, with sometimes a predominance of one and sometimes of the
other, so intermixed that they must either have been formed at the same time, or
the granite, on cooling, must have left large cavities, probably filled with steam or
gases, into which the silica subsequently found its way, in solution.
The granites are of a large crystalline character, often containing crystals of
replace the tourmaline.
The quartz reefs mostly contain a large quantity of iron in the form of pyrites,
from which it is most probable that the gold is derived.
There is an opal reef a little N. of Hannaford's reef, and another to the N. of
Sailor's Gully. Up to the present time no precious opal has been found in them,
but they would be worth prospecting. There is also a vein of serpentine, which
follows the same course as the opal, near Sailor's Gully. This may, in future, be
of some value for carving; and it is in these veins that meerschaum occurs, although
none has been found here yet.
Gumeracha Goldfield. This goldfield was discovered by Watts and his mates
about the beginning of 1884, and worked quietly for about a year; but somehow,
at the beginning of 1885, it got wind that they were getting a good deal of gold.
:: GOLD.
259
This started a few out to try it, and they published such glowing accounts of their
prospects that the place was quickly rushed, and the original prospectors, from
having the whole country, were confined to the ordinary sized claims, and these
not the best; however, they applied for and received from the Government £200
reward for the discovery of a new payable goldfield. Watts' Gully is a small gully
on section No. 111, discharging itself into Dead Horse Gully. Here the first gold
was found, and it was by far the richest gully on the field; it was very rich to a
little way above the fork near the top, and particularly rich just at it, where some
large nuggets were obtained, which, as far as can be gathered, were not taken from
the deepest gutter, but rather upon the W. bank. Lately, some nice cemented
nuggets were obtained on the opposite side, on a low point behind the blacksmith's
shop; these had been so little rolled that they could not have travelled far from
the reef. The specimens on this side differ considerably from those on the other
side, which were generally largely intermixed with ironstone. There was also a
small steep gully on the W. side, just below where the heavy gold was found, that
was very rich. The other alluvial workings were all found shortly after Watts",
but were none of them more than patchy, and, taking them altogether, cannot be
called payable diggings.
Adelaide Syndicate. These claims join Hutchinson's on the W. side, and follow
down Watts' Gully, taking both banks, and some way up the hills on either side.
Of these the N. is the only one on which much work has been done ; on this the
first shaft is just on the E. bank of the gully; it was sunk just into the solid ground
when a drive was put under the gully, with the idea of cutting any reef that might
carry gold. The drive ought to have been carried on further, also in an opposite
direction. It would have been better if the work had been done higher up the
gully, so as to be nearer to where the heavy gold was found. The next shaft was
over 80ft., sunk on the top of the hill by the side of Hutchinson's shaft, with the
idea of cutting his reef at its junction with a well-defined reef, a little W. of the shaft,
and dipping in an E. direction. These reefs have evidently pinched, as nothing
but two very small leaders were cut in the shaft.
Aladdin, section 275, is situated near the Tieca, higher up the same bránch, on
the E. side. Here a shaft was sunk 50ft, or 60ft, in slate, with a drive on a reef
at the bottom, from which good prospects are said to have been obtained. .. .
Avenue Gully.—On the W. side of this gully are three or four old shafts. One is
about 50ft. deep, and has been timbered, but the timbers have become rotten and
unsafe. There are two reefs, one solid white quartz and the other ferruginous
quartz and gossan ; they strike N. and S., and dip 70° or 80° W. The rock is mica
schist.
Bismarck.—In Para Wirra very little has been done in prospecting deep leads,
the only ones that have been worked are the Bismarck and a small patch near
Mount Gawler.
The Ei marck is situated on the N. side of Devil's Gully, and the lead runs in a
N. direction, crossing several other spurs and gullies; but only one carried any
gold. The sinking was very hard, being mostly cement, and was never payable
although some small nuggets were found from idwt. to loz. in weight. : ::
On the E. side of Mount Gawler some small patches of old gold drift were worked
by a Government prospecting party under Mr. Goddard ; but nothing payable
was found.
. ii .se
Cambrian.-Situated in Watts' Gully, and worked in 1894 by an Adelaide syndi.
cate. The old main shaft has been carried down to 102ft., and a drive was follow-
ing the course of the lode N. and S. It was 6ft, wide, and consisted of ironstone,
quartz, gossan, and pyrites. The prospectors stated that good assays had been
obtained.
Challoner. Besides costeaning, a shaft was sunk 25ft. (1896), at which depth the
prospectors put in a crosscut to open on two large lodes visible on the surface,
260
MINING RECORDS.
- Excelsior adjoins the Aladdin, at the head of the same gully, and the stone from
a large hole on the cap of the reef is said to have yielded 8dwts. to the ton. There
are two shafts, each 70ft. ör 80ft, deep, connected by a level at the bottom, sunk
in a soft decomposed slate which, near the bottom, becomes blue and very hard.
Some small ironstone leaders were cut in the S. shaft. The quartz is very barren
looking, with often a good deal of mica in it.
Easter.—Watts' Gully. The Inspector of Mines (September, 1894) states that
in a costean the reef showed 2ft. 6in. wide, with walls of micaceous schist. An
underlie shaft was down 37ft., apparently under the footwall of the lode. A vertical
shaft, 65ft. deep, has a small leader and had cut a little water. A 60ft. vertical
shaft had been sunk on the E. lode, which it reached at 45ft., and a drive was put
in at the 60ft. level, when the lode was again opened upon. The lode is auriferous,
but has not been properly tested.
Gumeracha Syndicate. This claim is situated across Watts' Gully, just by the
fork, and covers all the ground where the heaviest alluvial gold was found. A tunnel
on the E. bank of Watts Gully, just above the fork, has been driven 86ft. through
mica schist dipping to the E. Several large blows of quartz have been opened on
the surface, but though the tunnel has passed close under them there was no sign
of a reef in the ground passed through until the reef was struck at 86ft., though
several small veins and segregated masses were struck. There is also a shaft sunk
to a depth of 60ft. in mica schist up the E. branch gully; no reef of any size was
struck, but two small leaders containing mundic were passed through. This claim
might be cheaply tested by trenching from the low point just below the fork, on
the E. side (where the blacksmith's shop stood), a little above where the heavy
gold was found, to the W. side of the creek, and about 20yds. up that bank, testing
everything like a veinstone.
The Gumeracha Gold Venture.—Situated S. side of Dead Horse Gully, between
Avenue and Snake gullies. It was found by Wallace, on Christmas, 1885. The
reef strikes N. 20° W., and dips W. nearly vertically; it is as much as 6ft. wide in
places from wall to wall, but is not solid. There are two shafts—the N. one is
sunk 43ft. on the reef, but as it was unsafe another to the S. was put down 37ft.,
and, being to the E. of the reef, it has not struck it; but a small leader was met
with at 15ft., from which prospects are said to have been obtained.
The rock here is mica schist, striking N. and S., dipping E. 50°, and is very hard.
Rich prospects are said to have been obtained from this reef, specimens showing
loose gold in the stone. The intention was to sink 60ft., and drive to the reef to
get out a crushing, but work was suspended. There is a large influx of water in
both shafts.
: Hannaford's Reef.—Section 130. A large reef running N.E. and dipping W.
A series of shafts were put down close together along the whole length of the out-
crop, besides numerous pits and trenches. It is stated that a large number of very
rich specimens were obtained here, but there is no record of any bulk treatment.
Later, in 1896, a shaft was sunk 45ft. on the underlie of the reef.
Hutchinson's Claim.—This claim is situated on a low ridge between Watts' and
Snake gullies, just below the fork in Watts' Gully. There is a small reef striking
S.W. and N.E., dipping W., containing mundic, and from which some fair prospects
were obtained at the surface. A shaft was sunk, and at 15ft. went through the reef ;
sinking was continued to 40ft. in the hope that the reef would turn and dip in an
E. direction.
Hamlin Mine is on the same line as the Lady Alice and the Try Again Mines,
but is on private property, sections 3271 and 3272. A network of leaders was met
with, too poor to work. Two or three shafts were sunk to the N., but no payable
quartz found. The Inspector of Mines reported an examination on February 28th,
1894. He stated that in 1876 a shaft was put down 100ft., with a view of
WIU.
GOLD.
261
.
working the Lady Alice lode; another was put down 70ft. to cut the Queen lode,
and a little work was done on the New Year's Eve lode. Another shaft N. of the
old workings has a well-defined lode 5ft. wide in the bottom, which gave an assay
return of 1dwt. of gold per ton. In the opinion of the inspector that shaft should
be sunk a further depth of 100ft. and drives put in N. and S., and the old Hamlin
1
II
Hamlin's Gully was rich just below the Lady Alice reef, where the gold was
large and rough-the largest nugget found being 3ozs. in weight. This gully had
two or three other payable patches on the private property. On July 31st, 1871,
the Warden of Goldfields estimated that £2,000 worth of gold had been obtained
from it.
Goddards, on the same line, has a shaft 160ft. deep. A drive was put through
slaty granite and gneissic rock to the rcef, but no gold was found.
Kapunda Syndicate.—Locality, Watts' Gully. The property consisted of some
claims taken up on the W. side of the gully, near the fork, for the purpose of finding
the vein from which the gold was supposed to have been derived. Fossicking
amongst the quartz “blows” was unsuccessful, and a tunnel was then put into
the hill for a distance of 137ft., at a spot about half-way down from the ridge. The
rock passed through was mica schist and segregations of quartz dipping to the E.,
but no reef was found. Operations were suspended. The Kapunda Syndicate
had other claims at the head of Blood and Thunder Gully. A shaft was sunk and
various cuttings made, but no reef found.
The Lady Alice Mine is situated in Hamlin's Gully, just above the private property.
The main reef strikes about N. 10° E., and underlies to the E.; but it is either split
by a “horse” or crossed by a smaller reef which underlies to the N.E., and carried
the rich stone both in gold and copper ; the latter in the form of sulphides, oxides,
and native copper. On the N. side of the gully, where the gold was first discovered,
is the only place where the spur reef comes to the surface; this reef was passed
through at 30ft., when the deep vertical shaft was sunk, but the sinking was con:
tinued to 160ft., striking the main reef at 100ft. There were two levels put in from
the shaft to the junction of the reefs at 50ft. and 100ft., and the reef was also driveli
on at the 160ft. level. A rise was carried up 400ft. on the spur reef to a point on
the hill a little to the S.E. of the main shaft, from which the mine was subsequently
worked. The upper part of the small reef has all been stoped ; in fact, one of the
last mine managers worked up so close to the surface that the dam, which was then
over the mine, broke into it, filling it with water. In working this mine the managers
who at different times had charge of it, not knowing the country, devoted most
of their time to working the main reef, which was very poor in gold, except at the
junction, whilst the tributers worked on the spur reef on payable stone.
The mine is now full of water to within 14ft. of the surface, or rather above the
level of the creek, into which it flows as a spring; but, from all accounts, this could
be easily kept under by the 6in. pumps now in the shaft, should anyone desire to
reopen the mine, and follow down the shoot of gold and copper below. the 160ft.
level. It was discovered in 1871 by G. Goddard, who, with three others, sunk a
shaft 40ft., and obtained some very rich quartz. The water being very strong, a
company was formed and machinery, erected, including a 20-head battery. The
company failįng to make the mine pay, it was taken on tribute by G. Goddard and
others, who worked it at a profit for six months. The company again carried on
which time the mine was worked on tribute by Goddard and party, 1,149ozs. 19dwts.
21grs. of gold were obtained. The value of the copper procured at the same time,
cost of smelting and carriage deducted, was £208 28. 8d. From the floating of the
company in 1873 to its winding-up in 1879 the value of gold raised was £22,000,
and of copper £4,000. In the neighborhood the bedrock has a general strike of
N. and S. It consists of gneissic granite, felspathic schist, quartzose, and micaceous
and hornblendic schist, yellow felspathic rock with quartz in rounded pieces.com
262
MINING RECORDS.
probably a decomposed elvan dyke, greenish hornblendic rocks and granite veins
indicating the presence of greenstone and granite dykes below, to which the great
metamorphism the rocks here have undergone is due. Gneissic granite is the pre-
vailing rock. (1885.)
About £7,000 was spent on this mine, and the Government subsidised the work
done. It was stated by the manager (1888) that a new discovery of gold had been
made in a drive going towards the junction of the main with the spur reef, and that
the copper bagged showed at least 2ozs. of gold to the ton. The Inspector of Mines
states that there are two reefs, the main one going N. and S.; that the ground is
totally untried in depth, and that the upper levels yielded ore of value. Mr. Scarfe,
the secretary, reported (1890) the then owners were sinking vertical shaft 250ft. ;
driving crosscut W. to reef 90ft., and driving along its course with the idea of picking
up the junction of the spur with the main reef at 250ft. from the surface in new
ground. The Inspector of Mines reported in November, 1890, that the vertical
shaft had been sunk to a depth of 250ft., and at 240ft. a level was driven which
holed into the old workings. A drive 400ft. N. on the course of the lode proved
that up to that date it had not been payable. He recommended sinking the shaft
to 350ft., and a drive along the course of the lode to prove its character; and that
the application for a further subsidy should be granted. In June, 1898, was ex-
hibited a button of gold 40zs. 14dwts. 22grs., resulting from a crushing of 4 tons
14cwts. lqr. and 24lbs. of stone obtained from near the surface. In May, 1904, a
new reef was discovered a short distance from the old workings, and 13 tons sent
to the Petersburg Cyanide Works returned 42ozs. 8dwts. 14grs. of gold, valued at
£168 14s. 2d., a yield per ton of 3ozs. 5dwts. 6grs. of gold, equivalent to 259s. per
ton.
The Lady Edith is to the S. of the Lady Alice, on the main line of reef. The shaft
was sunk 260ft. through very hard granitoid and gneissic rock, but the reef did not
carry a payable amount of gold.
Mary's Gully. Here a large number of holes were sunk, but nothing payable was
found.
There were two or three other places, as Vixen's Gully, Devil's Gully, and at the
diggings on the E. side of Mount Gawler, where small quantities of gold have been
found.
| Philip's United.--Situated at the head of Watts' Gully, Gumeracha; was opened
January 1st, 1886. There are two shafts, with several costeans and pits. The
first shaft was sunk on a reef dipping to the W.; the reef was cut at 14ft. from the
surface, and was found to be from 12in. to 18in. wide. The shaft was subsequently
sunk to 52ft., and a 26ft. drive put in at the bottom, but without result. No. 2
shaft was sunk lower down the hill and cut a reef 2ft. from the surface; at 13ft. a
second reef was struck of a width of from 3ft. to 4ft., and striking S.W. and N.E.
50°. At 37ft. a floor was cut, striking N. and S., dipping W. 50°. (1887.)
In this claim the rock (which is mica schist) as well as the reefs dip in the opposite
direction to anything else in the neighborhood.
Para Wirra Prospecting Syndicate. The area held comprises sections 3274-77-78,
and 80, adjoining the South Para River. The Government Geologist reported in
March, 1896, that he had inspected some shallow shafts and excavations here. A
15ft. shaft exposed a small vein of quartz and ironstone, striking N.E.; no gold
visible, but the reef widens at the bottom, where water-level is reached. A barytes
vein 2in. to bin. thick contains iron ore and gossan stained with carbonate of copper.
There are dykes of granite and quartz which have not been opened up, and other
veins and outcrops were noted. There is a well-defined reef near the top of the
spur, consisting of quartz, ironstone, and sandstone, striking N.N.E., and dipping
70° S.S.W. The property lies between the Lady Alice and adjoining auriferous
reefs and the Barossa diggings, and consequently is in a good position for prospect-
ing for reef and alluvial gold.
GOLD,
263
Queen Victoria Extended.- Situated near the Young Australian. It was reported
in June, 1896, that prospecting operations were being carried on, and that in one
excavation there was a lode fully 4ft. wide, carrying fine gold. An underlie shaft
had also been put down 35ft., and showed a 2ft. 6in. lode that was widening as it
went down.
Royal Blackbird.--Situated in Watts' Gully. Shaft sunk 50ft., crosscut 30ft.
Several leaders exposed. Assays up to 12dwts.
Smithfield.--Another mine on the Lady Alice line of country. Worked without
success.
Tieca is at the head of the Lady Alice, in the N. branch of the gully. No reef
visible, but a drive was put into the hill for 200ft. or 300ft., and a shaft was sunk
in the gully to a depth of 70ft. in the slate rock. No reef cut.
Try Again Mine is on the N. side of the creek, and is on a continuation of the
Lady Alice reef. At this point it splits into a network of leaders, three of which
are the principal ones. In 1871 G. Davy and others found a rich patch of surfacing,
beneath which were gold-bearing leaders. These were followed down to a depth of
40ft., when copper ore was met with, associated with gold. A company was formed,
winding and crushing machinery was erected, and a shaft was sunk 250ft. Several
small leaders were struck by crosscuts from the shaft, one of which, a foot in thick-
ness, contained copper ore and gold. (1885.)
In November, 1897, it was stated that there was at 50ft. a lode 2ft. wide, con-
sisting of quartz, ironstone, and pyrites. The gold could be seen in the stone, and
£3 195. 6d. per ounce was obtained for the smelted gold resulting from the last
parcel treated. In March, 1898, the shaft was down to 78ft., close timbered, and
à crushing in July returned 10dwts. 19grs. per ton.
The Young Australian is an amalgamation of four claims on the private property
just below the Lady Alice, and between Hamlin's and Wild Dog gullies. There are
three principal parallel reefs; the one nearest the Lady Alice Mine, called the Young
Queen, was opened up about 1871 by two shafts about 20ft. deep, and a cutting in
very hard slaty. rock; but, though good prospects were obtained, the work was dis-
continued. It strikes first N. 10° E., then N.W. A report was made in January, 1897,
that prospectors had struck auriferous stone 9in, thick at a depth of 8ft., and that
at 14ft. the stone was 2ft. thick and still carrying gold. In Mitchell's underlie shaft
at 25ft. the stone was showing gold freely.
The next, called the New Year's Eve, was discovered by Messrs. Moule and Downes,
who sunk a shaft about 20ft. in a yellow slate. Very good prospects and specimens
were obtained from this reef, which in places has veins containing much fine gold.
The reef is no great size. A trial crushing at Woodside is said to have given 12dwts.
to 16dwts. per ton.
Young Australia No. 1 has been worked from a cutting and a shaft, 30ft. or 40ft.,
in Hamlin's Creek. The reef is large, being from 4ft. to 5ft. in width, and well
defined. It contains manganese, copper (native), copper pyrites, galena, barytes,
calcite, carbonate of iron, and iron pyrites. It was very rich on the hanging-wall,
and, as a rule, contained coarse gold, which sometimes might almost be called
nuggets. There are several other small shafts, the deepest of which is 26ft. Some
time ago 40 tons were crushed at the Lady Alice battery, but the result was not
made public. The rock is an altered sandy clayslate, dipping 45° E.
Young Australian No. 2 joins the New Year's Eve claim to the N., and takes in
the flat of Wild Dog Gully, where a good deal of alluvial gold was got. Here there
has been a large hole sunk on a network of leaders of ferruginous quartz, which were
very rich in gold. One piece, which was nearly all gold, weighed 16dwts. ; and as
much as loz. 3dwts. was got in one prospect in a mortar. A shaft was sunk 44ft.
to cut the reef in settled ground, where it is large, glassy, and crystalline, and often
much iron-stained, and carries no gold.
Young Australian No. 3 is situated to the N. of No. 1 claim. It has been worked
on a large reef 16ft. wide, by a large excavation to a depth of 20ft. A crushing of
5 tons went 12dwts. to the ton,
264
MÍNING RECORDS,
- Mr. F. C. Singleton stated that £1,400 worth of alluvial gold was found in the
sections comprising the Young Australian property.
:Watts' Guly.--Situate on section 111, hundred of Para Wirra, was discovered
in 1884, and was the centre of operations. It was remarkable for the number of
nuggets found, some of which were of considerable weight. One purchased by the
Government weighed 14ozs. 8dwts. The total amount of gold obtained is not
known, but may be estimated at not less than 1,000ozs. In addition to Watts”,
several other gullies were opened up N. for a distance of two or three miles. (1887.)
The foregoing information, and also that concerning Barossa, has been mainly
extracted from the reports of the Government Geologist, 1885, and the Assistant
Government Geologist (H. P. Woodward), 1886-Parliamentary Papers of Novem-
ber 24th, and December 10th, 1885, and June 22nd, 1886. These papers are ac-
companied by interesting detail geological maps of the districts referred to.
Ludlow:- This property is located about 2 miles W. from Kersbrook, and 4 miles
from Chain of Ponds, in the hundred of Para Wirra. The lode croppings can be
traced for some considerable distance, striking about N.E., with an E. underlie. At
various points there have been small surface openings, exposing lode matter, and one
tunnel driven on the course of the ore channel 80ft., disclosing lode formation within
the enclosing walls from 8ft. to 9ft. wide, the principal portion being decomposed
sandstone, with bunches of gritty kaolinised matter containing veins of strongly
iron-stained quartz, ranging from 2in. to bin, wide. At times the vein matter has
increased to 18in., and then again contracting to the size mentioned, which is one
of the characteristics of lode formations of this description. Seven samples taken
from the workings and ore dumps gave the following results :-No. 1, face of drive,
vein 6in. thick, 2dwts. of gold per ton ; No. 2, face of drive, vein 4in. thick, 2dwts. ;
No. 3, bottom of drive, vein 2in. thick, 2dwts. ; No. 4, bulk sample, ore dump,
5dwts. ; No. 5, ore dump, containing pyrites, 4dwts., copper 3 per cent. ; No. 6
ore dump, trace; No. 7, ore dump, 3dwts. It will be seen from the above results
of the assay returns that the gold contents, taken in bulk, are of rather low value.
The present workings are confined to shallow depths, where the country rock is
very much broken and disturbed. Probably at the deeper levels the vein matter
may become more consolidated and of a more uniform character, and the gold
contents of higher value. To test this point it would be the better plan to sink a
prospecting shaft on the E. side, with the object of intersecting the lode at the
depth of at least 60ft. or 70ft. from the surface. (I.M.R., 14–9-07.)
PARALANA MINE, Mount Fitton, 2 miles N.E. of the Hamilton Mine. The work
consists of four shafts, the deepest being 100ft., and a drive at the 90ft. level The
lode, upon which the shaft has been sunk for the full depth, varies from 18in. to 3ft.
in width; the upper portion, to the depth of about 30ft., is composed of ferruginous
quartz, containing gold and copper; a sample taken from this part assayed loz.
8dwts. of gold, and 41 per cent. of copper per ton. Driving has been started at the
90ft. level, where the lode had pinched to 18in., and is more siliceous, containing
less iron; a sample from this place only gave a trace of gold, and per cent. of copper,
showing that the shaft had passed through the rich shoot of ore, which doubtless
dips either to the N. or S., and will probably be met with, of similar value, at the
lower level. From the surface to 90ft. the lode is well defined, with two good walls,
on a slight underlie, and though it may pinch in places, it will probably make again
to its usual size and value. About 3 chains S. another shaft has been sunk to a
depth of 26ft, on a copper vein, supposed to be a parallel lode to the main one, but
sufficient work had not been done to determine this; it is 3ft. wide, and should be
further prospected by sinking. There are other veins and formations on the property
worthy of prospecting. (I.M.R., 2–8–99.)
For later working see “ BRINDANA," page 37.
GOLD.
265
PEARSON'S CLAIM.--This is in the Carrieton district, where the prospectors had,
in July, 1894, sunk down to a depth of 25ft. on a lode. It was reported that at
25ft. the lode was 3ft. wide, and improving as depth was made.
PIMPONDA.-Situated about 1 mile W. of Old Boolcoomata Station. The Inspec-
tor of Mines stated that the country is made rugged by intrusive granite, and there
are large dioritic dykes traversing it and the clayslate. A reef in No. 1 shaft is
composed of quartz and copper ore, and specks of gold can be discerned ; and in
No. 2 shaft good prospects of gold are obtainable from an iron and copper branch
varying from 8in. to 18in. in thickness. Gold was not found until sinking reached
a depth of 25ft. The outcrop of reef is well defined, and continues for 2 miles,
After a later visit the Inspector reported that, in the hill shaft, at a depth of 61ft.
a strong body of quartz had been exposed, and that a parcel of the stone tried gave
the return of llozs. to the ton. (1889.)
PIONEER.- Situated about a mile from the township of Callington. In the
early days unsuccessful prospecting shafts were sunk for copper on the W. boundary
of the property; these disclosed near the surface siliceous formations containing
fine gold ; and recently the work done by trial pits and cross trenches has not been
sufficient to properly define the width and value of the gold-bearing material. The
present workings (April, 1902) are about 200yds. E. from the W. prospectings, and
on a separate line. A prospecting shaft has been sunk to the depth of 60ft., and a
winze 27ft. deeper, disclosing a vein of ironstone gossan 2ft. wide, on each side of
which there is gold-bearing material about 2ft. in width, making the formation in
places fully 6ft. wide. The outer portion of the footwall side consists chiefly of
gritty kaolinised sandstone, and on the hanging-wall ferruginous schist, each con-
taining fine gold, which, in places, can be seen in the planes and joints, doubtless
leached from the central gossan vein and deposited in the enclosing rock, which is
friable, with fine gritty seams of siliceous matter throughout. Within a few feet
of the winze bottom a small drive has been made S.W. on the course of the vein for
15ft., and also one at the 56ft. level for 55ft. N.E., the vein in each place being as
already described. Eighty tons treated at the Mount Torrens Government Cyanide
Works gave a return of nearly 8dwts. per ton. The gold is fine, but of specially
good quality, the last parcel being worth £4 2s. 3d. per ounce. The prospects are
favorable, and the property should be developed in a systematic manner by sinking
a working shaft some short distance S.W. of the present one and extending drives
on the ore body both N. and S. Underlie prospecting shafts should also be sunk at
various points on the line of lode, and connected with drives. The correct width,
quantity, and value of the formation would then be determined, and also the question
of erection of plant for local treatment. Two samples from open surface trenches
W. workings assayed ldwt. and 3dwts. gold per ton respectively. Four samples
taken from the present workings gave returns :
Centre of lode, ferruginous claystone ............ 1dwt.
ldwt.
Kaolinised material, footwall side of lode
2ozs. 15dwts...
Ferruginous schist, hanging-wall side ....... 3dwts.
(I.M.R., April, 1902.)
PUTT'S WELL
The Government Geologist reported on the auriferous reefs near Putt's Well in
1888:—These reefs are situated about 1} miles N. of Putt’s Well, near Oonatra
Creek, on the Boolcoomata run. Claims were taken up for about 1,000yds. along
the line of reef in an E. and W. direction. At the W. end Messrs. Crozier & Sheppard
held six claims. There are small veins of quartz and gossan, with calcareous and
argillaceous material stained green with carbonate of copper, varying in width
from an inch or two to a foot. The bedrock consists of felsite, containing both
mica and hornblende, evidently a metamorphic rock which has been altered by
the intrusion of eruptive granite dykes. From another shaft about 30ft. deep,
..........
Iuesta
266
MINING RECORDS.
where there are two small perpendicular veins in similar rock, a crushing of 4 tons
is said to have been raised and sent to Woodside. These veins are small, and com-
posed of quartz, iron oxide, and gossan. The bedrocks are schistose, gneissic,
feldspathic, and micaceous rocks, with eruptive dykes of granite. Sullivan,
Mathews, and Legge's claims come next. Sufficient work has not been done to
prove anything here, the shallow holes which have been sunk having exposed only
thin copper-stained veins of quartz and gossan of an irregular and uncertain nature.
For the next 1,400ft, there is no reef showing, the ground being chiefly occupied
by coarse eruptive granite, which appears to have cut out the reefs. At that dis-
tance there is a siliceous reef in micaceous sandstone and slate with granite veins ;
also 700ft. further on there is a still larger outcrop of similar rock close to the granite
boundary. Both appear likely to contain gold. Walsh and Legge's claims are the
last on the line where any appreciable work has been done. Two shafts were sunk
about 14ft. each. There is a large vein formation here, and besides the gossan and
other iron oxide, some rich copper ore was obtained. E. of these claims the eruptive
granite takes the place of the metamorphic rocks. I found it difficult to discover
any gold in the veinstone from these claims except by crushing and washing, although
I have been shown moderately rich specimens of auriferous quartz by reliable persons
which had been obtained there. So far as the veins had been followed they are
small and irregular, but more prospecting is required before it would be safe to say
that larger and richer veins do not exist in the locality. The general rock formation
of the country is gneissic granite, mica schist, micaceous slate, and sandstone, with
eruptive dykes, and bosses of granite. The latter rock is, in the neighborhood of
the reefs, much mixed up and intruded into the metamorphic rocks in which the
auriferous veins occur, so that the latter may be expected to be irregular and un-
certain. It is advisable, however, that the veins should be sunk on to greater
depths and more fully prospected, and that the siliceous reef outcrops in the neigh-
borhood should be tested. The following assays of rough averages from the vein.
stone raised and lying near the shafts were made by the Government Assayer :-
Crozier & Sheppard's Claims.--No. 1, quartz and gossan, gold, 2dwts. 16grs. per
ton. No. 2, quartz and gossan, gold, 6dwts. 13grs. per ton. No. 3, quartz, gold,
2dwts. 16grs.
Legge & Walsh's Claims.—No. 1, quartz and gossan, gold, ldwt. 2grs. per ton.
No. 2, quartz and gossan, gold, 2dwts. 14grs. to the ton.
There is a good supply of drinking water at Putt's Well. The ranges here are
steep and high, and the gullies consequently narrow and well defined, and easily
tested for alluvial gold; its presence is probable.
RAVENSBERG.-The Inspector of Mines reported that this mine is situated about
11 miles from Hahndorf, in the hundred of Onkaparinga. A few holes had been
sunk on an ironstone formation, which is about 3ft. wide, and which is apparently
a true fissure vein, bearing N. 10° E. and underlying W. The ground is in an
auriferous belt of country, and possibly the ironstone may carry gold in depth.
(1890.)
RISCHBEITH'S WELL.-During 1888 gold was discovered at Rischbeith's Well,
about 40 miles S.W. of Hergott Springs. The rocks consist of inclined and twisted
limestones, sandstone, and slate beds, intersected with quartz and iron oxide veins.
Alluvial gold and fine specimens of gold in oxide of iron were found, but no payable
results were reported.
ROCKY RIVER.—Locality, 8 miles W. from Gladstone. It was alleged that gold
and silver were found in a lode formation, but the Government Geologist reported
that there was no lode, but simply small irregular outcrops of ferruginous claystone
and iron ore in a bedding of clayslate, limestone, quartz, sandstone, &c., which
strike N. and S. and dip slightly to the E. The country rocks are not favorable
to the occurrence of gold, but any defined lode or reef found may reasonably be
prospected. The surface and gullies in the vicinity of the find should be tested
with a dish,
GOLD.
267
ROYAL CHARLIE.—Situated about 7 miles S.E. from Teetulpa. The workings
consist of an underlie shaft sunk to a depth of 180ft. and a vertical shaft 62ft. deep
connected with the underlie shaft. At 180ft. a drive was put in for 251t. or 30ft.
along the reef 5ft. wide; strike N. and S. The veinstone consists of quartz and
other siliceous material, brown iron ore, gossan, and pyrites. The country rocks
are clay and calcareous slates and sandstone. Besides the main reef there are two
cross veins striking E. and W. and S.S.E. respectively. Though the main reef is
short, yet, owing to its great thickness, it has yielded a large quantity of crushing
stuff. Assays of stone have given—(1) quartz, ironstone, and pyrites, gold 4dwts.
1gr. per ton; (2) ditto, rough average from a heap, gold 8dwts. 2grs. per ton;
(3) ditto, ditto, gold loz. per ton; (4) ironstone, gold 2ozs., silver 13dwts. per ton;
(5) ditto, gold 33ozs. 12dwts., and silver 100zs. 2dwts. per ton; (6) ironstone and
quartz, gold 150zs. 13dwts. per ton. As the gold is not visible in the stone before
washing, it is impossible to judge what proportion of lode stuff is of the richness
indicated by the assays. The Inspector of Mines reported later assays of samples
of blanketings and tailings yielding respectively loz, and 3dwts. per ton; and sub-
sequently that he had got as high as 4ozs. per ton, and also that he had obtained
an assay of loz. 5dwts. from the tailings pit. (1889.) It is stated that 10 tons of
auriferous stone were sent to England with a view of showing the character of the
reefs. A 50-ton parcel yielded 3dwts. to the ton only, but it was stated that three
or four times that quantity of gold was left in the tailings, it being what was called
“float" gold. A sample treated by Mr. Cosmo Newbery gave a return of 6dwts.
per ton.
ROYSTON ROBERTS' LEASES.—These were situated adjoining Lambert's Mine,
at Paratoo, about 8 miles from Nackara Railway Station. The Inspector of Mines
examined this property, and reported that there was a main shaft 84ft. deep on the
underlie, and at the 35ft. level a drive E. 51ft. 9in, was put in to cut the lode, which
dips at an angle of 1 in 3. Another shaft had been sunk 56ft. near the S. boundary
of the claim. There are several other lodes on the leases, and all of them are ir-
regular in width, in places pinching down to a few inches, but in other parts ex-
panding to a width of 4ft. or 5ft. Very high results were obtained from some sam-
ples assayed. Official returns received by the Mines Department state that on
lease 161, at the end of 1898, the deepest shaft was 98ft., and a new shaft had been
sunk on the boundary 82ft., and there was another 66ft. deep, besides several small
shafts. The country was unsettled, but a rich leader existed on the footwall of
the lode. On lease 569 the deepest shaft was 120ft. Unsuccessful efforts were
made to raise more capital.
SCOTCHMAN.-Situated near Ironclad Gully, Teetulpa. First worked soon after
the discovery of Teetulpa, when several shafts, from 20ft. to 115ft. deep, were sunk.
Lately the ground was taken up by Hooper & Son, who have raised stone from
the surface down to a depth of 25ft. The lode is from 4in. to 15in. wide, with a
slight underlie and very fair walls. It is composed of ferruginous quartz; bunches
of dense pyrites ore occur at from 25ft. to 30ft., and will probably become more
frequent at deeper levels. A sample from the trenches gave 17dwts. per ton. Two
samples from No. 2 ore dump returned 1ldwts. and 6dwts. respectively, and one
taken from No. 1 ore dump gave 2dwts. per ton. Considering the size of the vein
and the difficulty in having the ore treated, the average of the returns is rather
low; but the fact of there having been so much alluvial gold obtained in the vicinity
warrants the assumption that rich shoots of ore in the vein formations will eventually
be discovered, should the work of development be continued. (I.M.R., 1-12-02.)
SCHUBERT'S SECTION, known as PARSON'S FIND.—Hundred of Onka paringa,
about 2 miles N.E. from Woodside. Inspected in July, 1904. A series of open
trenches and trial pits from 3ft. to 12ft. deep extend for about 80yds. in length,
and a shaft has been sunk to the depth of 40ft. These workings have disclosed
vein matter from hin, to 15in. wide, principally composed of quartz, limestone,
and gossan of an auriferous character, striking about N.E. and S. W., with an under.
268
MINING RECORDS.
lie of 2 in 6. Six samples taken at different points assayed gold per ton as follows:
Open trench, 12ft. deep, 7dwts. and 2dwts. ; coarse stone in ore dumps, 9dwts. ;
fines from the same, 4dwts. ; ore from shaft 40ft., 8dwts. ; vein 60yds. N. of present
workings, ldwt.showing clearly that the vein is gold-bearing for a considerable
length. This, together with the auriferous nature of the enclosing rock, will warrant
more vigorous development by at first sinking prospecting shafts on the vein to
whatever depth the influx of water will permit. The country is mostly under
cultivation and overlain with alluvial, and an inexpensive system of cross-trenching
would probably prove other parallel veins to exist. Previous to the inspection
52 tons treated at Mount Torrens gave 15dwts. per ton. (I.M.R., 6–7-04.)
: Up to June 30th, 1907, 53 tons 16cwts. have been treated at Mount Torrens,
yielding 250zs. 15dwts. 9grs. of gold, valued at £87 13s. 2d., the average yield being
worth 36s. per ton.
SEBASTOPOL.--Section 436, in the Waukaringa district. It has one shaft 100ft.
deep, and was afterwards included in the Alma Extended.
SELLICK'S HILL.- Hundred of Willunga, 5 miles S. of the township of Aldinga.
A reef on the surface was reported to contain gold. An adit about 30yds. in length
was driven from a gully about 200ft. below, but as the reef was not met with the
work was abandoned. (1887.)
SOUTH-EAST.-An alleged discovery of gold was announced in September, 1896,
the locality being near Marcollat, in the Great Desert, about 40 miles from Kingston.
The Government Geologist reported at the end of 1896 that he had examined
several localities in the district, which were being prospected for gold, as follows:-
(1) Papineau Rocks, 5 miles S.S.E. from Avenue Range North Head Station, where
there is an outcrop of felspar porphyry, surrounded by Tertiary deposits, the rock
unusually dense and solid, without any trace of lode. (2) Bin Bin Islands, 4 miles
N.E. from a deserted station, where an outcrop of felsite and felspar porphyry is
backed on the W. side by blue metamorphic quartzite ; no lode visible, though the
junction of the rocks is favorable to its existence. (3) Gip Gip, 4 miles N. from
Marcollat, an outcrop of bluish metamorphic quartzite, with disseminated iron
pyrites ; no appearance of lode. (4) Didicoolum, where there is an outcrop of rocks
containing quartz veins and pyrites ; strike, N. and S.; dip, vertical; the country
rocks favorable to the occurrence of gold and other metallic minerals. It was
stated that native copper and tin had been found, but nothing to indicate the latter
was observed. These outcrops are at long distances apart, and are surrounded by
a thick deposit of Tertiary limestone, sand, clay, &c. The assays made from
samples taken from these several places gave no trace of gold, silver, copper,
or tin.
: SECTION 5539, ONKAPARINGA. -Prospecting operations were, in 1897, carried
on here at a bend of the River Torrens. The Government Geologist reported
unfavorably as to the probability of finding auriferous deposits of value. Stone
treated at Mount Torrens Cyanide Works gave an average of about llgrs. of gold
per ton.
SHEPHERD'S.--Locality, section 98, Eurelia. There are here short quartz lodes,
2ft. to 3ft. wide in places, carrying iron ore and clay veins, traversing slate con-
glomerate rocks, which extensively outcrop. Gold is obtained in the clay seams,
and is said to have been found in coarse specks in the quartz. Assays of four samples
made---one gave 1dwt. per ton and the others traces only.
SOUTH KANAPPA.-The report of the Inspector of Mines, after an examination
in 1894, was to the effect that on section 1870, Angas, several shafts had been sunk
on irregular veins of ironstone and quartz, ill-defined, running through a hard
syenite. He took samples from a heap of ironstone, the assay result of which was
11dwts. of gold per ton. From the N. end of the claims samples taken gave 5dwts.
of gold per ton.
Seven tons 13cwts. 2qrs. treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works returned
3ozs. 7dwts. llgrs. of gold, valued at £13 2s. 6d., the average yield being worth 34s.
per ton.
GOLD.
269
TII
STARS AND STRIPES.-Situated about 1 mile N.W. from Mount Grainger. Worked
by a shaft and an open cutting about 45ft. long, average depth 6ft. This discloses
a quartz vein 6in. to Sin. wide, strongly associated with iron. The shaft has been
sunk to a depth of 80ft. on the E. or underlie side of the vein, and seems to have
passed through its continuation at a place where the vein is small, or pinched so
much that it has not been noticed. There is a strong quartz vein in the bottom
of the shaft, but the character of the stone is inferior to that in the open cutting,
and the gold contents are poor. It would be advisable to sink a shaft from the
most favorable point in the open cut, and follow the vein on the underlie, in order
to prospect it thoroughly. There are several other openings and trial pits, ex-
posing veins and small leaders carrying gold, which fully deserve a further trial.
(I.M.R., 30–8–01.)
Twenty tons 3cwts. treated at the Petersburg Cyanide Works returned 5ozs.
18dwts. 10grs. of gold per ton, valued at £22 17s. 7d., the average yield being worth
22s. per ton.
TALTABOOKA.-In 1896 the late Mr. J. B. Austin sent 5cwts. of stone from each
of three claims, from depths varying from 30ft. to 120ft., with no gold visible in
the samples. The average return from the whole was reported as 2ozs. 2dwts.
15grs. of gold per ton, with 13ozs. 12dwts. of silver per ton.
The Adelaide and Suburban Prospecting Syndicate held a lease 2 miles E. from
the well, which the Inspector of Mines reported upon in June, 1892. He said there
were numerous segregated veins on the lease; general strike E., dip S. On one
of these a shaft was down 75ft., and samples yielded loz. Idwt. 5grs. of gold per ton.
The N. ironstone vein-ore assayed 2ozs. 14dwts. 12grs. of gold per ton. There
was fair reason for carrying on prospecting operations.
TEATREE GULLY.-Situated not far distant from Modbury. The Inspector of
Mines reported that it contains an immense outcrop of ironstone, apparently strik-
ing N. and S., and traceable for 2 miles. In a large excavation, fully 100ft. in
diameter and 30ft. deep, a shaft 150ft. deep had been sunk, showing a lode of com-
pact ironstone the first 20ft.; it is then thrown out of the shaft to the W., and for
30ft. the shaft goes through sand drift, changing at that point into stone, which
goes to the depth mentioned. A crosscut W. intersects the lode at 25ft. from the
shaft, and at that depth it is found to consist of honeycombed quartz, oxide of iron,
and a nice gossan, with stains of copper. The general appearance of the lode is
favorable to the theory of it becoming charged with pyrites and gold-bearing in
depth. The crosscut is in a highly mineralised strata, full of quartz stringers,
showing pyrites and carbonate of copper, and this should be driven further, and
the mine tested to water-level. (1890.)
TIPPIN'S.-Cuttlefish Bay, Kangaroo Island. It was worked in 1890, when
the deepest shaft was 40ft., with a 22ft. crosscut, and a tunnel from the side of
the hill 34ft. It was stated that 50 tons of stone yielded an average of 12dwts.
per ton.
TRIUMPH.—Locality, Taltabooka, 1 mile S. from the Esmonde. The Inspector
of Mines reported in 1895 that several shallow underlie shafts had been sunk on a
well-defined lode, which strikes E. 30° S. Samples from the deepest shaft (18ft.)
assayed 17dwts. of gold and loz. 9lwts. of silver per ton. The lode averaged 2ft.
wide, and was composed of ferruginous quartz with small quantities of carbonate
and sulphide of lead.
TALUNGA, HUNDRED OF.
A considerable quantity of gold has been found here on private and Crown lands,
but our information in this, az in many other cases, is meagre and fragmentary.
In the Adelaide Jubilee Exhibition of 1887 the finest specimens of gold in quartz
exhibited came from this district.
Argosy Claim.—Situated at Blumberg, near the Dan O'Connell Claim. Shaft
sinking and costeaning (October, 1896); lode not struck. Another claim taken
on the South Australian Company's land; sinking hard and wet. (1897.)
270
MINING RECORDS.
Forty-nine tons 5cwts. Iqr. treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works returned
5ozs. 5dwts. 6grs. of gold, valued at £20 4s. 2d., the average value of the ore being
8s. per ton.
Belcher and Gray's.-Locality, near Stony Creek. A lode 2ft. wide, striking
N.E. and S.W., and dipping W.; shaft down 22ft. on ferruginous quartz carrying
fine gold. (1894.)
Black Snake Mine (also knowu as The Great Talunga). Locality, section 127.
The ground was taken up because some good specimens were found along the out-
crop of the reef. Some of the stone crushed was said to have yielded well. The
reef runs E. 30° N., dipping W. Two timbered shafts were put down, and cut the
reef at 60ft. ; they were connected by a drive, and one shaft was sunk 30ft. deeper.
An engine shaft was sunk 50ft. and timbered, and some shallower shafts were put
down. This mine was being worked in conjunction with the German Reef in 1887.
The Inspector of Mines reported upon it in 1894 and 1895. He stated that a strong
well-defined lode traverses the section E. 25° N., averaging 4ft. in width from sur-
face to the 100ft. level, and was enclosed in mica schist. The stone under foot in
the W. level he estimated at 17dwts. of gold per ton of cre, and as being richer than
the ore got from the stopes.
In 1894 a parcel of 369 tons 4cwts. 3qrs. was treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide
Works, which returned 2250zs. 7dwts. 15grs. of gold, valued at £834 Os. 1d., being
a yield per ton of 12dwts. 5grs., equivalent to 45s. per ton.
An English company, with an announced working capital of £25,000, took this
property in 1896, and it was reported in March that some prospecting shafts had
been sunk and good stone obtained. In the following August it was stated that
capital ore was being got from a lode 3ft. wide.
In the latter end of 1896 a 10-head battery was erected by the company on the
mine. In January, 1897, 30 tons of ore per diem were being treated; main shaft
down 210ft. ; at that depth they were driving E. and W. on a lode between 5ft.
and 6ft, wide, and 40 men were working on the mine ; but the result of the crushing
was very low, and on the 24th April the mine was shut down after expending
£5,000.
It is asserted by old miners in this district that there are still payable shoots of
ore in the mine. .
Blackler's Reward.—Locality, near Blumberg. In August, 1896, it was reported
that a lode of ferruginous quartz, 5ft. wide, with good walls, had been struck, proved
to be auriferous. A shallow shaft, a drive E., and costeans constituted the bulk
of the work done.
Blumberg Gold Mines (also known as Hynes' Reef).-Section 6396. In August,
1896, the Government Geologist reported upon this property, stating that shafts
had been sunk here upon two lines of auriferous reef, about 120ft. apart, the auri-
ferous material consisting of ferruginous, argillaceous, and quartzose vein stuff,
and sometimes quartz mixed with clay and kaolinised country rock. The W. reef
varies in width from lin. to 2ft., and in places branches into two or three veins ;
strike N.E. and S.W., dip N.W. at an angle of from 40° to 55º. The country rock
is soft argillaceous sandstone and slate, with quartzite and sandstone bands. The
E. reef is of a similar character, but more quartz is visible. The deepest shaft was
70ft., the last 35ft. being on the underlie. Good prospects were obtained by wash-
ing the vein stuff, and rich specimens of fine and coarse crystalline gold had been
won.
Inspector Matthews reports :- There are several auriferous veins running through
the property, the general strike being N.E. and S.W.; the country rock is 'an
easily worked, soft, friable sandstone. What is known as No. 1 reef consists of
ferruginous quartz, varying from 6in. to 2ft. thick, and occasionally mixed with
clay and country rock; it has been worked from the 60ft. level to the surface.
Towards the N. end of the property a main shaft 9ft. by 4ft., timbered and made
secure, has been sunk to a depth of 130ft. ; at this point the reef was intersected,
and driving commenced, when operations were suspended without giving it the
GOLD.
271
trial it deserved. A tunnel has been driven through the hill a distance of 850ft. ;
this could not be examined, but it was stated that four gold-bearing veins had been
struck, varying from 2in. to 3ft. in width. At 300ft. a large formation was en-
countered, which gave assay results of 7dwts. per ton. The tunnel needs repairs
to place it in working condition. At that time (29-9-99), the mine was being worked
on tribute, with satisfactory results. The inspector expressed his opinion that
the prospects of the mine warranted its being worked in an energetic manner.
(I.M.R., 29-9-99.)
In October, 1896, 121 tons treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works gave a
return of 2ozs. 10dwts. per ton. In July, 1897, 40tons 19cwts. returned loz. 19dwts.
per ton. In December, 1897, 100 tons returned loz. 4dwts. per ton. In February,
1899, 20 tons returned loz. 11dwts. per ton. In July, 1899, 20 tons 10cwts. re-
turned loz. 10dwts. per ton. In January, 1900, 10 tons returned 70zs. 8dwts.
per ton. In January, 1905, some prospectors bagged and sent in for treatment
107 tons from the old mullock dump, which, although giving a low return, viz.,
2 dwts. per ton, paid for crushing and carting. The total quantity of ore treated
at the Government works was 699 tons 12cwts., returning 600ozs. 7dwts. 22grs.
of gold, valued at £2,257 8s. 4d., the average extraction being worth 61s. per ton;
a large quantity of gold was also obtained by dollying, of which there is no record.
Blumberg Proprietary (also known as Smith's Proprietary).- Property held, 55
acres, on Mr. Peake's land. At the 30ft. level a drive was (August, 1896) put in
S.W. 15ft., cutting a strong lode of quartz and ironstone, 2ft. 6in, wide, showing
gold... Another shaft was commenced, designed also to cut the lode. In May, 1897,
it was announced that a small company had been formed to develop the property.
The Inspector of Mines, in December, 1900, reports that the work is confined to a
ferruginous quartz formation, containing bunches of pyrites; it strikes N.E.,
averages from 2ft. to 2ft. 6in. in width, with fairly well-defined walls, with a regular
W. underlie, and has been proved for over 200yds. in length, by a number of shafts,
from a few feet to 100ft. in depth. At this depth (100ft.) soakage water is met with,
which can be easily kept under during the summer months. Work was in progress
at the 50ft, level, where the vein is about 2ft. 6in. thick, and appears to be widening
in depth. The country rock is slate, sandstone, and decomposed granite. There
are smaller formations on each side, similar in character, and containing gold, but
very little prospecting has been done on them. On the W. side of the reef alluvial
gold was formerly obtained, doubtless shed from the gold-bearing formation.
(I.M.R., 7–12–00.)
Four hundred and eighty-one tons 2cwts. treated at the Mount Torrens Battery
and Cyanide Works returned 213ozs. 6dwts. 4grs. of gold, valued at £769 17s. 4d.,
the average value being worth 32s. per ton.
Burton's.- Situated on section 6247. A shaft is down 70ft. on a reef of micaceous
iron and quartz, with gold. There is also a cellular silico-feldspathic dyke, from
which a quantity of ore was raised. The best stone was picked and crushed, yielding
14dwts. of gold per ton. A parcel of the discarded stone was sent to Mount Torrens
Cyanide Works in 1894; and 49 tons 5cwts. 3qrs. treated yielded 1dwt. 6grs. per
ton, which proved the dump to be unpayable.
Blumberg United, section 6572, was being worked in February, 1886. Shafts
were sunk on several veins and reefs and some surfacing done. It was reported
that 700zs. were obtained in a five-acre patch of alluvial. (1889.) Same reef as
Blumberg Proprietary.
Blumberg Diggings.-Another rich patch of alluvial diggings was situated near
the Blumberg Cemetery. A deep lead formerly crossed the low saddle in these
hills, of which a considerable portion still remains in the form of cappings; whilst,
on the low ground, the bedrock is covered by the surfacing, which has proved very
rich, and is evidently derived from the denudation of the old lead; but on this
latter no attempt has been made, except close to the cemetery. .
272
MINING RECORDS,
Considering the richness of this surfacing, this lead should pay to work, and from
its elevated position would be perfectly dry. The alluvium of the creeks also goes
to prove the richness of this lead, as colors can be obtained throughout the whole
depth of the sinking, accompanied with cement pebbles derived from the older gold
drift, proving its origin.
The great richness of Scott's and Hynes' properties, on the adjoining sections,
prove this to be, without doubt, a rich auriferous district; and if experienced
diggers prospected this deep ground some good results might be expected. (As-
sistant Government Geologist, 10-1-86.)
Central, Brown Snake.--This mine is one of the Blumberg claims. A report
published May, 25th 1895, stated that a shaft was being sunk to get under the lode,
which was believed to be a continuation of the German Reef. In the drive the
lode was 4ft. wide, with smooth solid walls. Stone was said to be showing gold
freely.
Cobra.-Situated about 1 mile N. of Great Talunga Mine, on Crown lands. Seven
tons 3cwts. treated at Mount Torrens Battery and Cyanide Works returned loz.
5dwts. 14grs. gold, valued at £5 6s., the average yield being worth 14s. per ton.
Confidence.--In November, 1894, after considerable expenditure for labor and
machinery, the auriferous ore, consisting of iron, quartz, and pyrites, was found not
payable, and work was suspended.
Crown Mine (also known as Garden Gully and Elsie Brown).-On section 6346, about
31 miles from Blumberg. From time to time prospecting at shallow levels has
been done on various vein formations striking about N. and S., with W. underlie. At
the time of the inspector's visit he found that an underlie shaft had been sunk 90ft.,
with drives on the course of the lode 50ft. N. and 20ft. S. The shaft shows from
the surface to the bottom a ferruginous quartz vein, averaging about lft. wide,
with a tendency to increase towards the bottom, the enclosing rock being favorable
micaceous slate and sandstone. The drives show the vein from 12in. to 15in. wide,
with fairly well-defined walls, with every appearance of permanency. Of three bulk
samples tested, one gave 4dwts. gold per ton and two 5dwts. Sample of screened
ore gave 8dwts. per ton. The inspector advises that the drives should be con-
tinued, in search of larger quantity and better quality of stone. (I.M.R., 4–12–01.)
This property has been worked intermittently for many years, and small parcels
from time to time raised and treated at the Mount Torrens Battery and Cyanide
Works, where 264 tons lcwt. 3qrs. treated returned 130ozs. 7dwts. 22grs. of gold,
valued at £466 8s., the average yield being worth 35s. per ton.
Dart's Syndicate (New Dart).—Locality of operations, Mount Torrens. It was
stated in June, 1895, that good gold-bearing reefs were being prospected, one 2ft.
wide, the other about 9in., striking N.E. and S.W., and very solid, dipping W:
Highly favorable assay results are said to have been obtained. An auriferous reef
has been found on an adjoining section held by the syndicate.
Sixty-four tons 14cwts. treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works returned
190zs .of gold, valued at £74, the average yield being worth 22s. per ton. A parcel
of similar ore was also sent to the smelters, with slightly lower results..
Dan O'Connell.-On the top of a rise an E. and W. reef outcrops 12ft. wide. It
was thought to be likely to prove payable. In September, 1896, a promising lode
was reported as having been cut in a shaft 35ft. deep, besides some gold-bearing
leaders. The reef pinched, and work was discontinued.
Seventeen tons 19cwts. treated at the Mount Torrens Battery and Cyanide Works
returned 70zs. 12dwts. 23grs., valued at £29 17s. 10d., the average yield being worth
33s. per ton..
Durdan is on section No. 6343, 11 miles E. of Blumberg. It contains one
lode, bearing N. and S., dipping E., one in five, and varying in width from 10ft.
to 14ft. The ore is auriferous quartz, occurring in patches, with fine gold distributed
through the whole of the reef, and in some places in the surrounding country. The
average yield to the ton was over loz. The auriferous veinstone consists of cellular
GOLD.
273
and solid quartz, penetrating a greenish serpentine granite, which has intruded into
metamorphic sandstone and micaceous slates. One vertical shaft has been sunk
to a depth of 100ft., and the water-level was reached at 90ft. The drives extend
a distance of 90ft. What has been done upon this property is not sufficient to
accurately test the real value of the lode. The Inspector of Mines, in 1889, said the
mine had been worked in a primitive manner for many years, and capital was
wanted for machinery.
During 1895 and 1896 this mine was occasionally worked, and 108 tons 11cwts.
2grs. treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works returned 540zs. 16dwts. 19gts.
of gold, valued at £206 11s. ld., the average yield being worth 38s. per ton.
Duscovitche's Reef, also known as the Vienna. Section 6339. Some years ago
rich specimens of gold were found in a quartz reef about 3ft. wide.
In June, 1907, two prospectors sent 141 tons to the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works
for treatment, which returned 6ozs. Od wts. 8grs. of gold, valued at £20 6s. 9d., the
average yield being worth 28s. per ton.
Elder's Section, No. 125.-Here a 40ft. shaft was put down at the junction of
two reefs. One of these is about 2ft. wide, well defined; strike S.W. and N.E.,
dipping N.W. 45°; the other is a solid white quartz reef, striking S.E. and N.W.
Eldridge & Trinder's Reef.--Situated in Ruddaway's section, about 14 miles from
the Mount Torrens Battery. It was reported that an E. and W. ironstone and quartz
reef was struck, 2ft. wide, well defined, and carrying some gold.
Flagstaff.--A small vein was struck in an old underlie shaft, and at 63ft. it was
found to be 2ft. wide, and was still making. It contained ironstone, quartz, and
pyrites, and it was stated yielded fine gold when crushed. (August, 1896.) The
deepest shaft was reported in 1897 to be 90ft. on the underlie, and it was stated
that two others were being sunk. There was a drive along the lode 12ft., and a
crosscut 25ft.
Ten tons 2cwts. treated at the Mount Torrens Battery and Cyanide Works returned
3ozy. 16dwts. 9grs. of gold, valued at £14 28. 8d., the average yield being worth
28s. per ton.
German Reef Mine.--Situated on section 7118. The following notes of the history
of this mine, compiled from information obtained from various sources, were pub-
lished by the Government Geologist in connection with his report on the mine of
July 21st, 1897 :-.
It is alleged that whilst the section of land upon which the German reef is situated
was in the occupation of an agricultural settler, the surface stones were thrown aside
with the view of clearing the land for tillage, and that these were a little later dis-
covered to be auriferous. This led to a search, resulting in specimens being sent to
Adelaide so rich as to create great excitement, and doubts whether they could come
from any mine in South Australia. It was affirmed they must be from Eaglehawk,
Victoria. Mr. Arthur Boyle, who had come to the colony to manage the Almanda
Mine, examined the property, and, with the assistance of some leading colonists,
commenced development. This was about 1870. The Register of February 7th of
that year relates the arrival of a specimen containing 8ozs. of gold, with others of
smaller size, valued altogether at £60, which had been obtained from this reef. The
German Reef Quartz Mining Company was formed on the 11th of that month.
Great excitement arose, and shares were bought at very high prices, buyers urgently
offering no less than £200 for a share interest. It was reported that the reef had
been cut in several places, and crushings showed gold wherever tried. The length
of reef shown to be gold-bearing was about 600ft., and in two places was, according
to statement, very rich. On the 13th August it was stated that a shaft had been
carried down on the underlie to a considerable depth. The first crushing gave a
return from 49 tons of stone of loz. per ton. At a half-yearly meeting of the share-
holders, on September 1Cth following, it was announced that 321 tons of ore had
been crushed and the company held £200 worth of gold and £890 in cash; that 12
tons of stone had yielded 240zs. 15dwts. of gold, though no gold had been visible
8
274
MINING RECORDS.
in the stone prior to crushing. On September 15th, 1870, rich specimens of aurifer-
ous quartz were brought from the mine, and shares were quoted at £100 to £105
each, but rose on the 24th to £200. On the 27th of that month three cakes of gold,
weighing in all 1770zs., were publicly exhibited, the result of 10 dayscrushing in
a 5-head battery. On the 11th October following, a crushing yielding 116ozs.
16dwts. was obtained from 62 tons of stuff, the stone having been taken from a
depth of 12ft. to 16ft. The English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank is
stated to have purchased in 1870 and 1871 3950zs. 14dwts. of gold, valued at £1,527
2s. Sd., from this mine. Two dividends, respectively £2 and £2 10s. per share,
were declared, and it was stated that the success of the German reef had given a
renewed impulse to mining in South Australia. The width of the portions of reef
that were removed varied from 2ft. to 6ft. in one of the workings, and in the other,
where the outcrop measured from 2ft. to 5ft. in width, the reef at a depth of between
90ft. and 100ft. pinched to about 6in. After working for some time with unsatis-
factory results operations ceased, and at the period when the mine was examined
by Professor Ulrich, early in 1872, the property had for some time been left un-
worked.
It is difficult to assign adequate reasons why this mine should have been so sud-
denly abandoned after such excellent returns had been obtained.
An attempt was made about 1881 or 1882 to again develop the reef, in connection
with an adjacent claim upon which gold had been found, but it was not long ere
the mine was again abandoned, the yield from the stone having fallen to a few
pennyweights per ton; but some good results were obtained, permitting the pay-
ment of a dividend. Shares had meanwhile, in view of that circumstance, again
changed hands at high figures. In 1887 the manager for another company which
had been formed to work the German reef reported, in March of that year, that
there were at surface about 50 tons of highly ferruginous stone which had been
raised from a depth of 30ft., containing limonite and sulphides of iron, with fine
gold often visible, of the assay value of loz. to 3ozs. or 4ozs. per ton. In the fer-
ruginous oxide the gold was of a coarse description. After this indication of the
possibilities of the mine, it appears to have again closed down.
In these notes sufficient evidence is furnished that on this property there is a reef,
the outcrop of which has proved rich in gold, but which has been worked in an
erratic manner, and finally abandoned after all the rich easily-worked surface stone
had been removed.
The conclusion to be arrived at is that this auriferous reef has been used as a
medium for speculation only, and that no well-organised or systematic attempt has
been made to properly mine and develop it. The rich easily-reached stone has been
taken out probably to water-level, or to some place where the ground became hard
and the reef pinched and became poorer in gold. When this point was reached the
difficulties were doubtless considered too great to overcome, and the possibilities of
what might be found at lower levels were lost sight of, none of the parties who from
time to time held the ground having sufficient confidence in mining enterprise to
enable them to undertake the sinking of a main shaft, and the putting in of the
necessary drives to prospect at a depth for the continuation of the two shoots of
auriferous stone worked at and near the surface. .
Professor Ulrich, writing in 1872, says :—The reef shows a well-defined outcrop
for above 20 chains in length, running over a long, gently-sloping hill, across a gully,
and up another hill, at a strike of N. 15° E., and dipping W. 15° N., in places steplike,
steeper and flatter at angles varying from 250 to 50°. The rocks which it traverses
strike N. 40° E., and dip W. 400 N. at 55°, and consist, as at the Criterion reef, of
highly micaceous metamorphic sandstone, alternating with mica schist. With
regard to the auriferous character of the reef, a man in charge of the place (who
was employed as a miner during the whole period the reef was worked), gave me
all the information embodied in the following description :-Gold was found in the
outcrop for a distance of at least 10 chains, and in two places extremely rich. At
GOLD,
275
1
one of these places, low down the slope of the first long hill, the reef has been worked
on the underlie to a depth of about 40ft., and for above 100ft. in length. It shows
in the faces tolerably well-defined walls, and an alternating flatter and steeper dip.
The thickness of the portion removed varied from 2ft. to 6ft., and the quartz became
rapidly poorer in depth-the average yield of that last raised having been from
3dwts. to 5dwts. per ton. The second place where rich gold was found lies on the
top of the hill, but the outcrop here has only partially been worked. There exists,
however, a fine vertical shaft, which struck the reef at a depth of between 90ft. and
100ft., but rather poor, and only about 6in. thick, whilst its thickness at the top
ranged from 2ft. to 5ft. in places. The quartz all along the outcrop is rich in iron
pyrites, and some shows, by its cellular texture and very ferruginous character, that
much of this ore has been decomposed. The latter becomes, however, still more
abundant in depth, and the fine seamy quartz raised from the large vertical shaft
on top of the hill contains it perhaps at the rate of 25 per cent. to 30 per cent. In
cases of such strong increase, in connection with a decrease of free gold in depth,
it has generally been found in Victoria that the pyrites is payably and sometimes
evenly richly auriferous. Mr. Mathew Barker, the late mining manager of the reef,
evidently remembered this fact from his Victorian experience, for by a simple con-
trivance attached to the crushing machine he saved several tons of the ore, which
are stacked in bags near the plant. Should an average sample of this have been
assayed with the result at the rate of not less than 2ozs. per ton, its treatment, in
the manner practised at Clunes and Bendigo, would no doubt be a payable under-
taking, and might render the reef profitable to work. But, irrespective of this, on
considering the fine development of the reef, the large extent of it as yet unworked,
though proved auriferous, and that a fine crushing plant is at hand supplied with
good gold-saving appliances and plenty of water at command, I cannot help think-
ing that another attempt at working itwith special attention being paid to the
possible occurrence of the gold in shoots—would be advisable, and might be attended
with better results than the first. For opening it at greater depth than hitherto
reached there would be required, however, another main shaft, lower down the hill
towards the first workings, and farther off in the direction of its underlie than the
one existing on top of the hill. The surface round the reef and the adjacent gullies
have not as yet been worked, though they are in all probability payably auriferous.
The Government Geologist's report (21–7–97) points out that this is not a reef
which is now being worked-where information can be gained regarding its size,
richness, and other characteristics, by an examination underground—but on old
workings which have lain idle for years. In consequence of this the position
of the reef outcrop can only be fixed by that of the open cuts made in removing
the auriferous stone, and by shafts sunk for the same purpose. From an examina-
tion of these, so far as they are available, the following information is given :-The
reef outcrops along a ridge of rising ground extending N. 15° to 20° E. up a gradually
sloping spur rising out of the alluvial flats of the Torrens River. There are two
open cuts where the reef has been worked down by following the underlie from the
outcrop downwards. No. 1 S. is an open cutting 160ft. long, from which the
veinstone has been taken and stoped downwards ; it traverses metamorphic mi-
caceous sandstone and slaty micaceous rocks, which in some places appear to have
an anticlinal form. This outcrop is, according to reliable information, that from
which the rich auriferous quartz was obtained at the time the reef was first worked.
The walls at present seen are well defined, and the underlie is to the W. from 49
to 60°. A block of quartz 3ft. wide is all that remains of the reef in this cutting,
stoping having evidently been carried on to a considerable extent, portions of the
old stopes and timbers being still visible. To what depth stoping has been carried
on cannot be ascertained with certainty, but it is probably not more than 100ft.
At 80ft. N.W. of the N. end there is a vertical shaft, which has evidently been sunk
to cut the reef on the underlie its depth at present is 46ft., but it has probably
fallen in. No, 2 N. is an open cut, about 100ft. long, where the reef has been stoped
276
MINING RECORDS,
out on the W. underlie at angles varying from 45° to 60°. This work is said to
have been done at a later date than that of No. 1, and, like it, to have been carried
out on a reef rich in gold. Four vertical shafts have been sunk to the W., evidently
with the intention of cutting the reef on the underlie. One of these, known as the
90ft. shaft, is 200ft. W. of the cutting. No reliable evidence is obtainable as to
what was met with in these shafts. Between cuttings Nos. 1 and 2 there are at
intervals costean pits, in some of which bunches and veins of quartz are visible
which represent the reef outcrop.
To sum up: The whole length of the reef outcrop from the S. end of No. 1 cutting
to the N. end of No. 2 is 730ft. In this length two shoots of rich auriferous quartz
have been stoped out for a distance along the surface of 160ft. and 100ft. respectively,
and to an uncertain depth, not likely, however, to exceed 100ft. The information
obtained from those who worked the mine in old times points to the fact that quartz
extraordinarily rich in gold was found at the surface, and obtained from the reef
below. Evidence in favor of this is the number of vertical shafts sunk to strike the
reef at lower depths. Altogether, these things are sufficient to warrant the ex-
penditure of the capital required to sink a vertical shaft on the W. side of the out-
crop, to cut the reef at 150ft. or 200ft., and from thence to drive along the reef
with the object of ascertaining the position of and mine the rich shoots worked in
Nos. 1 and 2 cuttings and stopes, as it is almost a certainty that these will be found
to go down to considerable depths.
Besides the German Reef workings, there are other reef outcrops worth prospect-
ing. These are near the N. corner of section No. 7119. A small reef outcrop
striking N. 15° E., and dipping some 45° W. A small quartz reef striking N. and
S., and dipping W. at an angle of 45°. The quartz has a very favorable appearance
for gold. E. of No. 2 open cut is a strong outcrop of quartz and ironstone. It
trends N. 10° W. for 100ft. Alluvial gold has been obtained near the N. and S.
ends of this reef, and has most probably been derived from it. Alluvial and surface
gold have been obtained at several places on these sections (Nos. 7118 and 7119),
and just outside the N.W. boundary of section 7119 the auriferous surface soil
contains large quantities of quartz and ironstone, indicating that auriferous veins
are in the immediate vicinity. The alluvial flat bordering the Torrens River is
most probably also auriferous. The highest elevation of the surface, where the
reef outcrops, does not, by barometrical measurement, exceed 100ft. above the
flats of the Torrens River.
In 1897 some trial parcels were taken from a quartz outcrop some little distance
from the old workings, and 31 tons 2cwts. treated at the Mount Torrens Battery
and Cyanide Works returned 20zs. 16dwts. 20grs., valued at £10 2s. 2d., the average
yield being worth 6s. per ton. Samples from the same place assayed from a trace
to 3dwts. per ton. A parcel of tailings from the old dump was also treated; these
assayed 3dwts. 6grs. per ton.
Golden Crown.—Situated a short distance N. from the Lucky Hit. In May, 1896,
it was reported that a shaft was down 65ft., where there was a lode 5ft. thick, upon
which a drive was being extended N.W., and that rough gold could be seen in the
stone.
Golden Crown No. 2.-In a vertical shaft at 20ft. a reef was struck, width lft.,
the quartz and ironstone heavily charged with mundic. It was stated that in much
of the stone gold was plainly visible. Sinking was continued on the course of the
lode, depth (August, 1896) 45ft. The lode was widening, the width being 2ft. 4in.
Golden Crown No. 4.-Shaft down 20ft., drive 10ft., opening on a ferruginous
quartz lode, which, it was alleged, was carrying good gold. Another shaft down
65ft., with 55ft. of drive at the 40ft. level on the course of the lode S.E. and N.W.,
which, it was stated (August, 1896), looked very promising.
Work was discontinued on most of the small holdings in this vicinity on water-
level being reached.
GOLD.
277
Golden Slope and Golden Slope West, held in 1895 by the Mount Pleasant Reefing
Syndicate.—Situated about 1 mile S. of Mount Pleasant township. The Govern-
ment Geologist examined the property in 1895, and reported that the gold-bearing
veins consisted of oxide of iron, quartz, and claystone, with decomposed granite
traversing micaceous schist and kaolinised micaceous rock, the whole forming a
combination of dyke and vein formation. A shaft had been put down on the under-
lie (60° to 70° E.) to water-level at 75ft., and 150 tons of veinstuff yielded 300zs.
of gold. In another shaft there is, at a depth of 20ft., a quartz reef 5ft. or 6ft. wide.
Alluvial gold had been worked on the surface of this property, and in auriferous
gullies; the locality was known as the Mount Pleasant diggings, which yielded
over a thousand ounces of gold between 1870 and 1883. In the Golden Slope West
there are auriferous veins in an outcrop consisting of quartz, gossan, and ironstone
in micaceous and kaolinised strata. Some rich patches of gold-bearing ore have
been met with in the reef at a depth of from 60ft. to 80ft. In all the reefs gold has
been found in patches, generally rough and flaky, and fine gold has been obtained
by washing. The amount of prospecting done is limited, and if systematic ex-
ploratory work were pursued it is probable that other rich deposits would be found.
A main shaft should be sunk, from which the several reefs could be tested at depth,
and fossicking for rich specimens should cease.
Golden Slope West.-Situated on sections 1287 and 1288. The Inspector of Mines
visited the property November 11th, 1899, and found that, as the workings were
full of water, they could not be examined. The shaft, at which was erected a horse
whim, is stated to have been sunk to a depth of 120ft., exposing the reef, 6ft. wide,
of soft friable material, containing a large percentage of pyrites carrying free gold.
Considering the large quantity of alluvial gold obtained from the Mount Pleasant
district, the lode formations deserve prospecting. (I.M.R., 8–11-99.)
The Inspector of Mines again visited this property in May, 1900, and reported
that it had been recently taken over by an English company. A vertical main
shaft, well timbered and divided into three compartments, had been sunk for 90ft.
An engine, winding plant, and appliances for sinking 300ft. or 400ft. were in position,
and it was intended to continue the shaft to the former depth, and then crosscut
to intersect the various formations known to exist, and from which rich stone had
been previously obtained. (I.M.R., 17–5–00.)
Golden Slope (later known as Duke of Cornwall).-Situated near Mount Pleasant ;
section 1286. A large quantity of gold was extracted near the surface when first
found. Several gold-bearing formations run through the mine, striking N. and S.,
with an E. underlie, and are composed principally of micaceous quartz and clay-
stone, with decomposed granite strongly associated with iron. In about the centre
of these formations a main shaft, 11ft. long by 4ft. wide, has been sunk to a depth
of 168ft., and is well timbered from top to bottom. At the 152ft. level a crosscut
passes through three lode formations, ranging from 3ft. to 7ft. wide. The first is
3ft. wide, and is composed of quartz veins and slate highly mineralised; the second
consists of micaceous quartz, gossan, and micaceous schist; the third, which is
7ft. wide, contains veins of quartz, claystone, and decomposed granite, strongly
associated with oxide of iron, while the enclosing rock is decomposed granite,
micaceous schist, and kaolinised material. The appearance is that of a large
auriferous dyke, with every indication of persistence both in length and depth.
The face of the crosscut is apparently again entering lode material, and the inspector
is of opinion that it should be continued at least another 70ft. or 80ft., when, in all
probability, the main E. ore body will be pierced. A crosscut should also be made
W. In the early days of the Mount Pleasant Goldfield gold was obtained in rich
veins and pockets near the surface on this mine, and if prospecting is continued the
same conditions may be expected to be found in the lower levels, with probably a
much larger quantity of auriferous pyrites. (I.M.R., 17–4-02.)
278
MİNİNG RECORDS,
drill, and the we met with, which wat 733ft. small seanved ldwt.
of gold, were pas ceturn of geoidh was provedenih
It was decided to test this ground at depth by means of a Government diamond
drill, and the work was done in 1904. At a depth of 546ft. a lode, consisting chiefly
of pyrites, was met with, which was proved to be 3ft. in thickness, but assays of
the core gave no return of gold. At 733ft. small seams of quartz, carrying traces
of gold, were passed through. At 739ft. the core assayed 1dwt. 12grs. of gold per
ton. The bore was continued through granite rock to 751ft., at which depth
operations ceased.
Golden Slope North.--Adjoining and to the N. of the Golden Slope West. The
property consists of two 9-acre blocks and one 20-acre; one of the small blocks is
private property, leased to the present holders, and it was on this block that Mr. Toy
made a very rich find a few years ago, the remainder being gold leases under the
Mining Act. Through the two 9-acre blocks the surface shows a strong granitic
formation, fully 400ft. in width, traversed by kaolinised granite dykes, containing
veins of iron-stained quartz, which in places have proved highly auriferous, and
have doubltess been the source of the rich alluvial deposits known as the Mount
Pleasant Goldfields. The work comprises a number of small openings and shafts,
sunk to various depths, the principal shafts being Nos. 1 and 2, sunk on the underlie
to the depth of 79ft. and 90ft. respectively; the former is in the 9-acre block of
private property, and shows the formation from 2ft. to 3ft. wide. To about 30ft.
the ore extracted was exceedingly rich, the records at the Mount Torrens Govern-
ment Cyanide Works showing that 48 tons yielded 179ozs. 14dwts. of smelted gold ;
and, in addition to this, the local bank records show receipts of large quantities of
gold obtained from this place by washing and crushing in the most primitive manner.
No. 2 shaft is in the second 9-acre block, and is in a dyke formation, apparently
of considerable width, containing seams and veins of siliceous lode matter, but poor
in quality; the shaft is evidently not on the same strike of country as No. 1. To
thoroughly prospect and develop this property two vertical shafts should be sunk,
one on each 9-acre block, each 200ft. deep, intersecting the main veinstone at that
level. The past returns for the little surface work done, and the present prospects,
would justify the expenditure necessary in testing the auriferous formations known
to exist here, and which have, so far, not received the attention they deserve.
(I.M.R., 8-11-99.)
Gowland's Reef.-Locality, 1 mile from Mount Torrens Battery. One hundred
and one tons 8cwts. 3qrs. treated at the Mount Torrens Battery and Cyanide Works
returned 29ozs. 11dwts. 4grs., valued at £106 7s. 3d., the average yield being worth
21s. per ton.
Håddy's Reward.-Locality, N. of the Lucky Hit. A report was made in Novem-
ber, 1896, that a vertical timbered shaft had been sunk 86ft., water-level; that a
quartz and ironstone lode had been cut in the 70ft. level, carrying gold, an assay
procured by the prospectors returning 3ozs. to the ton; two tunnels had been
driven, and in one an auriferous reef had been struck, and also two nice leaders on
the top of the hill.
Heinrich's Mine.--Section 116, originally known as Scott's Reef, and later as the
Talunga Goldfields Development Company, and worked by an English company,
who placed a large machinery equipment on the ground. The Government Geo-
logist reported in March, 1896, that there was a shaft 25ft. deep, from which drives
N. and Ŝ. had been put in, following the reef, which consists of quartz and kaolin
in veins and enclosed masses in the joints of the quartz. The reef varied in
width from 5ft. to 3ft., and looked likely to be permanent. There was coarse gold
visible in the solid quartz. No stone had been treated by battery, but the owner
of the claim stated that 1410zs. 15dwts. 5grs. of gold had been picked and dollied
out from the stone raised. The auriferous surfacing had proved that the reef
contained go!d for about 5 chains along the outcrop, and it was reasonable to expect
that a corresponding length of auriferous reef or vein would be found below. A
favorable looking quartz vein, containing much iron oxide and pyrites, had also
GOLD,
279
been opened up, width 12in. to 17in., which would probably join or intersect the
main reef. The country rocks are composed of kaolinised slate or pipeclay, mica-
ceous sandstone, argillaceous sandstone and slate. A payable mine should be
developed by skilful and systematic working.
Inspector Matthews reports :-Situated about 2 miles from Mount Pleasant
township. The lode, consisting of a very white porous quartz, strikes 20° E. and
underlies to the W. It has been explored by shallow workings for a considerable
length, and, from reports furnished, yielded from time to time large quantities of
gold, which occurred in very rich patches, not, at the present shallow workings,
continuous. The two principal shafts sunk are the N. and main shafts. The
former has reached a depth of 140ft. on the lode underlie, and a considerable amount
e phi paloans barn me online
of driving and stoping has been done on the course of the lode. The main shaft,
which is 13ft. by tft. 6in. in the clear, has been sunk to the depth of 156ft., passing
through the lode at 130ft. from the surface. The stone at this point is of very low
grade, but by driving N. or S. good shoots of ore will probably be met with, similar
to those found in the upper workings. All the work done recently (3–10–99) is of
the most substantial character; poppet heads, tram roads, large pumping and
winding engines, together with all the usual appliances for deep sinking have been
erected; also a large portable engine, with 10-stamp mill, is on the mine, and could,
if necessary, be readily placed in position. Seeing that the largest portion of open-
ing up the mine has been accomplished, the inspector considered that it was then
advisable, not only to continue prospecting at the present level, but also to resume
sinking and prove if the gold value in the lode will not become more continuous as
depth is attained below the water-level. (I.M.R., 3-10-99.)
The operations did not result successfully, and the company was wound up.
Howell's Syndicate.-Prospecting work was carried on in three of Wagner's
paddocks, Blumberg. In No. 1 a large reef was struck. (June, 1896.)
Jessie Darling.–Section 1303. It was reported in August, 1896, that in an
underlie shaft at a depth of 20ft. there was a lode 3ft. wide. Thirteen and a half
tons treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works returned 4ozs. 13dwts. Igr. of
gold, valued at £16 19s. 1d., the average yield being worth 25s. per ton.
Kathleen.- This was formerly known as the Wild Pigeon, and adjoins the Cobra.
In 1895 it was being worked by an Adelaide syndicate, and an underlie shaft was
down 80ft. A reef 2ft. wide was reported to have been struck, and samples sent
to the School of Mines gave high assays. When sinking the prospectors cut into
an old tunnel of 300ft., driven 30 years before in following veins of copper ore.
Lilian.--Adjoins the Golden Crown No. 1. A shaft had been sunk 40ft. (August,
1896), where the lode was found, and prospects were stated to be good, fine and
· coarse gold being obtained by the dish.
Little Crumb.--Situated near Blumberg, on a district road, adjoining and to the
S. of the Lucky Hit Mine. A considerable amount of work has been done at shallow
depths on auriferous veins from 6in. to 12in. thick. Further development is recom-
mended by sinking a main shaft below the old workings, and, owing to the character
of the enclosing rock, the work should not be expensive. (I.M.R., 27-9-99.)
Seventy-seven tons 11cwts. 2qrs. treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works
gave a return of 136ozs. 4dwts. 7grs. of gold valued at £516 5s. 7d., the average
extraction being worth 1338. per ton.
Lucky Hit.- Section 6397. The Government Geologist, reporting upon this
property in August, 1896, stated that the auriferous veins were similar to those in
Hynes' reef, varying in size but persistent, cutting through and across the bedding
of the country rock. Shaft, 45ft. ; good prospects washed, and gold frequently
seen in the veinstone. A parallel reef of a similar kind, 100ft. N.W., had been
worked. These reefs and those in Hynes' property belong to the class called
“mullocky,” and will probably continue to a considerable depth. He thought
it likely that other parallel veins would be found.
280
MINING RECORDS,
Inspector Matthews reports :-Through this property there are four ivdes and veins
of ferruginous quartz, ranging in size from a small streak to, in places, 3ft. wide;
work has been in progress on these almost continuously for the last four years, with
the result that a considerable quantity of gold has been obtained. The operations
are confined to a number of small shafts and drives in various parts of the property,
from 40ft. to 60ft. in depth, and no permanent work has been accomplished. The
country rock is of the most favorable character, and a good main shaft should be
sunk about the centre of the lode formations and crosscuts driven, to test the value
of the auriferous veins at the deeper levels. (I.M.R., 27-9-99.)
The inspector made a further report in May, 1900. The mine was then owned
by an English company, and the main shaft was sunk to a depth of 120ft., securely
timbered and centred. The manager stated that the necessary machinery would
shortly be procured, and the shaft carried down another 100ft., previous to cross-
cutting. The shaft was in a good position for future developments. (I.M.R.,
17–5–00.)
In May, 1896, a 201-ton parcel treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works gave
a return of 2ozs. per ton. In July 20 tons gave a return of loz. 10dwts. per ton.
In September a parcel of 7 tons gave a return of 4ozs. per ton. In October, 1898,
30 tons gave a return of loz. 10dwts. per ton. In December, 1904, a parcel of
22 tons was forwarded by some prospectors from the mullock dump, but it was
found that it would not pay for crushing and carting. The total ore treated at the
Government works was 338 tons 16cwts. lqr., which returned 3030zs. 6dwts. 3grs.
of gold, valued at £1,148 2s. 11d., the average extraction being worth 67s. per ton.
Lucky Hit North.-An underlie shaft 45ft. showed (August, 1896) a 2ft. lode,
consisting of auriferous quartz and kaolin, yielding good prospects. The country
is difficult to work owing to the rotten nature of the ground.
Lucky Hit Junction.--Ground hard ; reef cut in a shallow hole, from which
auriferous stone was raised. Two vertical shafts, 30ft. and 42ft., had been put
down; it was uncertain whether the stone was payable. (September, 1896.)
McVittie's Hill.-Section 6340. Here shafts were sunk on a quartz reef; their
depths range from 40ft. to 60ft. The yield of gold per ton is said to have been
100zs. 11dwts. Gold can be seen in some of the fragments of quartz lying near the
shafts. This mine was known as McLean's Triumph.
Mount Pleasant Diggings.-Sections 1286-90. The Government Geologist, report-
ing in 1886, says that a considerable amount of digging had been done here about
18 years before. Two long gullies have been worked for alluvial, and several
small shafts sunk to the bedrock, prospecting the quartz reefs. No information
could be gained as to the total amount of gold procured from this locality; but on
July 31st, 1871, the Warden of Goldfields estimated that £8,000 worth of gold had
been obtained, and the manager of the Bank of South Australia at Mount Plea-
sant stated that from February, 1870, to July, 1883, 729ozs. of gold from this
field had passed through the bank. The English, Scottish, and Australian Bank
bought 360ozs., value £1,374 17s., during the same period. (G.G., 1887.)
Later-Toy's Find was made on private property, section 7070, adjoining; and
the Golden Slope, Golden Slope North, and Golden Slope West mines were worked
on the sections before mentioned.
Mount Torrens.- Section 6537. This property, 24 miles from Blumberg, was
worked originally as an alluvial claim under the name of the Criterion, and good
patches were found containing heavy gold.
The Inspector of Mines reported (1889) that a vertical shaft should cut the reef
at the depth of 145ft. ; it has an E. and W. strike, with a dip N. ift. in 4ft. The
reef, averaging 4ft. in width, is composed of quartz, iron pyrites, and a flucan
carrying free gold. One hundred and forty tons, put through an ordinary battery,
yielded 7dwts. gold to the ton, whilst two parcels sent to the smelters averaged
loz. 2dwts. per ton. Two hundred and twenty tois gave 6dwts. of free gold to the
Two considerations 1286
could shaftse sume
GOLD.
281
ton, but he Inspect 60zs. 8d wsilver penis mine
ton, but the tailings assayed loz. 10dwts. of gold and several ounces of silver to the
ton. The Inspector was present when a parcel was treated, and 4cwts. No. I con-
centrates assayed 6ozs. 8dwts. gold and 9dwts. silver per ton; No. 2 assayed 2ozs.
17dwts. gold and 4dwts. silver per ton. On an application for a Government
subsidy the Inspector examined this mine in April, 1890, and reported that the
lode averaged 4ft. wide of quartz and pyrites, and appeared highly payable.
Samples taken assayed respectively, 14ozs. 14dwts. of gold and 7dwts. of silver
per ton; 9ozs. 18dwts. of gold and 7dwts. of silver ; 3ozs. 15dwts. of gold and a
trace of silver ; 50zs. 4dwts. of gold and 2dwts. of silver; and 8ozs. 13dwts. of gold
and 5dwts. of silver. There was bismuth in four of the samples.
This property was subsequently purchased by the Government, and a public
crushing battery and cyanide works established on it.
In May, 1898, two prospectors sunk a prospecting shaft on a quartz outcrop
on what is known as Goat Hill, about 25 chains E. of the Old Mount Torrens main
shaft, on the strike of the lode. In July this shaft was taken over by the Govern-
ment and worked by them, in conjunction with the battery and cyanide plant,
under the direction of the manager of the cyanide works. The Inspector of Mines,
reporting on September 27th, 1899, stated that the work done at this place up to
date comprised a shaft sunk to the depth of 140ft. on the underlie of the lode, which
strikes E. and W. and dips to the ſ. At the 60ft. level drives have been made
along the lode E. and W. about 60ft. each. The lode formation is from 18in. to
2ft. wide and contains 12in. of solid stone. At the 140ft. similar drives have been
made, and the E. one is 60ft. from the shaft. The lode is fully 18in. thick in the
face; and in the back of the drive for the full length there is an average thickness
of 12in. of solid stone, giving a large block of payable stoping ground up to the
60ft. level. The W. drive had been extended to 40ft., the reef ranging from 6in.
to 12in. in width; the face was rather poor, being only a small seam of rubbly quartz,
but the continuance of the drive would probably intersect other shoots, indications
of which appear on the surface. Up to date 255 tons had been treated at the
Government Battery and Cyanide Works, and had about paid expenses. Thirty
tons were still waiting treatment. (I.M.R., 27–9–99.)
The shaft was subsequently continued to 213ft. on the underlie. The ore raised
from the surface to the 60ft. level yielded 9dwts. 23grs. of gold per ton; from the
60ft. to the 140ft. level the yield was 10dwts. 10g.s. per ton; and from the 140ft.
to the bottom level, viz., 213ft., the yield was 10dwts. 15grs. per ton. The total
quantity of ore raised and treated at Mount Torrens Battery and Cyanide Works
was 1,252 tons llcwts., which returned 6520zs. 10dwts. 16grs. of gold, valued at
£2,483 18s. 5d., the average extraction being worth 39s. per ton. The whole of the
work done on this shoot of ore paid expenses, including cartage to the battery and
crushing and cyaniding charges. The shoot of ore at the 60ft. level was 66ft. long;
at the 140ft. level, 128ft. long; and at the 213ft. it was 140ft. long, and averaging
throughout ift. wide. The ore contained a fair percentage of pyrites, but with
the battery treatment followed by cyanidation of the tailings a high extraction was
obtained at the Government works. The depth attained, viz., 213ft., was as deep
as could be conveniently worked with the prospecting shaft then in use; and this
shaft, after being unworked for 12 months, fell in during the next heavy winter.
Other prospecting on this section was done, two tunnels being put in the hill. In
one small leaders were met with, and 17 tons 4cwts. treated returned 12ozs. 2dwts.
17grs. of gold ; but this was quite distinct from the shoot of ore above referred to.
New Republic.--Adjoins the Golden Slope West. A lode 3ft. wide was cut at
23ft., and sinking was continued. The lode appeared to widen in depth, and was
reported to give prospects of fine gold.
Penrhyn Mine.-Section 6332. Rich surfacing was got here. Shafts were sunk
on quartz reefs in the vicinity, but no payable stone was found, so the mine was
abandoned and the shafts collapsed. In October, 1875, prospecting operations
were resumed.
282
MINING RECORDS.
About 21 miles from Blumberg. The workings consist of four small shafts,
from 16ft. to 58ft. deep, along the line of lode and connected by drives at various
points. The lode formation is from 4ft. to 5ft. wide, strike N.E., with a W. underlie
of about 45°, and contains veins and bunches of ferruginous quartz. At the bottom
of the deepest shaft, 58ft., is exposed on the footwall side of the formation a vein
of quartz 15in. thick, heavily charged with iron and pyrites, and dipping rapidly
to the N. From this level and above, three parcels of ore have been treated at the
Mount Torrens Government works with the following results :- Ten tons, 12dwts.
21grs. per ton ; 13 tons, a little over 17dwts. per ton; and 13 tons, 15dwts. 16grs.
per ton. These returns are very encouraging, and for the future working of the
mine a vertical shaft should be sunk much further W., with the object of intersect-
ing the lode at a depth of 200ft., the upper ground being worked by a crosscut at
the 100ft. level. (I.M.R., 17–6–02.)
The total amount of ore treated at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works was 981
tons, which returned 54ozs. 7dwts. 20grs. of gold, valued at £194 7s., the average
extraction being worth 40s. per ton.
Port Adelaide Syndicate.-.Prospected Crown lands at McVittie's Hill, and in the
middle of April, 1890, at a depth of 35ft., a reef 18in. thick was struck, showing
free gold.
Recompense. -Situated between Blumberg and Mount Torrens. In putting
down an underlie shaft it was reported that an auriferous reef was cut, about ift.
wide, the vein carrying quartz and ironstone. A vertical shaft was also started.
(1894.)
St. Patrick.- On section No. 2. An underlie shaft 150ft., with a wide formation,
carrying gold. The lode, it is said, dips suddenly at 130ft. Rich gold specimens
were occasionally found, but the mine has been abandoned. The lode is wide and
continuous, consisting of ironstone, gossan, pyrites, and quartz, bearing N. and S.
There is also a large outcrop of baryta or heavy spar, apparently a lode. (Govern-
ment Geologist, 1895.)
Subsequently a large amount of ironstone flux was taken from this place. Later
it was worked for ochre, and named at first the Talunga Ochre Mine and afterwards
Mount Sienna.
In December, 1906, the Government Geologist reports :--A lode outcrop, extend-
ing through section No. 2 in a N.N.E. direction, has been followed down by a shaft,
underlying E. to a depth of about 70ft., and connected with a vertical shaft to water-
level at a depth of 90ft. The lode material consists of quartz, brown iron ore,
gossan, cellular quartz, pryites, talcose, and micaceous clays and kaolin. The
country rocks are chiefly claystone and micaceous and argillaceous sandstone.
The mine was originally worked for gold and latterly for flux, procured at a depth
of 70ft., where rough excavations of considerable extent have been made. Through
the decomposition of pyrites the argillaceous lode material and the containing
country rock have been penetrated in places by oxide of iron, coloring them yellow,
brown, and pink. Yellow and brown ochre, derived from the same source, also
occur in pockets and irregular-shaped masses in connection with brown iron ore
and clay ironstone concretions ; at other places along the outcrop the country rock
is stained with oxide of iron in a similar manner. I have been asked to give an
opinion as to the quantity of material available for treatment, but find it impossible
to do so on account of the irregularity in mode of occurrence as at present shown.
Further prospecting and development above water-level should disclose additional
ochre-bearing bodies. (Government Geologist, 10-12-06.)
A wide lode formation traverses the property for a distance of 60 chains, striking
N. and S., and dipping E. at an angle of 30°. A little distance E. of the outcrop a
shaft has been sunk vertical for the first 30ft. and from there on the underlie for
a distance of 100ft., following the dip of the lode, exposing an ore body of from 3ft.
to 10ft. wide. About 2 chains E. of the underlie shaft, a vertical shaft, 8ft. by 4ft.,
GOLD.
283
has been sunk to a depth of 127ft., and close timbered. This at present is the work-
ing shaft, and is equipped with poppet heads and winding engine. At 80ft. level
a plat has been cut out 12ft. by 12ft., where a steam pump has been fixed to pump
the water out of the shaft for the treatment plant on the surface. The principal
work carried on at present underground is at the 80ft. level. A crosscut has been
extended from the plat for a distance of 50ft., when the formation was intersected,
which is about 30ft. wide at this point. The ore has been taken out here for the
full width of the lode, and the place has been well timbered, and a start made to
drive N. and S. The N. drive has been extended 20ft. The lode in the face is
14ft. wide, and consists of sienna, ochre, and iron pyrites. The S. drive has been
extended 5ft. The matrix of the lode is the same in both drives, and also in the
upper levels, where little driving has been carried on both N. and S. at the 70ft.,
50ft., and 30ft. levels. The treatment plant consists of a ball mill and engine to
drive same, eight settling pits, 12ft. by 6ft. by lft., and a small roasting furnace.
Both the winding and horizontal engines are supplied with steam from a 20ft.
Cornish boiler. This mine has a good supply of both sienna and ochre in sight
from the present level to the surface, and if equipped with a more modern crusher
it should turn out a profitable concern. When at the mine I took six samples of
the ore from different parts of the mine, which were assayed at the School of Mines.
Some of them showed traces of gold. I expect, when the drives on the course of the
lode are further extended to where it intersects the quartz reefs, it may be found
to carry rich patches of gold. (I.M.R. (Jones), 4–10-07.)
Sections 6572, 1673, 6396, 6397, 6624, 6625, 116, 6558, 6511, and others.-
More or less alluvial gold has also been found on all of these sections. In some
instances it is known that the quantity taken out was large, but there are no means
of giving anything like accurate total figures.
The Government Geologist reported in 1895 on the following sections :-
6335.--A quartz reef din. to 10in. thick, remarkably well defined and apparently
permanent in character, exists upon this property. The country is auriferous,
and probably other veins exist. A certificate of assay of the reef-stone showed
loz. 7dw's. 10grs. to the ton, leaving 2dwts. Ilgrs. in the tailings.
: 6593. Small quartz reefs outcrop, containing oxide of iron and pyrites ; flats
likely for alluvial gold.
6334.-A reef crosses the S.E. corner, from which, it is reported, rich specimens
of gold were obtained; workings had fallen in.
1305, 1306, 6625, 6396.-Quartz reef outcrops occur, looking likely for gold ;
some had been worked to a shallow depth. The most promising reef shows on
the surface in the S.W. corner of 6625, running thence into 6396.
126.-The N. end is in a line with the strike of the Black Snake reef (section
127), and in a small creek alluvial gold was being worked.
125.-A strong auriferous reef of laminated quartz had been exposed containing
pyrites, and should be tested.
108.-The continuation of the German reef should be looked for here.
6627.- The N.W. portion is on the trend of the Black Snake reef.
6626.-There are two veins, 12in. and 10in., neither showing gold; but in the
S.E. corner there is an outcrop which is apparently a continuation of Wagner's
reef; the stone is favorable.
6625.-The reef above described passes into this area, and in the S.E. corner a
patch of alluvial gave rich returns. Its working exposed a reef, which was probably
the source of the gold. This place should be thoroughly prospected.
6397.-A reef was being worked near the S.E. corner and was giving good returns ;
it is parallel to the last-mentioned reef.
7117.-There are many outcrops of quartz, but apparently no defined reefs or
veins. If the German reef is continuous it should traverse the S.E. portion of this
section.
e ng ubad been 821 6396 erkings had fallcom which,
284
MINING RECORDS.
patches of ore treatement at the Gdefined, striking even shafts had kings on s
The Government Geologist thinks that there is a fair probability of alluvial
gold being found in the creek flats on all these sections.
Talunga Mine. -Sections 109, 110, 114, and 115. Principal workings on section
115. The Inspector of Mines reported (1895) that seven shafts had been sunk 20ft.
to 62ft. The lode is strong and well defined, striking N. 20° E., but poor in character.
The assays, on treatment at the Government Cyanide Works, gave returns from
parcels of ore treated :—12dwts. 18grs. and ldwt. 10grs. per ton. The lode is
patchy, but should be worth further development.
Wegener's (also worked under the names of Young Australian, Blumberg Boulder,
and Naza Baza.-The Government Geologist, reporting in 1896 upon this property,
stated that a quartz outcrop on section 1633 strikes N. 50° E., from which a good
many years ago 5ozs. of gold was got out of a small hole. In the N.W. part of the
same section is another reef about 5ft. wide, and underlying N.W., the veinstone
consisting of cellular and solid quartz, with pyrites and brown iron oxide. On
section 1635 there is a vein of the same character, and on this and section 123 there
are outcrops apparently on the same line of reef. The widths vary from 1ft. to
8ft. A small flat vein of laminated quartz exists, and from a shaft on this vein
quartz of a favorable character for gold was met with. Other outcrops exist, and
the property is in a central position in an auriferous district.
Seventy-nine tons 2cwts. 3qrs. treated at the Mount Torrens Battery and Cyanide
Works returned 14ozs. 14dwts. 3grs. of gold, valued at £56 9s. 7d., the average
yield being worth 14s. per ton.
· Wagner's Reef.--Situated about mile from Black Snake. In 1894 an underlie
shaft was down 20ft. ; lode 4ft. and increasing, strike N.E. and S.W. Lode, iron-
stone, quartz, and pyrites ; good walls. High assays said to have been obtained.
TARCOOLA.
The N.W. country was first explored by John McDouall Stuart in 1858. He
named the low ranges of hills which now include Wilgena and Tarcoola the
“ Warburton Ranges," and called the isolated peak standing boldly out of the flat
must have traversed the country during a very good season, as he compares the
flats near the Konkaby rockholes, a few miles to the N. of Tarcoola, with the Adelaide
Plains.
Aboriginal legends concerning large lumps of gold in a far-away place somewhere
to the N.W. of Tarcoola have been heard from the natives of the N.W. and W. coast
ever since the earliest days of settlement, and expeditions in search, generally
accompanied by aged blacks, have gone out from time to time. So far, however,
the precious deposits remain undiscovered, and it is most probable that the legends
refer to some glittering micaceous outcrop seen by the aboriginal inhabitants of
the now uninhabited country to the N. and W. of Tarcoola. There are also rumors
regarding valuable finds of golden nuggets by white men in the early days, but none
of these have been found traceable to satisfactory sources.
In 1893 an old goldminer was employed at Yerda, on Wilgena run, as a boundary
rider. He considered the country to be gold-bearing, and arranged to go out
prospecting after shearing with Nichols, a shed hand. He eventually exhibited
some alluvial gold, and a rumor reached Adelaide that a find had been made in the
district. It was afterwards proved, however, to the satisfaction of Mr. A. W.
Cocks, then manager of Wilgena Station, that the gold displayed had been purchased
from one of the shearers, and came originally from Echunga.
In September, 1893, Nichols, with the assistance of Mr. Cocks, started prospecting
by himself, taking Yerda as a base. Shortly afterwards Messrs. H. D. O'Halloran,
L. Bonnar, and J. K. Acraman reached Wilgena, having come up on account of the
1
GOLD.
285
rumors before mentioned. They joined with Nichols, and did a general prospecting
trip over the run, and at the end of October Bonnar and Nichols brought to Yerda
some dirt from Glenloth (gold locality No. 1), which, on being washed, showed
colors. This was the first actual finding of gold in the district. Nichols also found
a little alluvial gold on Brown's Hill and at the E. end of Tarcoola Hill (gold locality
No. 2), and sold to Mr. Cocks in all 220zs. of alluvial gold, the bulk being found
near Glenloth. The Government Geologist arrived at the end of October, 1893,
He was favorably impressed with the country, and his observations were embodied
in his report for 1894.
In 1896 the late Arthur Battye picked up near the present site of the Tarcoola
Blocks battery a piece of quartz showing gold freely ; illness prevented him follow-
ing this up. Mr. Kingsmill's find of a rich specimen of gold-bearing quartz on the
surface near Earea Dam in 1899 again called attention to the district, with the
result that the Wilgena Enterprise Gold Mine and the South Lake Tin Mine at
Earea Dam were found, and general prospecting restarted.
In July, 1899, Mr. W. C. Dawes, who was prospecting on behalf of a Gawler
syndicate, came on from Earea Dam in order to investigate the Government Geolo-
gist's No. 2 gold locality (Tarcoola). He found gold on blocks 912 and 913, and
pegged them out on behalf of his syndicate; at the same time J. Kelly, on behalf
of a syndicate, consisting of Messrs. Bellingham, Dedman, and others, pegged 938
and 939, taking in the Glory Quayle Rock.
Mr. Dawes then went to Glenloth, and returning in August found the main contact
lode between the granite and quartzite, and started the shaft which bears his name
on block 951. He then pegged out 951, 952, and 953, and four blocks at a copper
show about 2 miles N.E. The Glory Quayle Syndicate then pegged 935, 936, 937,
and two blocks at the copper locality. The Wilgena West Syndicate, consisting
of Mr. A. W. Cocks and others, pegged 957, 958, 959, and one block at the copper
locality.
The three syndicates amalgamated, work was carried on at Dawes' shaft, and
finally the leases were floated into two companies, named the Proprietary and the
Wilgena Associated, the holdings extending along the crown of the low Tarcoola
Range.
About the middle of 1899 the Hon. A. Tennant, M.L.C., and Mr. C. H. Hakendorf
arranged with some prospectors to examine the country near and W. of Wilgena,
to which attention had been called by the Government Geologist's report of 1894
and by the finds near Earea Dam. The venture was called “ The Western and
South Australian Border Prospecting Association.” The men, nine in number,
received no pay, but were provided with camels, outfit, and rations, and were to
receive two-fifths share of any finds made. They divided into two parties of three
and six men respectively. Early in February, 1900, the first party-Olsen, Mathews,
and Williams-came to Tarcoola and pegged on adjoining Dawes' blocks near
Mauser Rock, when they found a little gold. Later in the month the second party
also came from Gall's Range to Tarcoola and pegged adjoining Dawes' western
blocks to the S., but at first prospected on Brown's Hill. This party consisted of
Fabian, McKechnie, Sullivan, Lloyd, Ward, and Baze Mahomet, and early in April
Fabian and Ward found rich surface specimens of gold in quartz at the spot now
known as Fabian's Shaft; Ward's and McKechnie's reefs were discovered shortly
afterwards.
The specimens were of remarkable beauty and value ; the news reached Adelaide,
and created considerable interest. Mr. L. C. E. Gee, of the Mines Department, was
sent up by the Government to investigate the find ; his report verified the matter,
and a company was formed to take over 10 20-acre blocks surrounding the find,
and was named “The Tarcoola Blocks Company.” Other leases were taken out
and companies formed.
286
MINING RECORDS.
GEOLOGICAL NOTES ON TARCOOLA.
The Tarcoola Range trends in an E. and W. direction more or less continuously
for about 10 miles. The rock formation consists of alternating beds of quartzite,
quartzose sandstone, siliceous and argillaceous slate and sandstone, interstratified
conformably, striking from W.S.W. to S.W., and dipping from 45° to 60° S.E.
Beneath these lie granite rocks, generally micaless granite (granulyte); they out-
crop at numerous places on the low ground and are associated with diorite, felspar
porphyry, hornblendic granite, &c. The quartzite and sandstone series form a
range rising some 200ft. above the surrounding country and are exposed to view,
while the lower rocks are covered over by red loam and sand and travertine lime-
stone.
The auriferous lodes cross the upper series of rocks approximately at right angles
to the strike, and cut through them more or less vertically. Other ironstone and
quartz lodes occur, trending approximately at right angles to the last-named lodes
in a general direction, conformable to the strike of the stratified rocks and the
boundary of the granite. There are also large outcrops of grey quartz rock con-
taining veins of quartz, which resemble lode formations, but may be merely highly-
altered beds.
The lodes traverse both the sedimentary rocks and underlying granitic formation,
which has uptilted the former along the E. and W. line of upheaval and has caused
them to dip off it in a S. direction. The lodes traversing the sedimentary quartzite,
sandstone, and slaty rocks, which may be classed as N. and S. lodes, enclose a
varying width of country rock or formation, more or less intersected by small veins
of quartz, gossan, and ironstone, through which on one or both walls the main
quartz vein extends, thinning out and thickening along its course. The richest
gold is found in the quartz, ironstone, and gossan of the main quartz vein, but the
small subsidiary veins and the quartzite sandstone and slaty rock are also found
to contain gold to a greater or less extent.
The lodes occurring in the granitic rocks are sometimes well defined and have
good walls, and in other cases they are irregular and mixed with argillaceous and
ferruginous material, and partake of the nature of dykes.
Dykes of diorite and amygdaloidal trap are in some places seen ; they probably
have some influence on the occurrence of gold.
The E. and W. lodes, following approximately the line of junction of the granitic
and sedimentary rocks, are generally composed of iron oxide, siliceous iron ore,
gossan, &c., sometimes having a considerable width. The lodes have been found,
so far as tested, to contain very fine gold and sparsely disseminated. The junction
of these with the N. and S. series of lodes has not yet been prospected. The chances
are in favor of these being more auriferous at such points of intersection.
Galena and carbonate of lead are found in some of the lodes, and pyrites in most.
The gold-bearing stone occurs in shoots, as is usual in most gold-bearing lodes.
The dip of the shoots in the Blocks Mine is S., and conforms to the dip of the strata,
so far as indicated in the present workings ; sufficient work in driving along the
lodes has not yet been done to determine whether this may be taken as a constant
rule. (G.G., 25–2–02.)
Tarcoola Blocks.-In June, 1900, two months after the discovery, the Govern-
ment Geologist (Mr. H. Y. L. Brown) visited this locality, and reported :-In
McKechnie's shaft (gold lease No. 1005) the lode is composed of quartz, opaline
quartz (with common opal), ferruginous quartz, &c., and of a quartzose, argillaceous,
and siliceous sandstone formation lying between well-defined walls, some 4ft. apart,
which cut through thin inclined beds of quartzite and quartzose sandstone. The
lode inclines 76° to 80° E. at the present depth of 30ft. ; its strike is N. 25° W.
The main quartz vein has a thickness of about 2ft. Rich stone was being obtained.
In Fabian's shaft (gold lease No. 1005) the lode consists of a quartz vein on the
W. wall, and a formation of quartzose sandstone and argillaceous rock intersected
by small quartz and ironstone veins. The walls, which are fairly defined, are froin
GOLD.
287
4ft. to 4ft. 6in. apart. The lode is vertical to 13ft., and then dips at a high angle,
75° to 80° W., at the present depth (19ft.). The strike is N. 20° W. The quartz
vein or reef is traceable on the surface in both directions along the strike, and has
been proved to be auriferous, rich gold specimens having been obtained from the
surface stone at a distance of 50yds. N., and a short distance S. of the shaft. It is
from this shaft that the rich specimens of gold found on the field, which were ex-
hibited in the Minister's office, were obtained. Gold occurs in the casing and also
in the formation, and was visible in the stone being raised.
In Ward's shaft (gold lease No. 1004), at the bottom (42ft.), there are two quartz
veins separated by sandstone and argillaceous material containing small veins.
These veins are 4in. and 14in. thick respectively; they have been found to unite
higher up in the shaft, and probably do so again at a lower level. The containing
rocks are thin-bedded micaceous and argillaceous sandstone. The strike is approxi-
mately N. 15° E., and the general dip of the lode formation is vertical; the quartz
veins at the bottom now incline E. and W. Gold is frequently seen in the stone,
Auriferous quartz has been found in outcrops S. some 41 chains to 5 chains, pre-
sumably on the same general line of lode.
In the claim W. of Ward's shaft a vein of quartz 3in. or 4in. thick is observed to
cut through a quartzite bar. S. of this, quartz stones containing free gold, specular
iron, and pyrites have been found, which have evidently been derived from a vein
traversing the soft strata, which is covered up by soil and other surface detritus.
In Sullivan's shaft (gold lease No. 1004) a quartz vein is exposed traversing
inclined beds of quartzite and quartzose sandstone, striking N. 15º W., and dipping
slightly W. The thickness of quartz varies from 1ft. to 9in. at the present depth,
9ft. Coarse gold has been obtained here in the quartz and accompanying lode
formation.
O'Loughlin's reef is an outcrop of quartz traversing quartzite and sandstone on
lease No. 1005. Gold is visible, and fairly rich specimens have been obtained.
The strike of the vein is N. 10° W. No mining has yet been done on it.
Williams' reef (gold lease No. 1013) is a small quartz vein cutting across a bar
of quartzite and siliceous slate. It strikes N. 40° W., dips N.E. at 85°, and is ex.
posed for about 15ft. in length in one place, but outcrops again 30ft. N., where it
has a thickness of 15in.
Dedman's reef (gold lease No. 1005) is a quartz vein striking N. 36° W. for
about 40ft., and cutting vertically through quartzite, its thickness varying from
.Ift. to lift. Good gold specimens are obtainable here. Some of the gold is light-
colored through being alloyed with silver. No mining work has yet been done.
Lloyd's reef (gold lease No. 1005) is a small quartz vein striking N. 28° W.
through quartzite. No mining has been done. (G.G., 11–7–00.)
The Inspector of Mines (Mr. W. H. Matthews) reports, July 29th, 1901 :--The
Tarcoola Blocks comprise 10 20-acre gold leases situated about the centre of the
Tarcoola Goldfield. The property, in conjunction with several others, is traversed
by a strong quartzite ridge striking E. and W.; in places cropping several feet
above the surface, and extending for fully 3 miles in length. Almost directly across
the quartzite formation there are indications of numerous lodes and veins, striking
in most instances. about N. and S. On several of these trial pits and shafts have been
sunk to various depths, the principal being Sullivan's, Ward's, Fabian's, and
McKechnie's; also two tunnels, McKechnie's and Dedman's. At the time of my
inspection work in all of these places was being vigorously continued for the pur-
pose of opening up the mine and raising stone for the battery. Each of these shafts
is sunk on distinctly separate lodes, in some cases as they continue N. having the
appearance of converging one towards the other ; but, until further explorations
have taken place, that point as to actual contact or junction must remain undeter-
mined. Sullivan's shaft had reached the depth of 105ft., disclosing lode matter
from top to bottom, ranging from 18in. to 3ft. wide, walls being fairly good and al-
most vertical. No drives have as yet been opened, but sinking is still continued
on the lode, which at this point is 18in. thick, and up to the present giving every
288
MINING RECORDS.
Lode was apparently delitto
indication of continuing. The stone raised shows gold freely, and should be of fair
average value. Present depth of Ward's shaft is 82ft., first portion sunk being
vertical. The lode varies in size from 1ft. to 5ft. in thickness, giving an average
width of from 3ft. to 4ft. Two drives have been driven N. and S. from the bottom,
each being about 60ft. In the S. drive the lode is pinched and broken; but, as the
country rock is not hard, if the drive is continued the code will probably make again
to its usual size. The N. drive shows a solid body of stone fully 4ft. wide, with
well-defined walls. Above this drive stoping has been commenced, the lode being
5ft. wide, strongly iron-stained, and of a very favorable character, gold being seen
as work is continued. Fabian's shaft has been sunk to the depth of 150ft., or below
water-level, the lode from the surface down to 100ft. averaging from 2ft. to 2ft. 6in.
wide. At this point the lode was apparently left on the W. side, and the shaft
continued in country rock. In the shaft bottom two crosscuts have been driven
E. and W., each about 30ft. in length. The W. one has exposed a vein of stone
12in. wide, which probably is a continuation of the lode above. At present there
is nothing of any particular importance exposed in the E. crosscut beyond a few
small seams traversing the country rock. Driving S. at the time of my visit was
also started at the 80ft. level. The ore from the surface down is in places very
rich, the gold apparently making in shoots one below the other. McKechnie's
shaft has reached the depth of 50ft., the lode averaging fully 4ft. wide, being
strong, well defined, with clean and unbroken walls, and at the present level giving
every indication of continuing in depth. The lode matter raised shows gold freely,
and is of good average value. McKechnie's tunnel has been started from the sur-
face level of McKechnie's shaft, and advanced 60ft. N. on the same lode, disclosing
similar gold-bearing matter for the first 40ft. At this point it became broken,
and the face shows at present only a small seam or track of the lode. This is prob-
ably caused by the lode coming in contact with an extremely hard bar of quartzite,
which, when passed through will probably resume its average width. Dedman's
tunnel, with the approach, has reached a distance of 120ft. For the first 90ft.
lode material of good value has been exposed, ranging from 1ft. to 2ft. wide. Be-
yond this point the lode has pinched similar to McKechnie's tunnel, and doubtless
from the same cause, as the face is apparently in the same dense hard rock that
probably will not continue for any great distance. In the higher portion of the
property a main shaft, 10ft. by 4ft. in the clear, has been started and sunk 25ft.
This will eventually be connected with McKechnie's tunnel, and all stone raised
from each tunnel, also Fabian's and McKechnie's shafts and other lodes which may
be opened up, will be brought by tramline to the shaft, hauled to the surface, and
from thence trucked to the battery. On the mine there has been erected a 10-
stamp mill, rockbreaker, and the usual gold-saving appliances. Surface tramlines
from the tunnels and the two shafts mentioned-Fabian's and McKechnie's--have
been completed, and shortly should be connected with the main shaft. It is con-
templated to erect a tramline from the shaft to the orebins in the battery, and this,
when completed, will facilitate the transit of ore considerably to what it is at present.
On the day of my leaving, a formation was being opened up about midway between
McKechnie's and Dedman's tunnel. There was not sufficient done to determine
its width, but it was apparently from 5ft. to 6ft. wide, showing gold freely, and
appeared a most important development (known afterwards as Minnis' reef).
Judging from surface indications and the numerous outcrops crossing the quartzite
formation, there will be other lodes and veins of equal value discovered to those
now being worked, and which give every promise of returning good regular returns.
(I.M.R., 29–7–01.)
A further report from the Government Geologist, dated February 25th, 1902,
was published in April, 1902 :-The Blocks battery commenced crushing on May
16th, 1901, and up to March 31st, 1902, had treated 1,695 tons of stone for
5,990ozs. of gold bullion. The stone treated was taken from Fabian's, Ward's,
McKechnie's, and Minnis's reefs. The tailings have an average assay value of
74dwts. per ton.
--
289
.-
.
.
GOLDGOL
In all, so far, 32 auriferous reefs have been found on the property. The principal
ones prospected and worked are Fabian's, Ward's, McKechnie's, Minnis's, Sulli.
van's, and the Gully reefs.
Sullivan's Reef strikes 345º; dip practically vertical. The shaft is now 113ft.,
with a drive of 12ft. N. along the lode, which varies in thickness from 1ft. near the
surface to lft. 9in. at 93ft., and ift. 6in. at the bottom. The lode carried gold all
down, and frequently rich specimens were disclosed. This should prove a valuable
and permanent lode when developed..
Ward's Reef.-This is a large and well-defined lode in sandstone and slate country.
It strikes 15°, and dips slightly to the E. The outcrop can be traced for some dis-
tance on the surface S. A shaft has been sunk to a depth of 86ft., with drives
102ft. N. and 67ft. S. from the bottom along the course. The lode is a large one,
being 6ft. thick in the N. face of the drive, and 10ft. at a point between this and
the shaft; it is composed of quartz and soft ferruginous and argillaceous formation.
At the S. drive the lode is smaller, 2ft. 6in., but is richer in gold. Some stoping
has been done here, and a winze sunk 20ft. from the end of the drive, on a rich shoot
of gold. In sinking the shaft, and throughout the workings, gold has been found
to exist in payable quantities. This is a large, well-defined, and permanent lode,
with every probability of increasing in value.
Dedman's Reef.—This lode outcrops on the side of a steep hill, where rich speci.
mens of gold, in some cases associated with native silver, were found. The lode
strikes 324°, and a tunnel has been driven 150ft. along it into the hill. Its greatest
width, 4ft., was at 109ft. At 135ft. it pinched out, and at the end of the tunnel
it is now 10in. wide, and consists of gold-bearing quartz. The stone has been of
good quality throughout. This is also a good and promising lode, and has every
appearance of permanency.
Minnis' Reef.---This lode has been worked by means of an open cut and a tunnel
in the side of a steep hill. The lode formation, averaging 6ft. between the walls,
consists of quartz veins and hard quartzite, in both of which rich gold was found.
At the present face of the tunnel, 28ft., the vein of gold-bearing quartz is 18in.
wide. So far only surface work has been done on this large and newly-found lode,
and the indications are in favor of its becoming more regular and better defined
in depth.
Guīly Reef.--This lode is W. of and approximately parallel to Fabian's reef. At
30ft. in depth the lode is 18ft. wide, consists of ferruginous quartz carrying gold,
and has a slight dip to the W. It has been worked along the surface strike for
30ft., and yielded good stone.
McKechnie's Reef.—This lode has a general strike of 334°, and dips to the E.
from 76° to 80°. It traverses the quartzose sandstone, quartzite, and slaty strata
of the range approximately at right angles. It has been worked by two shafts, a
tunnel, and an open cut on the lode. The first shaft, now about 100ft. deep, shows
strong and clearly-defined walls about 4ft. apart. The lode is composed of quartz,
ferruginous quartz, and a quartzose, siliceous, and argillaceous formation. This
shaft, which follows the lode, has cátried gold throughout, with occasional very
rich patches. The only stone removed for treatment so far has been taken from
the tunnel and open cut. This tunnel has been driven into the hill along the lode
at the level of the top of the shaft for 150ft. The lode was found to pinch at the
hard bars of country rock, as is usually the case, but furnished a supply of good
stone for treatment. Rich specimens frequently occurred. This is one of the best-
defined and most permanent-looking lodes on the property, and is rich in gold.
It has already been tested by the shaft to a depth of 100ft. below the present level
of the main shaft.
· Fabian's Reef. This lode has a strike of 340°. The shaft is vertical for the first
20ft., thence to 80ft. on a steep W. underlie, the shaft was continued vertically
through hard quartzite. Rich gold was found from surface to 10ft., from 55ft. to
60ft., and from 74ft. to 80ft., the intervening portions of the lode carrying gold of
290
MINING RECORDS.
the open lode fortephethe
a lower grade. At 80ft, the lode was cut off by a slide dipping about 40° to the S.,
and at this level a drive along the lode was put in 41ft. S. on a rich shoot of gold.
At 110ft. a crosscut was carried 10ft. E., and thence S. 40ft., striking the slide and
lode, which was found to be 3ft. 6in. wide and rich in gold. This stone has been
stoped up to the 80ft. level, and thence N. along the slide to the surface 150ft. N.
of the shaft. A quantity of exceedingly rich stone has been removed by stopes
from the 110ft. level and the open cut. At the bottom of the shaft, 152ft., crosscuts
E. and W. have been made and lode formations struck which have not yet been
driven on, nor has it yet been ascertained whether either of them is the continuation
of the lode below the slide. The following down of the slide on its S. declination
and the exploring for the faulted lode below the slide are works of the greatest im-
portance, as it is most probable that the extreme richness of the shoot of gold is
due to the presence of this slide. This lode, so far as worked, has proved most
valuable, and establishes a record for South Australia.
General Remarks on the Blocks' Lodes.- The walls of the lodes, in most instances,
enclose a considerable width of country rock or formation mixed with and inter-
sected by veins of quartz and ferruginous matter, while main quartz veins or reefs
follow the line of lode along one wall or the other, or traverse the body of the for-
mation. The gold is found to occur both in the quartz reefs and in the lateral
intersecting veins, being richest, however, in the main quartz body. The quartz
occurs in shoots of varying thickness, as also does the gold. So far the dip of these
shoots is S., and conforms approximately to the dip of the strata, which consists
of alternations of quartzite, quartzose sandstone, siliceous and argillaceous slate
and sandstone. The lodes have been found to be áuriferous in all the varieties of
strata, which they cut through and across at angles more or less approaching right
angles, and they dip at a high angle, in some cases towards and in others away from
each other, leading to the inference that some will intersect or coalesce in depth.
In order to mine these rich bodies economically and to advantage, deep sinking
is absolutely necessary, and should be taken in hand with the greatest confidence
on the part of the proprietors.
These lodes cover a surface distance of a quarter of a mile from E. to W., and
form a compact group for working. The other reefs on the property have not yet
been tested and explored. (G.G., 25–2–02.)
Departmental report, by L. C. E. Gee, June, 1904 :—The battery power has been
increased from 10 to 20 head of stamps, and the large cyanide plant, consisting of
three leaching vats, two agitators, three distributing, and four solution vats, with
necessary appliances, is now completed, and is capable of treating 750 tons of
tailings per month. Ward's reef.-About 300ft. S. of the original shaft an underlie
shaft starts, and has been worked S. along the reef to a depth of 270ft. on an angle
of 40°, which is the dip of the strata S. For a time the main battery supplies came
from this source, and at the present bottom the reef shows about 4ft. wide, and is
estimated to be worth about 15dwts. per ton. The original shaft has been carried
down to 180ft. vertical, and at the bottom a drive has been made S. along the reef
for 400ft., about another 100ft. will connect with the underlie shaft; also from this
level a crosscut of 300ft. E. connects with the workings on Fabian's reef at the
150ft. level. At 300ft. from the shaft S. along the drive a rise is in progress, now
up 135ft., which will connect with the underlie shaft, and open out a large block of
reef for stoping. At 280ft. S. from the shaft a crosscut has been started W., with
a view of intersecting Sullivan's reef. At 170ft. S. from the shaft a winze was put
down 50ft. ; the formation at the bottom, 2ft. wide, is highly mineralised and carries
veins of quartz. A drive has been started N, from the bottom of the shaft along
the reef, now in 30ft., and showing about 2ft. 6in. of reef in the face; this drive is
expected soon to intersect the slate gold-carrying bodies known to exist in the N.
portion of the Blocks property, and also in the adjoining properties. Suilliyan's
Reef.--The shaft has not been further worked in, but the reef has been exposed on
the surface and tested, in some places to a depth of 12fti, for 350ft. N. from the
GOLD.
291
shaft. The stone raised averaged about loz. to the ton in the battery, and it is
proposed to work this reef from the crosscut from Ward's. Fabian's Reef.
Investigations showed that this reef has been faulted for a distance of 40ft. to the
W.; this has taken place in a series of three breaks, the first being found 4ft. to
the W. of the reef above the slide, the vertical section being about 10ft.; then a
further break of lft., with a vertical section of about 15ft.; then à third break of
35ft., and from this the reef appears to be continuous vertically. A main underlie
shaft was started near the top of the hill, 25ft. higher than the battery floor, and
is being sunk a little to the E. of the reef, on the same angle as the dip of the strata,
viz., 40°. This shaft has now reached a depth of 400ft., being about 200ft. below
the surface at its present end, where sinking is in progress, and will be maintained:
From this shaft three levels have been opened out, at 80ft., 110ft., and 150ft. vertical,
and stoping is in progress at each. The stone being taken by the tramline up the
shaft direct to the battery is raised throughout the stopes, the whole of the reef
being taken out, and the stopes then mullocked up. The reef averages ift. bin.,
and is mainly composed of ferruginous gossany quartz. It is worth a little over
loz. to the ton by battery, with about 5dwts. or 6dwts. in the tailings. The rich
patches for which this reef has been so celebrated in the past may also be reasonably
expected to occur in some degree in the future; and, indeed, during my visit I saw
some very rich stone taken from the bottom of the winze 60ft. below the 150ft. level.
At a depth of 360ft. along the underlie shaft the reef was broken across to; it is
4ft. to the W. of the shaft, is 1ft. 6in. thick, and carries nice gold. McKechnie's
Reet.-Stoping is in progress N. and S. from the shaft; the reef averages 2ft. in
width, and is worth about 15dwts per. ton. A crosscut of 130ft. connects this reef
with Fabian's at the 150ft. level, and underground communication is established
from McKechnie's on the E. to Ward's on the W., a distance of 430ft. This will be
further extended by the crosscut now in progress from Ward's to Sullivan's. A
rise is in progress from the end of the crosscut to connect with McKechnie's tunnel,
by means of which a large block of ground on this reef will be made available for
stoping. Minnis' Reef. — The original shaft was sunk to a depth of about 60ft.,
and recently, at 20ft. down, the reef was followed on the underlie of a bed of slate,
40° to a depth of 80ft. The reef is about ift. 6in, thick, and carries good gold.
Gully Reef.—This, in the manager's opinion, is Fabian's reef, and will shortly be
connected by a drive from Fabian's at the 150ft. level. Dedman's Reef. Nothing
further has been done, work being concentrated on the reefs in the vicinity of the
battery. Extensive work is in progress at Fabian's main underlie shaft. A large
winding plant, with poppet head 40ft. high, is in course of erection, with a 200-ton
ore bin, and a rock-breaker, which will be worked by the small winding engine now
in use at the shaft hauling the automatic tipping truck. A tram has been made
from the shaft to the battery, and the ore will be broken at the shaft and thence
trucked to the battery bin, whence it will be fed to the battery by automatic feeders.
There is a winding plant at Ward's shaft, which is used for unwatering the mine;
this shaft is also the sole point of ingress and egress of the workmen employed
underground. Work is at present practically concentrated on the portion of the
property between Sullivan's and McKechnie's reefs, forming a compact group of
reefs which can all be worked from the one main shaft. More water is required for
boiler purposes, but water increases as the main shaft is deepened, and more con-
densers have been erected. An electric drilling and lighting plant is on the mine,
but it is not in use at present. There is a large quantity of ore in sight, and further
ground for stoping is being steadily and systematically opened up. All indications
point to permanence and prosperity; 119 persons are at present employed on the
mine. (D.R. (Gee), 14-6-04.)
From the starting of the Tarcoola Blocks Company's battery, May 16th, 1901,
to June 30th, 1907, 26,719 tons of ore, yielding 34,735ozs. 15dwts. 16grs.--1,772ozs.
18dwts.llgrs. had been obtained from the cyanide plant-making a total of 36,2080zs.
14dwts. 3grs., valued at £112,355; the stone being worth (by battery treatment
292
MINING RECORDS.
only) 78s. per ton. It has been found necessary to discontinue crushing until the
new main shaft (a continuation of what was known as the Gully Shaft) has been
sunk to a proper depth, and work at the present time is confined to sinking this
shaft, extending the E. crosscut at No. 3 level, and the extraction of some good
stone on McKechnie's W. lode. During the year 1906-7 4,047 tons have been
crushed for 4,178ozs., or loz. Odwts. 26grs. per ton122ozs. have been obtained
from cyanide-the total value being estimated at £13,035. (Review of year 1906-7.)
Curdnatta (lease No. 1124).-Adjoins the Government reserve. Several small
trial pits have been opened and one shaft sunk 30ft., the latter disclosing lode matter
from 12in. to 18in. wide, and all carrying gold to a more or less extent. (I.M.R.,
29–7–01.)
A prospecting venture, started by Port Augusta residents, who sent a small
prospecting party to Tarcoola soon after the discovery at the Blocks Mine, and the
block (1124) upon which the Curdnatta Mine is now situated was pegged out in
May, 1900. The company holds six leases-1121 near Brown's Hill, 1124 adjoin-
ing the Government Reserve, and 1132, 1133, 1162, and 1163, E. of the Victory.
The workings on lease 1124 consist of No. 1 shaft, sunk on a N. and S. vein of iron-
stone and quartz to a depth of 28ft. This stone only gave a trace of gold. No. 2
shaft, situated 21 chains E. of No. 1, sunk in another vein of ironstone and quartz
to a depth of 16ft. This stone dollied well, and gave assays up to 3ozs. 14dwts.
per ton. No. 3 shaft, on the S. boundary of this lease and adjoining the Govern-
ment Mine, sunk to a depth of 40ft., on a ferruginous and argillaceous lode body,
containing quartz, and which averages 2ft. in width; thence the lode is driven on
N.; the country rock is granite. Thirty tons from this shaft, treated at the Tar-
coola Government Battery in November, 1901, gave a return of loz. 13dwts. Igr.
per ton. Seventy tons treated in March, 1902, gave 870zs. 18dwts. 24grs. No. 4
shaft, situate 250ft. N. of No. 3 shaft, has been sunk on the same lode to a depth
of 80ft. ; this lode shows gold and is large and mullocky; it strikes nearly N. and
S. and dips to the W.; drives are in progress from the bottom of this shaft. Vide
remarks concerning this lode under heading “ Government Mine." No. 5 shaft has
been started 150ft. N. of No. 4, on the same lode; the stone also shows gold. An
air shaft sunk on the lode between Nos. 3 and 4 shafts showed free gold in the stone.
Lease 1133—A shaft was sunk 58ft., at which depth salt water was met with on a
large quartz body, which strikes E. and W. and underlies S. At the bottom the lode
appears about 12ft. between the walls. On leases 1162 and 1163 some prospecting
has been done by shallow costeans and pits, but with no result so far. No work
has been done on 1121. (Government Geologist, 25-2-02.)
The air shaft (lease 1124), now called No. 2 shaft, has been sunk to a depth of
110ft., passing, at 94ft., through a rich shoot of gold in gossany quartz. Fresh
water was struck at the bottom of this shaft, which is sunk on the underlie of the
reef. Two open cuts between the shafts have been made along the reef; No. 2
cut has been mullocked up, and the central portion carried on as a shaft, down
44ft. (11-12-02), in stone showing gold. The mining done during the year con-
sisted of grubbing out surface stone for the battery.
The total quantity of stone from this mine treated at the Tarcoola Government
Battery and Cyanide Works up to June 30th, 1907, is 315 tons lcwt., for 460ozs.
4dwts. gold bullion, valued at £1,691 Is. 5d., the stone being worth 108s. per ton.
Dark Hill, Tarcoola.--Adjoining Bairstow's, and the principal work has been the
sinking of three shafts. No. 1 is 60ft. from the surface, the lode formation averag-
ing 3ft. wide, consisting of intrusive rock intersected by small quartz veins strongly
iron-stained and containing fine gold. No. 2 shaft is at present 66ft. deep, the lode
formation from wall to wall being 4ft. wide, with from 6in. to 12in. of broken lode
matter containing gold on the footwall side, the remainder of the formation being
country rock of little or no value. The walls are regular and well defined, and have
every appearance of continuing down. No. 3 shaft has been sunk 15ft. in broken
material composed of country rock and small quartz seams, which may improve
as depth is attained. At present it is not well defined. (I.M.R., 29-2-02.)
GOLD.
293
Surveyed sections 901-5, situated at Dark Hill, about 7 miles S. of W. of Tarcoola.
The ground was originally prospected by Schneider and Lyall, who found gold in
quartz, ironstone, and slate. They disposed of the blocks to a syndicate formed in
Port Pirie. No. 1 shaft, section 903-Sunk on a small surface outcrop of quartz and
iron 23ft. vertical, thence 17ft. on the W. underlie, then 31ft. on S. dip from the
end of the vertical portion (23ft.) along a slide of country. Gold was obtained
from the quartz and ironstone throughout these workings; but, the shaft being
difficult to work, owing to the twisted nature of the reef, operations in it were sus-
pended, and a start made at No. 2 shaft, situate about the centre of section 903.
This shaft, on two formations which were picked up by a costean pit, was sunk on
a flat W. underlie to a depth of 159ft. The country was unsettled, and the metal-
carrying vein about ift. wide; at 34ft., 54ft., and 117ft. in the shaft free gold was
seen. The reef, which at 66ft. was compact and nearly 4ft. wide, split up into
small veins. The shaft was continued on as a water shaft, and a small supply of
fresh water struck at 159ft. No. 3 shaft, section 903—This was started for a main
shaft and sunk vertically. At 34ft. a lode of quartz and ironstone, 3ft. 8in. between
the walls, was struck, dipping to the W. It showed free gold and dollied well.
The shaft was continued to 104ft., and at 100ft. level a crosscut W. was made,
which at 37ft. struck the above reef, about 4ft. 6in. from wall to wall, and showing
fine gold by dolly. No. 4 shaft, on section 902--A vein of quartz and ironstone
was discovered by a costean pit; free gold was seen, and good results obtained
by dolly. A vertical shaft was started; the vein, 2ft. wide, is vertical for 15ft. ;
thence a slight underlie E. ; thence it underlies more sharply to the E. and passes
out of the shaft. It is proposed to continue the shaft and crosscut E. for the reef.
The country rock here consists of metamorphic slate with intruded dykes of diorite,
decomposed amygdaloidal rock, and granite, causing the strata to be faulted and
disjointed, and the veins to be broken and intermittent. Twelve tons treated at
the Tarcoola Government Battery only gave 2ozs. 12dwts. 8grs. (Government
Geologist, 25–2–02.)
The W. shaft, No. 4, has been carried down from 77ft. to 117ft. ; the sinking has
been on the reef, which at 77ft. was in the shaft, and went down nearly vertical
to 105ft., when it is thrown about a foot to the W. by a fault. Below this fault
the reef is dipping a little to the W. The reef consists of quartz and ironstone, is
about ift. thick, and carries a little gold. In carrying down the shaft, the reef was
found in places to expand to 4ft., and in others to pinch to 1ft. (8-12-02.)
Dark Hill (Bairstow's),--Situated on a low range known as Dark Hill, about 2
miles S.W. from Tclmer's Hill. At the time I visited it gold had just been found
at a depth of 2ft., in a quartz and ironstone gossan lode having a width of 1ft.,
striking N. 22° E. Gold was visible in the stone, and the indications were most,
promising. The rock formations consist of cleaved clayslate and slaty sandstone,
Carbonate of bismiuth and galena have since been found to occur in the veinstone.
At Lyall's lease, on the same hill, quartz and ironstone veins have been prospected,
and colors of gold have been found. Since then I have seen specimens of fine gold .
disseminated through ironstone and black argillaceous rock from this locality.
(Government Geologist, 11-7-00.)
::.
An underlie shaft has been sunk to the depth of 77ft., exposing two well-defined :
clean walls 4ft. apart, with a vein of stone ranging from 2in. to 10in. thick, the ::
remaining portion of the formation being country rock containing small fine seams,
of pyrites. A second shaft has reached the depth of 50ft. on a siliceous vein from
6in. to 9in. wide. Two bulk samples taken from the ore dumps yielded 11dwts. '
and 18dwts. of gold per ton respectively, which is encouraging. (I.M.R., 29–7–01.) :
Gold was found near the surface in a quartz and ironstone gossan lode, striking -
N. 22° E., and appeared very promising. The rock formations consist of cleaved .
claystone and slaty sandstone, with intruded dykes and masses of diorite and granitic
rock, which have caused faults and dislocations, and in sinking on this lode it was :
found that the auriferous veinstone pinched, and was not.persistent, although the :
294
MINING RECORDS.
- walls continued. A large amount of prospecting work has been done to the N. of the
shaft, but no continuance of this lode has been disclosed, nor any other auriferous
discoveries made so far. Rich finds of gold-bearing stone are frequently made in
this class of country, but owing to its disturbed nature and the irregularity of the
veins only short shoots of stone can be expected, and prospecting is rendered more
at the Tarcoola Government Battery in March, 1902, yielded only 3ozs. 2dwts.
21grs., and the blocks were abandoned. (Government Geologist, 25–2–02.) .
Excelsior.-Leases 1071 and 1187, N. of the Mauser Rock. On the former lease
an ironstone lode carrying a little gold was found by surface prospecting, and a
shaft was sunk a little to the E. in a large formation enclosed in well-defined granite
walls. This did not carry any gold, and at 20ft. vertical the ironstone lode was
met with, striking N. and S., and dipping to the E. at 45°. This has been followed
down on the underlie for about 70ft., making 90ft. from the brace. The lode
consists of ironstone and quartz. Nice colors of gold are seen in the stone, and
chlorite also occurs in the lode. The shaft is entirely in lode matter, the granite
footwall being followed, and the hanging-wall is not disclosed, and at the bottom
the lode appears to be taking a sharp dip downwards. Surface prospecting has
disclosed other lodes, apparently of a similar nature, on this block. A little costean-
ing has been done on lease 1187. (Government Geologist, 25–2-02.) . . ..
Ten tons of stone from lease 1071 were treated at the Gover)ment battery, but
only yielded 15dwts. 6grs. of gold. Another shaft sunk 40ft., but only colors of gold
were found. (8-12-02.)
· Federal.—The Federal Mine, besides several openings, has been worked by two
shafts. The open cutting, or prospecting shaft, has reached the depth of 49ft. At
15ft. from the surface the lode proved from 10ft. to 11ft. wide, exposing very good
stone, samples taken ranging from loz. up to 6ozs. per ton. Below this point the
lode narrowed considerably, also lessened in value, which I think is chiefly accounted
for by the broken and disturbed nature of the country rock, which at this particular
point shows indications of faults that may not appear at the deeper level. The
second or main shaft is 50ft. E.; present depth, 92ft. A crosscut has been driven
W. 15ft. for the purpose of cutting the lode at a deeper level, where the country
rock will probably become more settled and the lode more regular and defined.
(I.M.R., 29-7-01.)
Gold leases 1126, 1125, 1106, 1154, 1095, and 1032, situated on the N. side of the
Tarcoola Range. The workings are on lease 1126, where gold was found on the
surface in a large ferruginous granite formation containing quartz. An open out
was made which disclosed a face 11ft. wide. One and a half tons of stone from this
place, treated at the Petersburg Government Battery, yielded 1{ozs. of gold per
ton. This formation, which appears to strike nearly E. and W., with a slight
underlie to the N., was followed down to 52ft., when the gold contents became poor ;
the lode was tested by drives in several places to the E. with no better results.. A
the bottom a crosscut was made 36ft. S., entering at 25ft. a lode formation carrying
a little gold. A drive was then made from the 92ft. W., 30ft. through slate and
quartzitė, thence drove 40ft. S.; at 15ft. along this drive entered hard close-grained
quartz rock carrying a little gold and extending to 21ft., thence into a ferruginous
formation consisting of quartz, kaolin, ironstone, &c. ' Gold was seen in this to
31ft., when the drive entered granulite. This large formation was driven on W.,
and the original shaft was connected with this drive by a crosscut to the S. from
the 52ft. for 20ft, and a winze at the end of the same, thus giving perfect ventilation
throughout the workings. Twenty-five tons from the large formation treated at
the Government battery, Tarcoola, gave only ldwt. 6grs. per ton. This was a great
disappointment, as at least foz. per ton had been confidently anticipated, and the
company at once suspended operations. (Government Geologist, 25-2-02.).
GOLD. .
295
Great Tarcoola.In this property a shaft has been surik 50ft., chiefly in quartzite,
with lode formation consisting of quartz showing on the footwall side. It is in-
tended to sink to the 60ft. level, then crosscut through the lode to ascertain its full
width and value. I was informed a small parcel had been sent away and yielded
an average of 1ldwts. per ton. (I.M.R., 29-7-01.)
Gold leases 1042 and 1043—These blocks were pegged out in May, 1900; they
adjoin the Government reserve on the E. and form part of a broad valley between
two low ranges. The ground showed no outcrop nor any surface indications.
Numerous costeans were sunk on the blocks, but nothing of importance disclosed ;
and finally work was discontinued upon them and lease No. 1041 acquired. This
ground adjoins the Enterprise E. block to the N. A quartz reef showing occasional
free gold has been opened to a shallow depth, and the operations of the company
consisted of sinking a shaft to a depth of 50ft., thence driving N. along the reef;
it was found to be much disturbed and heavily charged with pyrites, from which
a little gold could be obtained by washing after calcination; the country being
very hard and progress slow and expensive, work was abandoned. (Government
Geologist, 25–2–02.)
Government Mine. A shaft is being sunk on the reserve with the object of ob-
taining water for the Government battery and developing the lode which is known
to pass through the property. The vein is at present from 15in. to 18in, wide, and
shows gold freely, the strike being about N. and S., with a slight W. underlie. (I.M.R
29-7-01.)
The mine worked by the Government at Tarcoola is situated on the E. portion
of the Government reserve, and was pegged out on behalf of the Public Trustee in
May, 1900. Surface stone showing gold was found and a shaft commenced. This
disclosed a gold-bearing lode, strike 14°; the shaft proved the lode to be vertical
for 31ft.; thence inclined W. to about 50ft., and thence running nearly vertical to
80ft., when fresh water was struck. The walls at 50ft. are 3ft. 6in. apart, with a
narrow vein on the W. side, which carries gold from the surface. The lode consists
of quartz and ferruginous and argillaceous material, traversing granitic rock; near
the surface it was ill-defined and varied from 2ft. to 2ft. 6in. in thickness. At the
present depth, 80ft., drives are in progress N. and S. along the lode, which averaged
2ft. in width in the N. and 5in. in the S., and gave good prospects. This lode, which
is identical with that in the Curdnatta Mine, adjoining on the N., has been proved
auriferous for a distance of 560ft. along its course (including 400ft. in the Curdnatta
lease, 1124), and to a depth of 80ft., which is water-level. It is fairly well defined
as regards walls, and, although pinching in places, as sunk and driven on maintains
a fairly workable width. The shoots of gold should be found to continue in depth;
the prospects of the whole lode are good, and therefore the sinking of shafts to test
it at deeper levels is fully warranted. These remarks apply also to the Curdnatta
Mine. Twenty tons from the shafts, treated in November, 1901, yielded a total of
730zs. 16dwts. 5grs. of gold (3ozs. 13dwts. 19grs. per ton), valued at £239 5s. ld.
Twenty-five tons treated in February, 1902, yielded 29ozs. 14dwts. of gold by
battery, with 7dwts. 3grs. in the tailings. Five tons treated in March yielded
66ozs. 15dwts. 3grs.
Total ore treated up to June 30th, 1907, 243 tons for 773ozs. 6dwts. Igr. gold
bullion, valued at £2,532 8s., the stone being worth 208s. per ton.
Kychering Hills.--A quartzite and sandstone range stretches W. some 4 miles
from Kychering Soakage (about 20 miles W. uf Tarcoola), near which place it
abuts on the granite. Colors of gold were obtained in ironstone and quartz, and
also a color from the alluvial wash. The locality has since been tried, and alluvial
gold discovered by a party of three prospectors, who, owing to scarcity of water
near their workings, used the dry-blowing process. Several excavations have been
made by them at the W. end of the range, from which they have obtained a few
pennyweights of slightly waterworn gold. Attention has also been paid to the
quartz reefs in the same neighborhood. Owing to the detritus being usually

296
MINING RECORDS.
cemented by travertine limestone, the sinking for alluvial gold is very hard ; this
is a great drawback to prospectors. Four or 5 miles S.E. from Kychering there
are some low hills of quartzite capped by jasper rock which are worthy of examina-
tion. (Government Geologist, 11-1-01.)
Lease. 1060.-Some rich gold specimens were found here in a vein of ironstone
and quartz traversing the granitic rock. The shoot of gold seems to have been lost,
for further exploration failed to disclose anything of importance. (Government
Geologist, 25-2-02.)
North-Western Prospecting Association (Tarcoola).-Main shaft has reached the
depth of 150ft., and a crosscut is now being driven W.; face at present 45ft. from
shaft. Country rock is a kaolinised material. Another shaft further W. has been
sunk 82ft. At the 38ft. level a crosscut has been extended E. 60ft. Other pros-
pecting work, such as trial pits and cross trenches, has been done. (I.M.R., 29–7–01.)
Gold leases Nos. 1000, 1001, and 1239, situated S. of the Tarcoola Range. These
blocks were pegged out on behalf of the above syndicate in April, 1900, and mining
operations were started a few months later and continued intermittently until
June, 1901, when operations were suspended for want of funds. By this time a
good deal of useful work had been done, and crosscutting for reefs had been started.
No. 1 shaft was down 82ft., with a crosscut 60ft. E., No. 2 16ft., and No. 3 150ft.,
with a crosscut 52ft. W. The sinking was soft, through kaolinised slate, and a
small quantity of salt water was struck in both shafts. The blocks are situated
on the S. flat, and the idea of the manager was to pick up the continuance of the
reef worked in the Warrigal and Blocks lease 1015. The Government Geologist
obtained colors of alluvial gold near a bluff in lease 1001. (Government Geologist,
25–2–02.)
Napperby (Tarcoola).- This property comprises two blocks, on which a shaft
has been sunk to the depth of 90ft. Crosscuts are being driven E. and W. to inter-
sect lodes supposed to traverse the property. The country rock is slate, with thin
streaks of pyrites of a favorable character. (I.M.R., 29–7–01.)
Gold leases 1180 and 1181, on the N. flat between the Tarcoola Range and Brown's
Hill. A prospecting shaft has been sunk to a depth of 124ft. through soft blue
slate. From the bottom a crosscut has been extended for 60ft. S.W., passing
through similar country intersected by small veins of quartz. At 40ft. in this
crosscut a lode consisting of ironstone and quartz was struck. This showed gold
by dolly, and an assay gave 4dwts. of gold per ton; 4ft. further on, 44ft. from the
shaft, a vein of similar stone 10in. wide was struck. (Government Geologist,
25–2–02.)
Prince Tarcoola. The Prince Tarcoola adjoins the Tarcoola United, and a shaft
is being sunk with the object of striking the Enterprise and Tarcoola United lodes,
which, from their strike, should pass through the property. The present depth is
80ft. from the surface, timbered, centred, and ladder-road fixed. It is intended to
continue sinking some distance further previous to crosscutting the country.
(I.M.R., 29–7–01.)
Göld leases 1096, 1104, and 1105, situated from 35 to 65 chains N. from the Blocks
Mine. These blocks are held by a Melbourne and Adelaide company, registered
in Melbourne, and were secured by Melbourne investors, with a view of testing
the ground on the N. side at a depth. A main shaft, 8ft. by 4ft. in the clear,
divided into three compartments, close timbered and frame sets, situated near the
boundary between 1096 and 1105, is sunk to 104ft. The sinking was soft, mainly
through kaolinised slate. At 40ft. from the surface a bedded formation, consisting
of ferruginous quartz, rubble, &c., 2ft. 6in. wide, was met with, the strike being E.
and W. and the dip 60° S. ; a little gold was obtained by dolly in this. At 98ft. a
chamber, 8ft. x 8ft. x 7ft., was put in and crosscutting started. S. 16ft., intersected
the above formation about the same; crosscut extended to 46ft. ; nothing further
struck. Crosscut N. 16ft.; no result. Drives were made along the formation
GOLD,
297
at 16ft. in the crosscut, E. 100ft., W. 40ft. The formation carries a little gold
throughout. This property was worked in conjunction with the Federal, and opera-
tions were discontinued at the same time.
Royal May.-Consists of four gold mining leases situated about 3 miles W. of
Tarcoola township. Prospecting is in progress near a large N. and S. outcrop of
quartz rock, of the same character as the Glory Quayle and Mauser Rocks. A
pit near the outcrop has disclosed a body of close-grained greyish quartz carrying
pyrites, and in which fine gold is occasionally seen and obtained by dolly. A little
to the N. another prospecting pit is sunk on a formation consisting of quartz, slate,
and ironstone. Fair prospects of gold have also been obtained here, and further
prospecting is advisable. (Government Geologist, 25–2–02.)
A little further desultory prospecting done; no finds beyond colors.
Royal George.--It has been worked by a number of trial pits and cross trenches,
but little or no permanent work has been done. In one portion there are two strong
quartz outcrops standing well above the surface. Between these a shaft has been
started with the intention of proving both formations from the one shaft at a deeper
level. There is a considerable quantity of lode croppings scattered on the surface,
in some of which gold has been seen; and, doubtless, in time their source will be
discovered. (I.M.R., 29–7–01.)
Adjoins the Royal May to the N.W. A shaft has been sunk 60ft. deep on a lode
formation 4ft. between the granulite walls, and carrying veins and seams of quartz
and ironstone. This strikes N. and S. and dips to the W. Fine gold is visible in
the ironstone, and prospects from the borings made in sinking have been good.
On the same property there are strong quartz outcrops intersecting and branching
from each. The lode sunk on is strong and well defined, and the prospects of its
continuance and gold-carrying in depth are good. (Government Geologist, 25–2–02.)
At bottom of shaft drive made for 31ft. S. along the lode. Twenty-two and a
half tons of stone were treated at the Government battery and only yielded
2ozs. 1dwt. of gold, valued at £7. There was a considerable quantity of granitic
rock included in the parcel. (8-12–02.)
Tarcoola Consols.--Gold leases 1039 and 1040. Situated on the S. flat, S. of and
adjoining the Blocks and the Tarcoola South Mines. Two shafts have been sunk
to a depth of 65ft. (W.) and 48ft. (E) through plumbaginous clayslate, in which
some small veins of quartz were cut. Both shafts are below water-level, a large
supply of salt water being obtained at the W. one. Leases 1109, 1110, and 1111
are also held, but no work has been done on them.
These leases have been acquired by the Blocks Company. No further mining
work has been done upon them but the W. shaft. Lease 1040 is used as a water
shaft by the Blocks Company; an engine and pump have been fixed at it, and
water for use at the Blocks battery is obtained from it. (8-12-02.)
Tarcoola Enterprise (Simm's shaft, on gold lease 1020).-- This shaft had been
sunk 70ft. on a lode, striking N. and dipping W. at a high angle, consisting of quartz
with gossan and pyrites, and showing free gold. This lode traverses the granitic
rocks. Dykes of basaltic amygdaloidal trap and diorite occur in the vicinity.
The indications are favorable to the presence of a strong lode, and show that
the lodes traversing the sedimentary rocks continue downwards into the granitic
rocks. (Government Geologist, 11-1-01.)
The main shaft has been sunk to the depth of 139ft., following the lode down
on a slight underlie to the W., the lode averaging about 4ft. wide, with clean un-
broken granite walls. At the 130ft. level two drives have been driven on the course
of the lode, N. 56ft. and S. 55ft., each showing the same character of ore and being
of similar width. These drives appear to have been driven at the point or level
where the oxidized ore gives place to the sulphides. I was informed that from the
former a small parcel of some tons was forwarded to the Petersburg Cyanide Works,
and yielded over 2ozs. of gold per ton. The lode is very persistent in character,
and has a most favorable appearance. Two other shafts are being sunk, one 90ft.
298
MINING RECORDS.
and the other 84ft. in depth, on the supposed strike of the Tarcoola Blocks.lodes:;
but, at the present stage, these are simply prospecting shafts that will need cross-
cuts from one to the other to prove their value. (I.M.R., 29–7–01.)
Gold leases 1020, 1021, and 1192, adjoining and N. of the Proprietary Co.'s W.
leases. Pegged out in May, 1900, on behalf of the Wilgena Enterprise Co. (Earea
Dam). Work was started on lease 1020; a shaft, known as Simms' shaft, sunk
on a N. and S. quartz reef. This has been gradually continued, and is now 200ft.
deep. At 45ft. the stone assayed 8dwts. per ton; at 72ft. rich gold specimens
were struck, and at 130ft. water-level was reached, and the lode, 4ft. wide, changed
to sulphide. Drives were made N. and S. along the lode at 132ft. At the N. end
a crosscut was made in siliceous slate, with quartz and pyrites veins showing, also
galena ; the lode is enclosed in coarse granitic walls, and this is apparently a “horse"
of metamorphic rock in the granite. In March, 1901, 2 tons 12cwts. of ore from
the shaft, treated at Petersburg Government Battery, returned 2ozs. 18dwts. per
ton; in December, 1901, 24 tons from the same shaft, sulphide and oxidised ore,
treated at the Government battery, Tarcoola, yielded a total of 270zs. 4dwts. 15grs.
The lode strikes nearly N. and S.; it has a slight underlie at first to the W. and
afterwards to the E. The lode is in the granitic rock underlying the sedimentary
formations in which the Blocks lodes appear. The lode is strong and permanent-
looking, and has been sunk on and proved to the greatest depth, 200ft., of any on
the field so far, and it has every prospect of developing into a permanent and pay-
able mine.
· Stirling's shaft, vertical, lease 1021, sunk to 82ft.; Broadbent's shaft, vertical,
on the E. side of lease 1021, sunk to 92ft. These shafts are 400ft. apart, and it is
intended to prospect the intervening and surrounding country from them. :(Govern-
ment Geologist, 25–2–02.)
Stone was stoped from 130ft. and 150ft. levels in Simm's shaft, but the battery
results of various small parcels were not payable; the sulphide ore not containing
gold equal to assays obtained.
A drive S. along reef from 200ft. level in Simm's shaft in search of shoot of gold
found at 130ft. and 150ft. was not successful. The water in this shaft had increased
considerably, and the company was wound up early in 1903. Total quantity of
ore treated, 104 tons 5cwts. for 96ozs. 12dwts. 3grs. of gold bullion, valued at £320
10s. 10d. ; stone worth 612s. per ton.
Tarcoola Main Reef.--Five gold mining leases, 1101-3, 1035-6. Shaft sunk on
lease 1102 to 104ft., through brownish slate, close timbered. At 96ft. drives were
opened out E. 12ft. W. 14ft. Nothing struck but small ferruginous veins, both in
driving and sinking. On lease 1036 a shaft was sunk to 50ft. on a large lode forma-
tion, consisting mainly of ironstone and quartz. This strikes N. and S., and can be
traced for some distance on the surface; it was found to carry a little gold. Near
the boundary line between 1103 and 1036 another lode formation outcrops; it
strikes N.E., and is about 3ft. wide. An open cut has been made 10ft. along the
lode and 10ft. deep. The stone is heavily charged with pyrites, but so far gold has
not been found in it. (Government Geologist, 25–2-02.)
Tarcoola North.-- This holding has been prospected by sinking shafts to various
depths and driving crosscuts. No. 1 shaft is 135ft. deep, and has crosscuts driven
at the 57ft. and 100ft. levels, the country rock being chiefly sandstone with bars of
quartzite. No. 2 shaft is 66ft. from surface, a small vein of quartz and iron 3in.
wide, carrying fine colors of gold. No. 4 shaft is at present 51ft. deep, the material
being decomposed felspar with boulders of quartzite, almost having the appearance
of alluvial wash. No. 5 shaft is 50ft. in depth. There is also a considerable amount
of crosscutting and trial pits made throughout the property. (I.M.R., 29–7–01.)
Gold leases 1045, 1046, and 1047.-Situated on the N. side of the W. end of the
Tarcoola Range, pegged out in June, 1900, on behalf of the Warburton Syndicate,
then working claims at Earea Dam. A company was formed, mainly in Port
Adelaide, and up to August, 1901, when operations were suspended, the following
ving ft levels, L. from sut shaft is a
GOLD.
299
stondolly from this quartzitet amaching the lots of go
work had been done :-No. 1 shaft, on lease 1046, sunk to a depth of 135ft. Started
on a large outcrop of quartz charged with pyrites, strike N. and S., with a dip to
the W. At 27ft. the stone assayed up to loz. of gold per ton. At 57ft. a crosscut
was put in 37ft. W. without reaching the lode. At 101ft. a crosscut W. was made
for 26ft. through quartzite and slate in bands. Colors of gold were obtained
by dolly from this crosscut. Salt water was struck at 130ft. The rock is sand-
stone with veins of ironstone. No. 2 shaft, lease 1045, sunk on a 2ft. vein of quartz
containing pyrites and gossan, which was found by costeaning. Country rock
granite. At 30ft. the vein passed out of the shaft to the W. Shaft was continued
to 66ft., and a crosscut for 19ft. E. gave no result. A crosscut W. at 18ft. struck
a leader 3in, wide, in sandstone. This showed a little gold by dolly, and was driven
on S. 30ft. and N. 13ft., but the stone did not improve. A winze was sunk for 18ft.,
and the leader found to cut out. The crosscut was continued for 14ft., making
32ft. in all. Shaft No. 3, lease 1045, is a prospecting pit 10ft. deep. Shaft No. 4,
lease 1045, sunk 50ft. through alluvial boulder drift wash and granite bottom.
Drove along the bottom W. for 79ft., when the bottom dipped sharply to the.W.
Drove E. 30ft. through granite; these workings were in search of a lode outcropping
on blocks 957 and 1012. No.5 is a shaft 51ft. deep, sunk on the E. boundary of lease
1046, with the intention of cutting Simms' reef in the Enterprise, but is out of
position. As there is a possibility of alluvial gold existing, it would be well to
continue the inclined drive W. from No. 4 shaft in order to test the deeper ground.
This boulder drift has been derived from the denudation of the surrounding country,
and it is reasonable to suppose that portions of the deeper ground will contain gold.
(Government Geologist, 25–2–02.)
A new shaft was sunk to the N.W. of No. 4 shaft, on lease 1045. It passed through
boulder wash for a depth of 98ft., when it bottomed on the granite, still dipping to
the W., through which, at the bottom of the shaft, runs a N. and S. quartz vein
about 18in. thick, and carrying a little gold; this on being followed down, at 102ft.,
gave place to dense galena; and at 108ft., the bottom of the shaft, the vein, which
is dipping vertically, is from 18in. to 2ft. wide, and assays 57 per cent. of lead, with
a little silver and a trace of gold. This find, though not of much commercial value
at present, is yet of considerable interest and importance as demonstrating the
wide mineral possibilities of the district. In the search for alluvial, for which the
shaft was sunk, a drive has been made W. along the granite bottom for 40ft., thence
18ft. N.W.; the bottom continues to dip sharply to the N.W. (8-11-02.)
Tarcoola Proprietary. This property comprises a large number of gold leases,
situated in various parts of the field. At present the chief work is being done on
leases Nos. 951, 952, and 953, N. of and adjoining the Tarcoola Blocks. On these
the principal work has been the sinking of six shafts, ranging in depth from 30ft. to
102ft., and crosscuts driven with the object of eventually connecting the various
shafts and thoroughly testing the property. The W. shaft is supposed to be near
the line of Sullivan's lode; present depth is 30ft. and crosscut driven 18ft. From
surface bearings, should the crosscut be continued, the lode should be intersected
within a very short distance; but from the character of the rock, which is a de-
composed slate and sandstone, the crosscut will probably not be of sufficient depth
to strike the solid portion of the reef. No. 1 shaft has been sunk to the level of
59ft., some distance E. of Sullivan's line of lode, and a crosscut has been driven
18ft., passing through vein formation from 15in. to 18in. wide, being in the bottom
of the crosscut slightly larger than at the top. This apparently is one of the
numerous veins not previously prospected, and, from surface appearances, if the
crosscut is continued W. other veins will be intersected. The country rock is
chiefly clayslate with bands of quartzite. No. 2 shaft is still further E., and is at
present 112ft. from surface. It is supposed to be on Ward's line of lode; but, until
further developments are accomplished, that point will remain undetermined.
Down to the 65ft. level the lode. was cut through in places, showing 12in. to 15in.
wide. At the bottom a crosscut is driven, passing through the formation 4ft.
300
MINING RECORDS.
thick, with about 18in. of solid stone of a favorable character. No. 3 shaft has
been sunk to intersect lodes known to exist E. of McKechnie's; present depth 68ft.
from surface. A crosscut has been driven 46ft. W. At 20ft. from shaft a vein of
quartz 15in. wide was passed through, and the crosscut will be continued another
50ft. and connected with the workings from No. 2. No. 4 shaft has reached the
depth of 72ft. and crosscut driven E. 48ft. At 36ft. from shaft a strong formation
was encountered, consisting of quartzite, quartz, and slate for about 8ft. wide, not
well defined, but found by prospects to contain gold, and requiring further explora-
tion to test its value. A crosscut has also been driven W. 24ft., and it is intended
to connect this with the No. 3 shaft, to complete the system of crosscutting from
one shaft to the other. No. 5 shaft has been sunk to the depth of 102ft. and cross-
cuts driven E. and W. The W. crosscut is 95ft. from shaft, passing through several
seams and leaders of quartz material containing pyrites; but as yet nothing defined.
This crosscut should be extended with the object of cutting lodes or veins which
appear on the surface about 30ft. further W. The E. crosscut has been advanced
25ft., which is not a sufficient distance to ascertain if the vein on the surface con-
tinues down or not, consequently it should be continued. The position of this
property is good, and the mode of prospecting, under the circumstances, is the best
that can be adopted. It consists in sinking the shafts to the same underground
level and connecting each by crosscuts driven one from the other. By this means
the continuation of any lodes or veins that may pass through the property will be
intersected. The character of the country rock is favorable, being slate, sandstone.
and quartzite bars. (I.M.R., 29–7–01.)
As stated in the introductory remarks, the three syndicates first formed in con.
nection with Tarcoola, viz., the Gawler, the Glory Quayle, and the Wilgena West
amalgamated, and formed two companies—the Proprietary and the Associated.
The Proprietary holding consists of 17 20-acre leases, viz., Nos. 912, 913, 951, 952,
953, 935, 936, 937, 938, and 959, situated on the crown of the Tarcoola Range, and
Nos. 940, 941, 960, 1203, 1205, and 1206, situated at the copper locality, about 11
miles N.E. from the township. Mr. Dawes, the original prospector, succeeded in
finding gold in several places along the top of the hill. Leases 952 and 953 adjoin
the Blocks Company's leases, upon which the rich finds had been made, and upon
them several shafts were started with a view of intercepting the Blocks lodes. A.
shaft was sunk in the S.W. corner of lease 935, in se..ch of the Warrigal lode, to a :
depth of 84ft. A crosscut W. was afterwards put in from the bottom of this shaft,
but no gold-bearing stone was found. An open cut was made through the large rock
outcrop in the E. portion of the lease 913, with no good result, and on lease 938
an underlie shaft was sunk 35ft. on a quartz vein, showing occasional colors of gold.
At the end of September, 1901, regarding the shafts on 952 and 953 (numbering
from the W.), the work stood-No. 1 shaft, sunk by Mr. Piper, 59ft., crosscut
extended to No. 2 shaft 156ft. E. and W. 30ft. A lode 4ft. wide was struck 24ft.
from shaft in the W. crosscut, and a drive for 28ft. to the S. was made on the course
of the same. The lode maintains its size, and is the full width of the shaft, but was
found to be poor in gold. At 13ft. in the E. crosscut a lode 18in. wide was struck,
and was driven on N. for 16ft., giving occasional colors of gold. A drive was started
S. in the same class of stone. At 55ft. in the crosscut a large lode was struck (called
No. 2), supposed to be McKechnie's. This is heavily charged with mineral, but
gave no gold results by dolly. Drives were commenced N. and S. along the course.
At 108ft. from the shaft along the same crosscut a lode (?Ward's) 15in. wide was
struck; this showed no gold. lio. 2, 112ft. ; crosscut to lode E. 5ft., along which
drives were extended N. 10ft. and S. 13ft. The lode here averaged 2ft. 6in. in
width, and was worth 5dwts. per ton; it consisted of quartz, pyrites, galena, and
zinc blende. At 65ft. in the shaft opened out on the lode and drove S. 35ft. Lode
similar to the bottom drive, and carrying a little free gold. No. 3 shaft-Crosscut
W. at 68ft. connected with No. 2 at 110ft. At 20ft. W. from shaft struck lode 2ft.,
carrying a little free gold, and estimated as payable by Mr. Piper; drives extended
GOLD.
301
N. 110ft en haft Tesprinze al 2015 been de
no
N. 11ft., S. 15ft. No. 4 shaft deepened from 50ft. to 70ft. ; crosscuts extended
E. 110ft. and W.27ft. In the E. crosscut intersected two lodes, at 36ft. and 108ft.
from the shaft respectively. The first is 3ft. wide, and was driven on for 13ft. N.
and 9ft. S., and a winze sunk to the depth of 15ft. in the N. drive; the lode dollies
fairly well, and assayed 2ozs. 12dwts. per ton. The second lode has not been
prospected. No. 5 shaft has been deepened 21ft. to a total depth of 102ft. ; cross-
cut W. extended 105ft. and E. 30ft. ; no good results. W. shaft, in the S.W.
corner of lease 953, was sunk in the gully to a depth of 30ft. ; from thence a crosscut
was made E. 15ft., with the object of intersecting Sullivan's lode; no result so far.
New shaft on the E. side of lease 952 was sunk on an outcrop to a depth of 42ft.
Dawes' original shaft was deepened to 65ft., and some surface prospecting has been
done on lease 959. No work has been done on the other leases belonging to the
company.
The company is to be commended for the amount of work done in sinking and
driving, but it seems to have erred in putting down so many shafts and connecting
them by drives at a comparatively shallow level. No. 1 shaft is in the best position
for prospecting for continuations of Fabian's, McKechnie's, and Ward's reefs,
worked on the adjoining Blocks mine. The sinking of this shaft (or No. 2, which
is some 50ft. deeper than No. 1) to a depth of 200ft., and crosscutting therefrom,
is the principal work required. (Government Geologist, 25–2–02.)
Later, No. 2 shaft was deepened to 200ft. from the surface and crosscuts made
E. and W. No payable stone was found.
Tarcoola South.—This company holds four gold mining leases, Nos. 1012 and
1120, on the S. slope of the W. end of the Tarcoola Range, and Nos. 998 and 999
adjoining and S. of the Tarcoola Blocks property. On lease 1012 two shafts have
been sunk, the W. shaft to a depth of 50ft. on a small quartz vein, in which free
gold is occasionally seen, and assays gave 15dwts. per ton; this strikes nearly N.
and S. The E. shaft was sunk 50ft. on a quartz reef 18in. to 2ft. wide. It strikes
N. and S. and dips to the E.; from the bottom a drive was made 40ft. S., where it
appeared to pinch out in hard country; drove N. 15ft., when the reef was much
split up. This reef showed gold by dolly and assayed 7dwts. Lease 998—The
W. shaft was sunk 33ft., and a fair supply of salt water struck, which was used for
condensing by the Tarcoola Water Supply Company. E. shaft, close to the N.
boundary of the block and near the strike of Dedman's reef, was sunk to 145ft.;
good sinking to 100ft., when hard quartzite was struck; the shaft makes over
2,000 galls. of salt water per diem. At 51ft. crosscuts were put in 20ft. E. and 51ft.
W., with no result. A crosscut W. was started at 133ft., worked for 10ft. in hard
quartzite, and discontinued on account of water. A small vein of ferruginous
quartz coming in from the W. was struck at 100ft. ; it continued to 130ft., when
it was lost in a soft depth. This vein showed gold by dolly, and assayed 9dwts.
Only surface prospecting has been done on lease 999. (Government Geologist,
25–2-02.)
These leases have been acquired by the Blocks Co., and no further work has been
done upon them except a prospecting shaft 30ft. deep sunk on lease 1012. (8-12–02.)
Tarcoola United. In this property there are five shafts sunk, ranging from 24ft.
to 63ft. in depth, and several trial pits that will average from 10ft. to 12ft. deep ;
also several chains of crosscutting. In Gee's shaft, which is in block 1079 and
adjoins the Enterprise, a formation about 10ft. wide has been cut, very much
broken, but containing fine colors of gold. This is probably a continuation of the
Enterprise lode, at this particular point not so well defined, but probably may
improve by driving S. Country rock is chiefly granite. (I.M.R., 29-7-01.)
T'his company holds 14 20-acre blocks in various portions of the field, viz., 1080,
1081, 1082, 1084, 1073, 1076, 1078, 1079, 1072, 1083, 1077, 1085, 1074, and 1075.
These were originally taken out by the prospectors employed by the Pioneer and
Excelsior Syndicates, of Port Augusta, in May and June, 1900. On leases 1080
and 1081 costeans were sunk, but nothing found. On lease 1073 a vertical shaft
302
MINING RECORDS.
62ft. deep was sunk in hopes of striking the reef' found on Associated lease 1031,
but with no result. Lease 1076—Three pits, average 11ft. each, sunk on quartz
leaders, in which a little gold was found near the surface. Lease 1081-A similar
amount of work was done, with the same result. Lease 1082-A shaft 60ft. deep
underlie to the S was sunk, thence drives 23ft. E. and 29ft. W.; also from the bottom
of the shaft a Ni and S. lode was driven on N. for 30ft. These workings were in a
large irregular body of quartz, the stone from the upper portion of which showed
occasional nice specimens of free gold, and assayed from 5dwts. to 1ļozs. of gold
per ton ; at the lower portion the E. and W. stone appeared to cut out, and in the
This place should be further prospected. Lease 1084—Shaft 14ft.; no result.
Lease 1079—Situated N. and adjoining the Enterprise mine. A shaft, with the
object of striking the Enterprise lode, was sunk to a depth of 62ft. ; thence a cross-
cut W. for 63ft. At 43ft. along this the footwall of the Enterprise lode was met
with, and it was found to be a much-disturbed lode body 15ft. wide. Drives were.
made 18ft. N. and 21ft. S. along the lode, which so far only shows traces of gold;
veins, with no result; and second pit of 7ft, on a parallel vein. Lease 1075-Pit
19ft. deep on a quartz vein 15in. wide, which carried a little gold on the surface.
No work had been done on leases 1072, 1074, 1077, 1078, and 1085_operations were
suspended in July, 1901—and the sinking of the shaft on 1079 was resumed for a
short time in September, when it was continued to 140ft. There is a fair supply
of stock water in this shaft. (Government Geologist, 25–2–02.)
Section 795_formerly lease 1074-taken up by M. S. Conlin, who raised 5 tons
of quartz, which, on treatment at the Government battery was found not to be
payable.
Tarcoola Victory. This mine is situated towards the E. end of the field. Five
shafts have been sunk, ranging from 20ft. to 103ft. in depth, and a considerable
amount of cross-trenching on the various formations running through the property
has been done. (I.M.R., 29-7-01).
Consists of five 20-acre leases, Nos. 1086, 1087, 1090, 1091, and 1093, situated
S. of the Mauser Rock in an adjoining low range of hills. Worked, with intervals,
until July, 1901. Gold was found on the surface on lease 1091 in August, 1900 ;
it shaft was sunk near the spot and fresh water struck at 90ft. ; the shaft was con-
tinued to 103ft., from whence a drive 20ft. S. and a crosscut 28ft. W. was made.
The supply of fairly good water amounts to about 250galls. per diem, but the shaft
gave no results so far as the gold was concerned. The rocks here are slate, diorite,
and quartzite. Various costeans and prospecting pits were sunk on the leases,
but nothing of importance found. On lease 1087 a shaft was sunk 26ft. in search
of a lode found in the adjoining-Curdnatta 1133–lease. At this depth a crosscut
was made S., which at 78ft. struck the footwall of a lode, and at 91ft, the hanging-
wall was reached ; it was found to be a large lode body of quartz and ironstone
carrying a little gold. Strike E. and W., with a dip to the S., the country rock being
slate. Another shaft was started 150ft. to the S., in order to strike the lode at about
80ft, from the surface, but at 54ft. a strong influx of indifferent stock water was
met with, and at 50ft. a crosscut N. towards the lode was started ; this had advanced
çift. when work was discontinued owing to lack of funds. (Government Geologist,
25-2--02.)
Tolmer's Hill (5 miles W. from Tarcoola).—Fine gold occurs here in a lode forma-
tion striking W. 10° N., and dipping at an angle of 45° S. It consists of a highly
metamorphic slate and grit and decomposed dioritic rock. The gold, which is
very fine, occurs in quartz and ironstone, as well as in the previously mentioned
lode formation. A diorite dyke occurs in conjunction with the quartzite forming
be prospected at depth, as it may alter in character and will probably be found to
contain more gold. (Government Geologist; 11-1-01.)
GOLD.
303
to the maintained its chamatinued to dip w., menyent visit I found quartzi
The workings extend for a considerable distance on a low line of ridges, which
in places show lode croppings that have been slightly prospected, principally by
trial pits and open trenches; the deepest, so far as I could see, being Tolmer's
shaft, which had been sunk on the vein underlie to the depth of about 40ft., there
being about 12in. wide of lode matter, composed of quartz, iron, and slate material
of a favorable character for containing gold. (I.M R., 29-7-01.)
Warngu (gold lease 997). Rich specimens of gold were obtained in a lode, con-
sisting of quartzite, intersected by veins of quartz with kaolin. The apparent
thickness of the lode at 10ft. down was 5ft. between walls, which latter were fairly
well defined. The gold was scattered freely through the quartz, quartzite, and
kaolin in unusually coarse pieces. At a subsequent visit I found the shaft down
28ft. The walls still continued to dip W., and the lode, although not showing
gold, maintained its character. More attention than hitherto should be devoted
to the sinking of the shaft, in order to test the lode where it passes through the
quartzite and enters softer country, and to prospect it for other shoots of gold
which probably exist. The principal work has been the driving of a tunnel through
hard ground for 129ft. to strike the lode about 190ft. from the entrance at 46ft.
below the surface and at the same point as that proved by the shaft. (Government
Geologist, 11-1-01.)
The work of development in this holding is at present confined to two shafts,
45ft. and 84ft. respectively. The stone in the former was very rich near the sur-
face, and continued so for about 20ft. in depth, at which point the shaft entered
into dense hard quartzite, the lode going N. disappearing At the 20ft. level a
drive is being driven S. on a vein of ore from 12in. to 18 in. wide, at times showing
gold freely; but apparently the richer portion has been passed through and will
be discovered dipping S. at the same angle as the strong quartzite bar, which has
caused the lode’s displacement; and probably will be found from the second shaft,
which is at present 84ft. from the surface, and has a crosscut driven 33ft. The
appearance of the lode formation is at present of a rather complex character, and
will require further explorations from the deeper shaft previous to its size, trend,
or value being determined. In the ore dumps there are from 90 tons to 100 tons of
stone, 20 tons of which should give good returns, and the balance, although of lesser
value, should prove payable. Other explorations are being carried out, but it
would be advisable to allow these to remain until the deep shaft mentioned is
further explored (I.M R., 29-.7-01.)
Operations were started in June, 1900. Rich specimens of gold were obtained
in a lode, striking 342°, consisting of quartzite intersected by veins of quartz with
kaolin The apparent thickness of the lode at 10ft. down was 5ft. between the
walls, which were fairly well defined. The gold was scattered freely through the
quartz, quartzite, and kaolin in unusually coarse pieces, and extended to 18ft.,
below which the definition of the lode body was lost, and was only represented
by a small vein of quartz. After a considerable amount of prospecting by winze
and drives from the new shaft, and off the line of lode, a crosscut driven E., on
intersecting the vein seen in the bottom of Williams shaft, struck a pocket of rici
stone at a point 50ft. S. of and below that shaft. A winze was sunk in this vein,
which has the same strike as the lode in Williams' shaft, viz., 342º , in hard quartzite
to a depth of 70ft., being 11lft. from surface; and a drive N. along the vein is in
progress, with the object of tracing the vein into softer ground and striking the shoot
of gold lost in Williams' shaft. A shaft has also been started on a promising-looking
N. and S. quartz reef about 18in. wide, and situated in the centre of the lease Two
parcels, totalling 68 tons 17cwts., taken from the dump and consisting of veinstone
and quartzite rock, have been treated at the Government battery and gave a return
of 340zs. 15dwts. Igr. of gold, value £3 8s. 10d. per ounce. (Government Geologist,
25-2-02.)
The winze on the small vein of quartz was sunk to 80ft. below the tunnel level
and then discontinued owing to the hardness of the country. A shaft was sunk
304
MINING RECORDS,
119
to a depth of about 50ft. on a small quartz vein, near the centre of the lease, which
carries a little gold. Operations were discontinued in August, 1902, and in Novem-
ber the lease was purchased by the Blocks Co.
Total stone treated, 88 tons 17cwts. for 4lozs. 3dwts. 9grs. gold bullion, valued
at £138 6s. 11d. ; stone worth 3ls per ton.
Warrigal East.— The Warrigal East has been prospected by sinking five shafts,
ranging from 47ft. to 57ft. in depth, also a large amount of crosscutting done and
trial pits sunk; but the result up to the present has not been of importance beyond
proving the strike of different veins, which may improve in value as they are ex.
plored. (I.M.R., 29–7–01.)
Leases 1024 and 1025.—They adjoin the Warrigal on the E. and the United lease
1082 on the N.; the blocks extend for a mile along the S. slope of the Tarcoola
Range. Work has been confined to the W. block, 1024, only surface prospecting
being done on the E. one, 1025. Shaft No. 1, situated on top of the hill in the
N.W. corner of 1024, is in sandstone, slate, and quartzite country, and was sunk
on a quartz vein to a depth of 40ft. Near the surface free gold was seen in the
stone, and very good results were obtained by dolly. The vein is small and was
driven on from the bottom of the shaft 30ft. S., when it cut out. A crosscut was
also made for 42ft. W., but nothing was struck. No. 2 shaft, in the S. portion of
1024, near the Warrigal boundary, was sunk vertically to a depth of 54ft. on the
outcrop of a quartz reef striking N. and S. and dipping to the W.; the reef left the
shaft at 19ft. from the surface and was struck by a crosscut W. 19ft. from the bottom
of the shaft, when it was found to be 2ft. 6in. wide and contained a little gold. It
was driven on for 17ft. N., when it pinched to 6in. in hard quartzite. No. 3 shaft
is near the centre of the block and near the United boundary ; it has been sunk on
the outcrop of a large and well-defined reef, which strikes nearly N. and S. and dips
to the W. At 20ft. the reef dipped out of the shaft, and at 54ft. a crosscut W.
struck the reef at 19ft. ; thence a drive was made along the course of the reef N.
for 72ft. ; here a chamber was cut and a winze sunk 58ft. on the underlie of the
lode, and from the bottom of this a drive was started S. along the lode. Water to
the extent of 300galls. per 24 hours was struck and could not be satisfactorily
coped with in these workings. The reef averaged 2ft. in width, is heavily charged
with pyrites, and carries a little gold throughout. No. 4 shaft is on the side of the
hill. It was sunk on a quartz outcrop 28ft. vertically; thence 41ft. on the E.
underlie, when the reef pinched to hin. and was barren. Shaft No. 5 is a pros-
pecting pit on the Warrigal boundary. Shaft No. 6, situated between shafts Nos. 2
and 3, was sunk on a reef 15ft. vertically, and thence 44ft. on a W. underlie. At
the bottom the lode was much disturbed and split up, the country being very hard.
This reef showed free gold occasionally. In October, 1901, the company ceased
work and went into liquidation. (Government Geologist, 25–2–02.)
Twenty-two tons 10cwts. treated for llozs. 18dwts. 4grs. gold bullion, valued at
£34 ls. 10d. ; stone worth 338. per ton.
Wilgena Associated.--The principal working in this property is the sinking of a
shaft to the depth of 90ft., 62ft. being vertical, the remainder being on the underlie.
At the 60ft. level two drives have been driven on the lode, each about 12ft. in length,
disclosing a vein of ore from 12in. to 18in. wide. The formation on each side is of
very broken material and said to contain gold, which doubtless is correct, it having
every appearance of lode formation. Samples taken from the vein yielded 8dwts.
and loz. 6dwts. of gold per ton, and samples taken from the ore dump 30zs. 14dwts.
per ton. In other parts of the property there has also been a large amount of
work done in sinking prospecting shafts and crosscutting. (I.M.R., 29–7-01.)
This company held six gold mining leases-Nos. 957, 958, and 1235, at the W.
end of the Tarcoola Range; 1030 and 1031, adjoining and to the N. of Proprietary
Blocks 935 and 951 ; and 939, at the Glory Quayle Rock.
GOLD.
305
Work was started in June, 1900. Surface gold was found in a quartz reef on
lease 957, and a shaft 49ft. deep was sunk. At this depth the reef was 2ft. wide
and carried a little gold. On lease 958 a shaft was sunk 36ft. on a quartz reef 18in.
wide, which dipped out of the shaft to the E. at 30ft. This reef carried fair gold
throughout. Three other trial holes from 6ft. to 16ft. deep, all showing gold, were
sunk on this block. At lease 939 a shaft 60ft. deep was sunk on the N. boundary,
and a crosscut put in 18ft. to the N. This shaft was sunk to strike a quartz reef
running E. and W., which outcrops in the Government reserve alongside. Opera:
tions on these three leases were discontinued owing to shortness of funds, and work
was concentrated on lease 1031, where fine specimens of gold had been found in some
shallow costeans near Dawes' original shaft. A main shaft was sunk through
granitic formation carrying gold, and at 60ft. a large lode body showing gold freely
was struck and followed on the underlie N. to 100ft. The reef appears to strike
about N.E. and dips to the N. The granite footwall is well defined, and carries
on it about 18in. of gold-bearing quartz. No defined hanging-wall has been traced.
A parcel, 254 tons, from this shaft was treated at the Tarcoola Government Battery,
with a result of 180zs. 3dwts. 2lgrs. of gold.
Only a few prospecting pits have so far been made on lease 1030. (Government
Geologist, 25–2–02.)
Shaft on 1031 was continued to 75ft., and a parcel of 21 tons 5cwts. was forwarded
to the battery and yielded 14ozs. 1dwt. 2grs. of gold—13dwts. 5grs. per ton; the
tailings assayed 2dwts. 22grs. per ton.
MEMO. (by manager of battery).—This parcel contained some nice quartz and
gossan showing gold, and would have given a good return, but the inclusion of a
large proportion of silico argillaceous formation and granulite, which assayed
respectively 2dwts. 22grs. and ldwt. 2grs., considerably reduced the yield.
Wilgena Enterprise, Tarcoola.—Gold leases 1019, 1022, and 1201. Adjoining
the W. end of the Blocks property to the S. and W.; pegged out in May, 1900, on
behalf of the Wilgena Enterprise Company (Earea Dam), and worked by that com-
pany. Coarse gold was found in a quartz reef near the surface on lease 1002, S.
of and adjoining the Blocks. A shaft was sunk on the reef to water-level, 80ft.
Crosscut E., 65ft. ; crosscut W., 22ft. ; S. drive on lode, 36ft. ; no results. Colors
of gold found by surface prospecting on leases 1019 and 1201. (Government
Geologist, 25–2–02.)
COPPER LOCALITY, TARCOOLA.-Copper ore has been found in soft argillaceous
strata, quartz, and ironstone on gold lease No. 1203. Shafts have been sunk to a
depth of 25ft., and drives put in, which, according to the prospector (Mr. Dawes),
cut a wide copper-bearing formation. The material raised from the shaft contains
“ prills ” of copper ore, comprising atacamite (copper chloride) and green carbonate.
An influx of water at about 10ft. has prevented further exploration. Gold is
visible in the ironstone occasionally, and a specimen of manganic iron obtained
contains cobalt. The indications are favorable enough to warrant thorough pros-
pecting.
Attention should be paid to the manganic iron on account of the presence of
cobalt in the sample examined. (Government Geologist, 11-7-00.) Nothing further
has been done at this place.
An official report in June, 1904, states :--
Lease 1022.-Formerly held by the Wilgena Enterprise Company. This ground
is situated S. of and adjoining the Tarcoola Blocks Company's two W. leases. Close
to the Blocks boundary a shaft was sunk by the original holder to a depth of about
80ft. ; a little rough gold was found near the surface, but operations at depth were
unsuccessful. Recently the block has been taken over by the present holders,
and at 20ft. down a body of quartz passed through by the shaft has been opened
up and followed to the S., where it presents every appearance of a well-defined
reef, irregular in width so far, but averaging about 2ft.; it is composed of clean,
slightly ferruginous quartz, showing occasional coarse gold. The strike is about
306
MINING RECORDS,
parallel to the Blocks reef, and the country rock is slate on the W. and quartzite
on the E. This find promises to be of importance, and should be vigorously pros-
pected. Twelve tons treated at the Tarcoola Government Battery gave 8lozs. of
gold.
Associated Lease No. 1031.--The gold-carrying bodies prospected by the shaft
here have proved, so far, to be irregular and bunchy, but the occasional richness:
is demonstrated by the facts that in the latter part of last year a party of men
working on tribute (W. C. Dawes and party) took out 23 tons 15cwts. of stone,
which yielded 84ozs. 9dwts. 8grs. of gold, valued at £321 17s. 2d.; this was found
E. from the 60ft. level, and the company afterwards raised 20 tons 8cwts., which
gave 22ozs. 8dwts. 8grs., valued at £83 18s. 10d. The lease is now held by the
Tarcoola Blocks Company, and a crosscut is in progress E. from the bottom of the
shaft, 100ft., in order to intersect the probable shoot of gold-bearing stone in that
direction.
Total stone treated, 91 tons 3cwts. for 1390zs. 2dwts. 15grs. gold bullion, valued
at £508 2s. ; stone worth 1111s. per ton.
Warrigal.--This lease is now held by the Tarcoola Blocks Company. From the
old shaft, near the surface, the auriferous vein has been followed to the S. for about
40ft., and also for some distance to the N.; it carries gold, but is too small to be
profitably worked, and in the lower levels the vein was also followed with a similar
result. On the S. boundary prospecting pits are being put down on some small
quartz veins, which show a little gold and appear to be increasing in size in depth.
A prospecting shaft will probably be sunk between this place and the old shaft.
: Tarcoola Gem.--Old Proprietary lease No. 935, now held by a small local syndi-
cate. From a small quartz vein on top of the hill a parcel of 7 tons of stone was
treated, with a total result of 7ozs. Idwt. 19grs., but at a depth of 23ft. the vein
cut out. Two men are now prospecting surface leaders of quartz, which occur
in a decomposed kaolinised dyke formation which traverses the top of the hill:
Nice specimens have been found, but no definite reef has yet been struck. The
place is well worth careful prospecting.
Nineteen tons 14cwts. treated for 550zs. 13dwts. 12grs. gold bullion, valued at
£171 16s. 4d. ; stone worth 172s. per ton.
Warrigal East. Some work has been done at the shaft in the N.W. corner of
lease 1024. At 16ft. down this shaft is in soft kaolinised material; a vein of quartz
dipping S. was passed through. This has been followed down for about 20ft. to
the drive made by the old company from the bottom of the shaft; it is irregular
in size, varying from 2ft. to a few inches. Nineteen tons from this vein have been
treated at the Tarcoola Government Battery, and gave 9dwts. 22grs. per ton.
· Section 787.-Formerly United Company's lease 1079.--Two men are working
here, and have sunk two prospecting pits about 12ft. deep each; on two parallel
veins of quartz and granite. The width of each is about ift., and they show a
little fine gold. It is proposed to have a small parcel treated from each of the veins.
(14-6-04.)
This was named the Last Resource, and on the N. vein a large open trench
was made, terminating in a shaft about 40ft. deep; 132 tons taken from this were
treated and yielded 101ozs. 17dwts. 6grs. of gold bullion worth £364 18s. 4d., the
value of the stone being 5515. per ton. (24-10-07.) .
Hisgrove's.—Late lease 1,021 (Enterprise). A N. and S. vein was found on
this, and from an open cut 321 tons were taken and treated, yielding 24ozs. 8dwts.
21grs. of bullion valued at £160 158. 5d., the stone being worth 99s. per ton.
(24-10-07.)
sunk in the N.W. corner of this lease, about 130ft. S. from the Royal George shaft.
The sinking was through granulite to a depth of 100ft., and from the bottom a drive
is in progress N. through decomposed granite and slate towards the drive from the
Royal George shaft, in order to prospect gold-bearing stone supposed to exist
GOLD. .
307
there. Crosscuts E. and W. should be also made from the bottom of this shaft to
intersect gold-bearing veins which may be reasonably expected to exist in the
vicinity.
Proprietary Lease No.951.-Here on the hilltop a prospecting shaft and workings
are in progress on a quartz vein about 6in. in width, and striking N. and S. across
the hill. Six tons raised from this place have been recently treated for 10dwts:
per ton. This is encouraging, and there are several other veins in the vicinity
which could be easily tested by crosscuts from the shaft when a fair depth has been
attained. Lease 935.-In a steep gully, at a point about 150ft. from the S. boundary,
a tunnel has been driven for 60ft. N. along a quartz vein, which runs with a formation
of soft decomposed rock about 4ft. wide, between slate and quartzite walls. The
quartz vein is very irregular in width, ranging from an indicator to, in places, lft.
wide. It carries a little gold, and as this is probably a continuance of one of the
Blocks lodes, works in the tunnel should be further prosecuted.
Tarcoola Enterprise.--No work is in progress here, but recently a syndicate
took, from near the 130ft. level at the deep shaft on lease 1020, 8 tons of stone
which yielded loz. 15dwts. per ton, and from the dumps at this shaft picked 16 tons
which gave loz. 12grs. per ton. The same syndicate raised from a surface reef,
on lease 1021, 5 tons of stone which returned 13dwts. per ton.
· Old Lease 938.—A quartz reef has been found here, and traced by surface open-
ings, the deepest being about 10ft., for a length of about 8 chains ; it strikes N. and
S., averages ift. in width, with a nearly vertical dip; country rock, granite. The
reef is a well-defined one, and a trial crushing of 5 tons gave 2ozs. 3dwts. 18grs. of
gold. :
Curdnatta. -The only work done at this mine for some time past has been the
removal of ore by tributers-9 tons 5cwts. being recently treated for Sozs. 1dwt.
4grs. of gold. When sinking was discontinued by the company, the reef in the
bottom of the deepest shaft, 100ft., was of fair size and carried gold. (D.R. (Gee),
14–6–04.)
EAREA DAM
Kingsmill's Discovery.--At the locality near Earea Dam, where rich gold in quartz
was found by Mr. Kingsmill, the rock formation is limestone and calcareous sand:
stone in horizontal beds of Tertiary or Secondary age. This formation is apparently
of similar age to the cappings found associated with conglomerate near Glenloth,
near which gold was found some years ago. It often contains erratic pebbles and
other detritus of various older rocks, even at long distances from the latter. In
this locality it rests on granitic rocks known to be gold-bearing, and it is quite likely
by the erosion of the limestone rock. (Government Geologist, 11-7-00.) :
Wilgena Enterprise. This mine has been opened up on an outcrop of magnetic
iron ore and quartz in granite country, traversed by felsite and dioritic dykes. The
work done has proved that the lode, which was 4ft. wide at the surface, pinches at
the water-level (105ft.) to widths of from 2ft. to 3in. It strikes N. and S., and
inclines from the surface to 40ft. S. at an angle of 45°, afterwards from 28° to 30°
in the same direction. The walls are fairly well defined, and as long as they con-
tinue so the lode may be driven or sunk on with a reasonable expectation of meeting
with new makes of stone. The shoot of auriferous stone hitherto worked has been
deposited near the junction of two igneous dykes, at a point where they intersect
the granite. The gold occurs in the magnetic iron ore and quartz, and is also some-
times visible in the granite formation between the walls. * About 170 tons of ore
have been raised for treatment, chiefly from the lode above the 40ft. level; of this
2 tons have been treated, which returned 4ozs. 3dwts. 13grs. of gold per ton. (War-
den's Report of February 28th, 1900). The lode, although irregular in thickness,
is worth more energetic prospecting both by sinking and driving, with the object
of discovering other bodies of auriferous ore. An attempt should be made to trace
308
MINING RECORDS.
the lode along its strike to locate any additional bodies of ore which may approach
the surface. This information would be of use in indicating the direction and dis-
tance at which the levels along the lode, at depth, should be driven. As to the
question of machinery for treating the ore : although at the present time there is
not sufficient ore to keep even a small battery continually at work, yet, if further
development proves satisfactory, the erection of machinery should be proceeded
with. This would also encourage prospecting in the district, by enabling miners
to ascertain the value of any ore they may discover. Assays of samples taken by
me showed the presence of gold in the lode at the lower level (105ft.), where it is
much pinched, the returns ranging from a trace to 8dwts. per ton. Average samples
from the 40ft. level returned loz. 18dwts. and loz. 7dwts. respectively per ton.
(Government Geologist, 11–7–00.)
No apparent work has been done since my report in last July; consequently I
am unable to give any additional information regarding it. The metalliferous rock
formations here are exposed in patches of only limited extent owing to the prevail-
ing covering of Tertiary and recent deposits. They include white, pink, and red
granulite and granite, hornblendic granite, graphitic granite, felsite, felspar, por-
phyry, diorite, and metamorphic, hornblendic, and felsitic rocks, often much de-
composed and kaolinised. Although there is not a large feld for prospecting, yet
the discoveries already made of gold and tin should induce those persons who hold
the ground under lease to prospect more energetically than they have hitherto done.
(Government Geologist, 11-1-01.)
Situated in the vicinity of Earea Dam, about 35 miles S.E. of Tarcoola. The
principal development work has been sinking shafts and cross trenching. The
veins not appearing on the surface, it is necessary to adopt the latter course previous
to incurring the expense of sinking. At the time of my visit the main shaft had
reached the depth of 170ft. at an angle of 45°, the vein formation ranging from a
few inches to, in places, 4ft. in width, containing veins of quartz and ironstone-
very irregular and broken; but, when sorted from the debris, or the low-value
portions of the formation, containing, in places, material of very fair value. Drives
have been driven N. and S. at the 40ft. level, each about 30ft. At these points
the vein has pinched very small and is of low value, but, judging from the character
of the formation, should the drives be continued, the vein would probably make
again. At the shaft bottom the formation is of similar appearance to that in the
upper workings, there being about 18in, in width of gold-bearing material, with a
small seam of quartz 2in. thick. A bulk sample taken from this material as placed in
the ore dump, which is chiefly ferruginous clay, yielded 6dwts. per ton, and a picked
sample taken from the small vein returned 20zs. 6dwts. of gold per ton; also samples
taken from the ore dumps from the 40ft. level yielded, for the better class material,
10dwts. per ton, and for the second class 3dwts. per ton. From the general appear-
ance of the formation it is evident that drives should be continued on the course
of the formation a much longer distance to prove if the gold-bearing material is
confined to a short shoot or otherwise. In this locality there have been several
other mines, and a considerable amount of work has been accomplished in sinking
shafts and crosscutting ; but, all the works now being suspended, and the forma-
tions not cropping above the surface, but little or no idea can be formed as to their
value. (I.M.R., 29–7–01.)
This auriferous lode was discovered in 1899, and has been worked intermittently
throughout by the original Port Augusta shareholders. The lode strikes 356° and
dips to the E. The shaft has been sunk to a depth of 198ft, on the inclination of
the lode, which is 45° near the surface, and afterwards varies from 28° to 30°. The
walls are fairly well defined ; the lode consists of magnetic iron ore, quartz, and
gossan, and is 4ft. wide near the surface, and at water-level (105ft.) varies from 2ft.
to a few inches. The country rock is granite and hornblendic granite, traversed by
felsite and diorite dykes. The gold occurs in the lode material, and is also some-
times found in the granitic formation between the walls. Two tons taken from
GOLD
309
lode near the surface and treated at Petersburg in February, 1900, yielded 40zs.
3dwts. 13grs. per ton. A second parcel of 3 tons from above 40ft., treated in April,
1900, yielded 20zs. 3dwts. 18grs. per ton. At 180ft. the lode is 3ft. wide, 2ft. of
which is quartz, and carries gold all through. At 40ft., on the incline, levels have
been driven N. and S., from which stone for treatment is being raised. Eighty feet
E. from the underlie shaft a vertical shaft has been sunk, which intersects the
former at 100ft. along the lode and facilitates haulage from the bottom; but at
present operations are confined to the 40ft. level. In January, 1902, 33 tons of
stone were treated at the Tarcoola Government Battery, and yielded 39ozs. 16dwts.
28grs. of gold (loz. 2dwis. 16grs. per ton), value £160 hs. 9d. It is to be noted
that this gold is of very high quality. The results obtained by the crushings show
that the mine is of considerable value, and should be operated on more extensively.
The opening up of this lode by drives at the lowest depth reached is most desirable
in order to facilitate the workings of the auriferous stone already proved, and to
intersect other makes of stone which are indicated by outcrops along the line.
Other gold-bearing veins have been found off the main line, which can be tested
by crosscuts from the deep workings of the main lode, when such have been pro-
ceeded with. (Government Geologist, 25–2-02.)
No developmental work done during 1902. Operations limited and confined to
stoping at the 40ft. level. A parcel of 54 tons was treated at the Government
Battery in July, and yielded 550zs. 6dwts. 13grs. of gold, valued at £224 15s. 5d.
No systematic or developmental work has been done on this mine for some time
past. Recently tributers have been working at the 40ft. and 60ft. levels. One
parcel of 25 tons 5cwts., yielding loz. 4dwts. 6grs. per ton, and another of 72 tons,
15dwts. 17grs. per ton. This mine was discovered in 1899. The lode has been
followed down for over 200ft., and has been proved to be auriferous to the bottom,
and of a fair average width. The total amount of stone treated up to date is 359
tons, for a return of 3263zs. of high-grade gold, and it is greatly to be deplored that
through lack of capital this promising property is not properly worked and developed.
(D.R. (Gee), June, 1904.)
Henderson. These claims adjoin the Sutherland to the S. Costeans have been
cut, and two shafts about 10ft. and 12ft. sunk. The claims are well situated in
connection with the other properties, but so far nothing of value has been discovered.
(28-2-00.)
N.W. Prospecting Association. This block adjoins the Enterprise to the N. A
large number of costeans and trial pits have been put down without discovering
anything of value. At a site about 60ft. E. of the probable course of the Enterprise
lode a shaft was sunk to 96ft. without striking the lode. (28–2-00.)
Pioneer.—This syndicate held two leases adjoining the Enterprise-one to the
W. and the other on the E. On the W. one costcans have been made in many
places, and near the S.W. corner, ajdoining the Warburton, a shaft has been sunk
on a small irregular vein carrying gold. On the E. lease there are numerous costeans,
an open cut, and two shafts. The open cut, 25ft. long and 14ft. deep, was made
to work an irregular lode, consisting of quartz and ironstone, about 2ft. wide, with
á strike of 96° and an average dip of 48° E. ; 2 tons 16cwts. taken from this place
and treated at the Government Battery, Petersburg, yielded 17dwts. 8grs. per ton.
About 35ft. to the E. a vertical shaft was in progress to cut this lode. To the S.
another shaft was sunk. At 10ft, a small quartz vein carrying gold was struck,
and lower another larger one, which seems to strike N. by E. and dip E. It opens
out strongly at the bottom of the shaft, and may possibly turn out to be a continua-
tion of the lode in the open cut. Samples taken from the bottom (25ft.) assayed
loz. 14dwts. of gold per ton and 10dwts. of silver. (28–2–00.)
Port Lincoln Syndicate.—This lease is in a granite rise about į mile S.W. from
the Enterprise. Costeaning has been done, and in a shaft 15ft. deep a promising-
looking ironstone leader dipping to the N. was struck, along which driving was
commenced. Sample taken, in which no gold could be seen, assayed 2ozs. 6dwts.
per ton. (28–2-00.)
310
MINING RECORDS.
Sutherland's.-These claims adjoin the Pioneer W. lease and the Warburton
to the S. Prospecting by costeans has been carried out, and there are two shafts
15ft. deep, 20ft. apart, connected by a drive. The W. shaft and the drive disclose
a small irregular lode body, consisting mainly of ironstone and quartz, which shows
free gold and is worthy of further testing. (28–2–00.)
- Gourlay's Lease.—Originally prospected by the late J. W. Sutherland. Small
shallow shafts, the deepest being 30ft., have disclosed a lode formation, which is
now being followed to the E. from the bottom of the 30ft. shaft. Irregular bodies
of ironstone and quartz carrying gold have been met with in the workings; one
parcel of 10 tons gave total 120zs. 14dwts. 21grs. of gold, and another of 8 tons,
3ozs. 12dwts. 16grs., and the place is well worth further prospecting. (D.R. (Gee),
June, 1904.) Total treated 37 tons, yielding 230zs. 18dwts. 19grs. bullion, valued
at £93 ls., the stone being worth 503s. per ton. (30-6-07.)
Warburton.--These claims adjoin the Enterprise and the Pioneer on the S. Four
prospecting shafts have been sunk. The deepest, 57ft., adjoins the E. boundary
of the Pioneer W. lease. The object in sinking was to strike the vein found in the
Pioneer. A trace of gold was found at 23ft., and water was struck at the bottom.
The other shafts, 15ft., 20ft., and 15ft., disclosed nothing of value. Costeaning has
also been done. The block is well situated, and should contain the continuation of
the Enterprise and Pioneer lodes.
In addition to the claims mentioned there are a large number of prospecting ·
workings in the locality, but in no case has anything worth following up been struck.
This is not to be wondered at in a district where prospecting is so extremely difficult,
and where the elements of luck and chance enter so largely into the wished-for
success. (28-2-00.)
TIN DISCOVERY NEAR EAREA DAM.
South Lake Tin.--This is situated about 1} miles S. of Earea Dam, on a mud lake
where the surface sand and loam have been eroded, and expose granite, diorite, and
other hornblendic rocks containing quartz veins. The tin oxide was originally
discovered in a quartz vein and detritus denuded from it and the surrounding rocks.
There is only a thin covering of alluvial soil at this point, but from it, immediately
over the outcrop, I had a dishful of stuff washed which yielded llb. 10ozs. of tin
ore which, on being smelted, returned ilb. of tin. The prospectors appear to have
entirely devoted their attention to sinking on the quartz veins, and to have lost.
sight of the probable presence of alluvial or stream tin. The probability is that
prospecting for alluvial tin instead of lode tin would meet with more success. Syste-
matic prospecting in order to trace the ore towards deeper ground, where larger
deposits may exist, is in iny opinion the course that should be followed, as it is a
well known fact that stream tin is often derived from small veins and pockets in
granitic rocks which are too small to be profitably worked as lodes. Salt water
is abundant in this locality at a depth of a few feet from the surface. (Government
Geologist, 11-7-00.)
At the site of the original tin ore discovery I had the shaft bailed of water to a
depth of 8ft., and ascertained that the tin oxide occurred in a decomposed granitic
dyke, which contained payable ore for a width of 4ft., and traces of tin for a much
greater width. Quartz in veins and bunches, included in the dyke, also contained
tin ore. It is most probable that additional deposits of ore will be found in this
dyke, and that other tin-bearing dykes exist in the neighborhood. As mentioned
in my report of July last, there is also a great probability of "alluvial tin” being
found. Shafts should be sunk through the sand and Tertiary deposits surrounding
the lakes to prospect for deep ground and washdirt containing tin ore. (Govern-
ment Geologist, 11-1-01.)
Tin oxide occurs in decomposed granitic dykes and in veins and bunches of
quartz, as exposed in the prospecting shaft. Several other shafts have been sunk in
proximity to the first one, and tin disclosed in similar dyke formations, the general
: GÖLD,
311
en carried bebe test these dyketities h
trend of which is N.W. and S.E. Owing to the quantity of water met with, sinking
has not been carried below 54ft. ; it is now proposed to prospect the ground to a
greater depth in order to test these dykes, and pumping machinery will be necessary
to do this work. Tin ore in small quantities has been found in the surface deposits
of the lake and in shafts in the sandhill country adjoining. There is a probability
of alluvial tin being traced from this lake, but owing to the prevailing covering of
sand rises and ridges considerable difficulty is placed in the way of prospecting.
This is the first authentic discovery of tin ore in South Australia proper, and, consider-
ing the small amount of work done so far, the prospects are decidedly encouraging,
and the sinking of a shaft to the depth of, say, 100ft. and cosscutting and driving
at that depth, are the best means to be recommended for proving these tin-bearing
bodies. (Government Geologist, 25–2–02.)
GLENLOTH.
Extract, dated January 11th, 1894, from the Annual Report of the Government
Geologist for the Year ending June 30th, 1894.
No. 1 Gold locality is in the vicinity of Lake Harris, 36 miles in a S.E. direction
from Wilgena Head Station and 8 miles N.E. of Arcoodaby, an outstation of Wilgena.
The gold occurs in surfacing and the alluvium of a gully near where it is crossed by
a quartz, quartzite, and granite reef running N. and S. From this place it has
been traced down the gully for 100yds. or more, but, as the gully widens out con-
siderably, the run of gold has not been traced further. The gold, which is not water-
worn, is flaky and filamentous in character, and has apparently been derived from
a vein or veins in the immediate neighborhood, which veins were probably small
and consisted of gossan or soft flucan. The bedrock consists of soft kaolinised
granite, with quartzite and hard granite, and contains quartz reefs ; overlying
these there are cappings of jasper, quartzite grit, sandstone, and quartz conglomerate
of probably Tertiary age. These form low tablelands, with escarpments, and the
conglomerate is likely to contain gold. The country is comparatively flat and
the hills of small elevation.
The gullies are flat and ill-defined a short distance after they leave the low ranges,
and there is a general absence of alluvial deposits and watercourses, which tend to
make prospecting more laborious and uncertain than is usual. There are a good
number of large quartz reefs in the neighborhood, traversing the kaolinised granite,
and striking in a N.N.E. and N.W. direction. The quartz is white and glassy in.
character, and there is an absence of gossan, although it is possible that veins of
this and pyrites exist alongside in connection with them, which do not show on the
surface.
About 1} miles E. of Keynella Well there is a hill from 150ft. to 200ft, in eleva-
tion, chiefly, composed of brown iron ore, hematite, jasper iron ore with flint and
quartz veins, traversing kaolinised granite, indurated felstone, syenite and other
granite rocks.
The great drawback to prospecting is the red loam and sand covering I have so
often alluded to, the absence of well-defined gullies and watercourses, and the
limited extent of the isolated patches of bedrock, from veins in which the gold is
derived. There is no doubt, however, that the gold found is sufficient to show the
probability of payable patches existing in the neighborhood and between this place
and Lake Harris, but it is only by a large expenditure of time and labor in prospect.
ing that such are likely to be found.
The nearest wells are Glenloth, 11 miles W.; Arcoodaby, 8 miles S.W.; and
Yerda, 7 miles W. I understand that the depth of sinking does not exceed 100ft.
The water is obtained from the granitic rock, which in all cases is kaolinised to a
considerable depth below the surface.
312
· MINING RECORDS.
An official report of October, 1902, states :
· Darley's.—This is situated about 1 mile W. of Glenloth Well, and about the same
distance S. of Gold Locality No. 1 (vide Annual Report, 1894). In June, 1901,
small disjointed veins of quartz were found a few feet from the surface by sinking
in the calcareous soil and decomposed granitic rock. Gold in fine particles was
freely disseminated through the stone. The strike of these veins was about
N.W., and they were found to dip, when tested at 17ft., N.E. at about 45°, but at
this depth the veins were poor and of small size, and nothing to encourage deeper
sinking was found. These veins are near the junction of the granitic rocks and the
diorite. Other prospecting has been done near Darley's claim without results,
and so far no evidence of the presence of a persistent auriferous lode has been dis-
closed; this, however, very possibly exists in the locality, but the rock formations
being, as usual, covered with surface deposits, prospecting is difficult and laborious.
A parcel of ore treated at Tarcoola gave small results.
Pioneer-Gold Lease 1301.- Prospecting was started here about June, 1901, on
some quartz veins very similar in character to those worked by Darley, but showing
rather heavier gold by dolly.
The workings, about imile S.E. of Glenloth Well, are situated in a broad valley
running N.W. and S.E. between two rough granite hills leading towards Lake Harris.
For a distance of about 60 chains a little gold has been found, mainly by dolly, in
surface stone consisting of iron-stained quartz. Small gold-carrying quartz veins
were found by sinking shallow holes in the valley, but they were not persistent.
Four prospecting shafts were sunk in these veins from 20ft. to 25ft. deep, in loose
ground, and with a view of testing the place at depth another shaft, a little to the
dipping to the W. at a sharp angle, was followed down for 47ft., where a body of
nearly vertical granite was met with. The fissure between the diorite and the granite
is about 4ft. wide, and consists of decomposed rock carrying small veins and seams
of quartz ; it was followed W. for 22ft., and then, at 10ft. from the shaft, a winze
was sunk 40ft. ; making the total distance from the surface 127ft. The work now
in hand here is crosscutting E. from the 87ft. level..
These workings have disclosed nothing of value, and the stone treated at the
Tarcoola Battery was taken from the surface veins and leaders near this place..
On leases 1299 and 1305 three shallow prospecting shafts have been put down;
stone showing gold by dolly has been found in each of them, but sufficient work
has not been done to give data for satisfactory description.
On lease 1304 there is a large lode formation which strikes about N. and S. and
and indefinite. Some of the stone taken by me about a year ago assayed 6dwts.
per ton.
Fabian's No. 1 (M.C. 4663).—One mile S. of Glenloth Well. Here an outcrop
of quartz was sunk upon; it was large, being in places from 3ft. to 4ft. in thick-
ness, with a slight dip to the S.W., the strike of the reef being N.W. At about
10ſt. down it contracted to 2ft. in width and dipped suddenly to the S.W. at an
angle of about 40°; the shaft then followed the underlie for 20ft. beneath the reef.
In the first 6ft. of the underlie shaft the reef on the S. side pinched to 2in. and then
widened out till at the bottom it is lft. in width. On the N. side the reef is much
wider, and averages 18in. to the bottom, where it is 14in.
Lake View (gold lease 1363). —This block adjoins Fabian's to the S.E.; the vein or
reef is on the same line of strike as Fabian's, is dipping the same way, and it is prob-
able that the workings are on one and the same lode body; the gold-bearing stone
is of a similar character, but also includes seams of sugary white quartz containing
gossany vughs..
The workings consist of an open cut, in which, at 10ft. from the surface, the de-
fined portion of the reef was about 2ft. wide; it has been followed for a further
distance of 8ft. (18ft. in all) on a S.W. underlie of 50%, and at the bottom the
GOLD.
313
reef is din. wide, with a well-defined hanging-wall and an unsettled footwall. A
little to the W. a prospecting shaft has been sunk to a depth of 28ft. and a crosscut
of 11ft. made towards the reef without striking anything.
Williams' (gold lease 1356).—This consisted at the surface of two gold-carrying
quartz veins about 4ft: apart, with a n:rrow lode formation, which also carried gold,
between them. The strike is 120°, with a dip to the N.E. of about 60°. An open
cut has been made to a depth of 15ft., where the veins have come together, and are
now about 18in. thick, the formation cutting out. A little to the N.E. a pros:
pecting shaft has been sunk to a depth of 40ft: ; this passed at 16ft. and 23ft. through
small veins of quartz carrying gold, and at the bottom is in similar quartz. To
the N.W. some pits and open cuts have been made in unsettled country along the
line of lode; small veins of quartz have been found, and one coarse specimen of
gold.
F. Olsen's (gold lease 1354).—Open cuts on a quartz vein striking N.W. and dips
ping N.E. In the deepest working the vein has been followed down to 15ft. from
the surface, where it is about 12in. thick; it consists of rather vitreous, loose:
jointed, iron-stained quartz, the joints being filled with a waxy-like greenish-colored
chloritic deposit.
Fabian's No. 2 (M.C. 4822).—Here a well-defined vein of ferruginous quartz has
been found; the strike is N. and S., with a slight dip to the E. A pit has been sunk
to a depth of 12ft., where the reef is about 18in. thick.
McPherson's (M.C. 3372).-- This is the most recent find at Glenloth, and consists
of a reef of quartz and ironstone showing fine free gold occasionally ; it strikes
350°, with a dip of 65° to the E.; it has been followed for 30ft. on the underlie,
and is about 1ft. thick at the bottom.
Gordon's (No. 4779).-An open cut has been made 20ft. deep on a quartz vein
hin. wide; strike N.W., dip 40° S.W.; the stone carries a little gold.
Brennan's (gold lease 1353).- A pit has been sunk 10ft. on a lode of quartz,
which shows fine specks of gold occasionally; it appears to strike E. and W., but
not enough work has been done upon it to give a proper idea of its size and value.
The country rocks of the district are granite, granulite, and diorite, and the lodes,
so far as exposed, are of a bunchy nature. (D.R. (Gee), 9–10–02.)
Further report June, 1904 :-
Pioneer.— Work here is now concentrated on lease No. 1305, where a well-
defined reef of ferruginous quartz has been found. The strike is 340°, with
a dip of 45° W., and the average thickness lft. The reef has been tested with
good results to 43ft., and a main underlie shaft is now in progress, the hanging-
wall of the reef being made the hanging-wall of the shaft. The reef has been driven
on close to the surface for about 120ft. ; 23 tons of miscellaneous stone from here
treated at Tarcoola recently gave 15dwts. Ilgrs. of gold per ton, but the body of
the reef will probably give higher results. A sample taken by me from the face
assayed loz. 3dwts. per ton. The mine is being opened up well and systematically.
Fabian's No. 1.-No work has been done since my last examination, except the
raising of a few tons of stone from the reef. This find should be opened out, and
prospected to the N. ; 18} tons from here treated in June, 1902, gave loz. Odwts.
llgrs. per ton.
Fabian's No. 2.—The workings here are on a well-defined reef of ferruginous
quartz, striking N. and S., with a slight dip to the E. The shaft is a little over
20ft. deep, and at the bottom the reef is from 1ft. to Ift. 6in. thick, with well-defined
walls in granite. Three and a half tons, consisting of the reef as taken out in sink-
ing the shaft, were treated at the Tarcoola Government Battery in November,
1902, and yielded loz. 15dwts. Igr. of gold per ton. No further work was done
until recently, when by stoping operations, mainly to the N.W. of the shaft, 28 tons
of stone were taken out and forwarded to Tarcoola. This parcel only gave 5dwts.
19grs. by battery, with 2dwts. 10grs. in the tailings; but I am informed that a con-
siderable portion of the material bagged consisted of mullock, and far better returns
314
MINING RECORDS.
would, of course, have been obtained had only reef matter been sent in. This is a
very promising show, and the shaft should be continued and the reef driven upon
at depth.
Fabian's No. 3.- This is a new find made by H. Fabian, situated about 1 mile
N.E. from Glenloth Well. A reef of ironstone and quartz has been opened up by
a prospecting pit to the depth of about 12ft. It has a general strike of 335°, with
a slight dip to the W., and at the bottom is 1ft. 3in. thick. The country rock is
granite. A parcel of 81 tons just treated at the Tarcoola Government Cyanide
Works gave a total return of 250zs. 2dwts. 3grs. of gold. The discovery promises
to be an important one. The proprietor is now engaged in raising a further parcel
of 20 tons, and development in depth will be a matter of considerable interest to
the district. At this place specimens showing gold in the granite rock can also be
seen.
Lake View.--No work has been done recently, but the underlie workings have
been deepened a little, and the vein appears at present to have cut out. The shaft
and drive disclose nothing, and the best course of prospecting here will be to follow
on the formation showing in the underlie. Eight tons 17cwts. of stone from this
place, treated in September, 1902, yielded gold at the rate of loz. 7dwts. 2grs. per
ton.
Williams' (Glen Markie). -The open cut at the S. end of the workings has been
extended N. along the course of the veins, and in the shaft near by the vein struck
at 16ft. has been followed down on the N.E. underlie for about 14ft. The vein and
formation at the bottom are about ift. 3in. thick, and carry gold. From this place
a considerable amount of stone has been raised, and 50 tons treated at Glenloth
Battery returned a little over 16dwts. gold bullion per ton, and it is estimated
that the tailings are worth 6dwts. per ton. This property requires careful pros-
pecting at depth, a course warranted by present results and indications.
|F. Olsen's No. 1.-In this a quartz vein striking N.W. and dipping N.E. bas been
prospected to a depth of 15ft. by an open cut. The vein is about ift. thick at this
depth. The gold contents, so far, seemed small, and no further work has been done
upon it.
F. Olsen's No. 2.- This is a new find, situated about 1 mile S. from Williams' show.
A white quartz reef striking 330°, with a flat dip E., has been followed down in the
underlie for 34ft. It is 2ft. wide at the bottom; coarse gold shows occasionally
in the stone. Assays of samples taken vary considerably, but a parcel of 10 tons
from the reef is now ready for battery treatment. This is a well-defined and pro-
mising reef, and the battery returns will doubtless prove it to be payable.
McPherson's.- The original shaft here was sunk to a depth of 30ft. on the E.
underlie of a vein of quartz and ironstone about ift. thick at the bottom. A sample
of 11 tons of stone from this shaft, treated at Tarcoola 18 months ago, returned
gold at the rate of loz. Odwts. 12grs. per ton. Nothing further has been done at
the shaft, and a small prospecting pit, which discloses nothing of importance, repre-
sents all operations since my previous visit. The shaft should be continued along
the vein, which is well worth opening up and thoroughly prospecting.
No work is in progress at Darley's, Brennan's, Heise's, and Brophy's claims,
which are well worthy of systematic prospecting ; 3 tons from the latter claim
treated in July, 1903, returned 2ozs. gold per ton.
Generally, with the exception of the Pioneer Mine, very little work has been done
in the district for the last 18 months; no proper working shafts have been sunk;
the prospecting operations are mainly confined to shallow pits and open cuts sunk
on veins and leaders of stone, more or less gold-bearing; and in no instance has
sufficient work been done to determine whether these bodies are persistent in depth
and continuous along their lines of strike. The results of the stone treated so far
are good, and there is every encouragement for legitimate and careful prospecting,
Two new and promising finds have been made recently, viz., Fabian's No. 3 and
Olsen's No. 2, and there is a large extent of unprospected country in the district,
GOLD.
$15
Glenloth Battery.—A five-stamp battery has been recently erected on the shore
of Lake Harris, about 2 miles E. from the Pioneer Mine; it is worked by a 14
horse-power engine, with a vertical boiler. Water for ordinary battery purposes
is obtained from a shallow well on the edge of the lake, but at present boiler water
has to be carted from Glenloth Well, in addition to the quantity condensed. (D.R.
(Gee), 14-6-04.)
of bullion, valued at £1,323. Later the battery was taken over by the Govern-
ment, and a cyanide plant added.
The first six parcels, to November 13th, 1907, totalled 147 tons, yielding 60ozs.
of bullion, valued at £186 (battery treatment only).
TEETULPA GOLDFIELD.
Situated about 15 miles E. from Waukaringa, and about 25 miles N.W. of
Mannahill; discovered by Thos. Brady, of Lancelot, and Thos. Smith, of Broughton,
October 6th, 1886. The first gold was found in the centre of the gully now known
as “ Brady's.” Several pieces, weighing in all about llozs., were dug out of the
cracks in the slate by Smith, using his knife only. The prospectors put in their
claim to the Government reward of £1,000, which, on the expiry of the time laid
down by the conditions and the requisite number of men being then at work, was
duly paid. A rush from Adelaide and great excitement followed, and a.working
population numbering at one time about 4,000 to 5,000 people occupied the field.
The prospectors took out their reward claims (10 in number) at the spot where
they had found the first gold; other claims were quickly pegged out, following the
creek in a N. direction for a distance of į mile. The first nugget of any size was
found by. McDougall and Opperman, and weighed 8ozs. 14dwts. The largest nugget
known to be found on the field was got by Horner, in a claim about 20yds. N. of
Brady's claim. It weighed 29ozs. 15dwts. Other nuggets, of 140zs. 16dwts.,
13ozs., 10ozs., and smaller sizes were found more frequently. Work on the field
was hindered by the want of water. At first all the dirt had to be carted to Tonkin's
Well, a distance of about 2 miles ; later the water was pumped up to tanks at the
S. end of Brady's Gully. The results from washing were variable, ranging from
1dwt. or 2dwts. up to 4ozs. per load of dirt. For a time the digging was confined
to the bed of the creek, where heavy floods had washed away the earth to a depth
of 4ft. Here the claims were easily worked. As a rule the earth and gravel were
broken up by the pick and then fossicked over with a knife. Every gutter and
crevice in the slate beds was carefully cleaned, and it was in these that the nuggets
were most frequently found. About October 27th, however, some holes were put
down in the high ground on the W. side of the watercourse. Here the sinking was
from 18ft. to 25ft. deep. A good wash was met with about 18in. from the bottom,
and in many claims the yield was very rich indeed. This locality was named
Windlass Hill. From one claim the owner states he got £700 worth of gold during
a period of five or six weeks, and afterwards sold his claim for £50. On the 31st
October a rush took place to the upper part of the gully, S. of the prospectors'
claims. This was caused by a man finding a 15dwt. nugget, together with 5dwts.
of small gold. This part of the gully had been tried previously, but nothing had
been found in it. This new discovery, however, put more heart into the miners,
and the gully was soon tested in every part. It proved to be very rich. Nuggets
weighing from 14ozs. downwards were found in many claims, and some of the wash-
ings were very good. Here the sinking averaged about 8ft. The gully was not
more than four claims broad; the gold lay in gutters and pockets, and from one of
these as much as 19ozs. was taken.
· Goslin's Gully lies E. of Brady's Gully, runs N. and S., and joins Brady's about
mile below the prospectors' claims. At this place Hugh O’Kane struck a pocket
containing about 24ozs. of rough nuggety gold, the largest piece being about 4ozş.
316
MINING RECORDS.
This was at a depth of 5ft. The gully was at once pegged out, and soon proved
to be as rich, if not richer, than Brady's. Nuggets of good size, from 11Lozs. down-
wards, were obtained, and the washings were extremely good, many of them going
70zs., 4ozs., 3ozs., and loz. to the load of dirt. This may have been due partly to
the fact that the men in Goslin's Gully did not dry fossick to the same extent as
did those in Brady's Gully.
Strawbridge's Gully lies S. of Brady's, and runs in a N.E. direction, emptying
near Tonkin's Well. It was a most likely-looking place for gold, and was worked
for some time. One man obtained a pocket holding over 6ozs., including a nugget
of 5ozs. 5dwts. ; but, with that exception, so far as known, nothing more than fair
prospects were obtained.
Brennan's Gully lies S. of Strawbridge's, and parallel to it. The prospectors
found a sample of fine gold, others found a few grains only.
Dam Gully comes into Brady's from the W., S. of Windlass Hill. Six-ounce and
smaller nuggets were found in claims on the high ground N, of the watercourse.
The sinking averaged 20ft. in depth, and the gold, as in the other gullies, was very
patchy and irregular.
Flack's Gully joined Brennan's Gully, and good prospects were got, but nothing
very payable.
Wakefield Gully ran into Brennan's also, but above the prospectors' claims.
Not very much work was done.
Langford and Gadd's Rush was about 11 miles N. of Brady's claims, and about
50yds. W. of the watercourse. The sinking was from 17ft. to 25ft., and it was
thought to be a continuation of the lead from Windlass Hill. Some of the men got
fair prospects, but not sufficiently good to pay for cartage of dirt to the well for
washing. This rush was worked intermittently.
Hospital Gully and Deep Gully, were two small gullies behind Hospital Hill,
W. from Brady's Gully. A 13-oz. nugget was found in the latter, but nothing else
of importance at this side of the field.
PLIOCENE LEADS.-N. of where Brady's Gully runs on to the Salt Creek Flats
there is a tableland of drift, known to diggers as “ made ground,” similar in character
to that of Para Wirra, Barossa, Echunga, and other parts of the main range. It is
most probable that gold will be found by prospecting it. Work has been done here
and “colors” are said to have been obtained, but opustions were suspended, as
no payable results were quickly forthcoming. This drift extends N. towards
Mount Victor, in the neighborhood of which there are gravel-capped rises indicating
its presence. It may also pass under the Salt Creek alluvial flats. In 1887 several
shafts were sunk, on the recommendation of the Government Geologist, commencing
at a point near Salt Creek, where the bedrock was met with about 10ft. from the
surface, and extending W. across the plateau. These shafts appear on inspection
not to have been bottomed, but to have been abandoned on reaching a hard cal-
careous cement and conglomerate; the question, therefore, as to the existence of
a lead of gold is still undecided. The finding of deep ground and payable gold here
would be a matter of great importance, as there is a large area to the N. of similar
country.
The ranges near Bumbumbie, to the E. of Brady's Gully, consist of gneiss,
mica schist, granite, &c., and these are penetrated by granite dykes and masses,
and probably by diorite, as this and other hornblendic rocks are seen in the creeks.
The calcareous slates and limestone dip away from the granite and metamorphic
rocks at a low angle. Some of the slates contain boulders and pebbles of quartzite
embedded in them. A large portion of the nuggets found on this field show no sign
of having been derived from quartz reefs. Most of them are partially coated and
have their hollows filled with travertine limestone ; ferruginous limestone rock and
iron oxide is frequently found adhering to them. The veinstones found in the
district consist chiefly of quartz; iron ore and limestone also occur, either combined
or separately. Auriferous washdirt, cemented with carbonate of lime, is also found ;
GOLD.
317
it is a hard rock, and the gold is not visible on the surface. Payable gold may somie-
times be passed over if the cement is not carefully examined. There is also a proba-
bility of small nuggets becoming completely coated with the travertine limestone, and
so being passed unnoticed. This material may be removed from the gold by placing
it in a solution of spirits of salt, or by heating it in a fire and converting the car-
bonate of lime into quicklime.
The Government purchased 27 nuggets, aggregate weight 2400zs., suitable for
exhibition purposes, and these were displayed at the Jubilee Exhibition of 1887,
together with a quantity of the finer alluvial gold.
Vigorous work was in progress for about a year, and then the place was practi-
cally abandoned, save for a few fossickers, of which some remain even to the present.
In 1897 the then Minister of Mines sul sidised about 70 prospectors, in order to
search for gold outside of the small area, about 1 square mile, to which the rich
deposits seemed confined. Their work was done mainly to the N. of Brady's
Gully, but no good results were obtained.
It is difficult to estimate the amount of gold obtained on this field, but from first
to last it may safely and moderately be put down at about £300,000 worth ; and it
seems strange indeed that, so far, no other finds have been made in this district,
where such a vast area of similar country exists.
TEETULPA REEFS.—There are two sets of reefs or veins in this district-one
traversing the bedrock E. and W., and the other striking in a meridional direc-
tion. They are composed of veinstone consisting of quartz, gossan, carbonates
of lime and iron, hematite, brown iron ore, and iron pyrites. Carbonate of
bismuth and lead, with traces of copper ore, have also been noticed. The greater
part of the work done was on the N. and S. reefs. These have a strike ranging
from N. 100 to 15º and 20° W.; the underlie is steep, and inclines from 70° to 80°
to the E. They are well defined, and are of considerable width in some of the
claims, and have well-defined walls; they run parallel to one another in groups
of three or four. A number of small companies were formed, numerous shafts
sunk, and a great deal of ore raised. As a rule the gold is very fine, and, owing to
the ferruginous nature of the stone, is very difficult to see. In the Victoria claim,
however, in Strawbridge's Gully, a pocket consisting of quartz and gossan has been
found containing very rich specimens of a wiry filamentous gold of a peculiar and
remarkable character. Other claims in which gold was seen are Meache's Ironclad,
Nos. 1 and 2 ; and on the Ironclad belt of reefs the Jubilee, Blue Star, Warrior, &c.
Owing to the nature of the stone its value cannot be judged merely by examination,
and as regards assays and hand crushings, the former are often deceptive and the
latter test is generally only sufficient to show that gold does or does not exist in the
small samples tried.
A small battery was erected between Brady's and Goslin's gullies, but the gold-
saving appliances were very crude, and the results were unsatisfactory.
TORRENS RIVER.—For some months in 1887 a number of men worked for gold
at a spot about 2 miles above the gorge, where the Sixth Creek comes in, and also
along the bed of that creek. Alluvial gold was found in the river by sluicing on
section No. 6154, near the Gumeracha bridge, and on sections Nos. 6074, 6060,
6113, and for some distance along the river near Blumberg, and elsewhere. What
portions will prove payable can only be ascertained by thorough work. The river
is auriferous from its source to the gorge where it issues from the hills, and from
thence it has probably carried gold down towards the sea. This can only be proved
by testing the deep Tertiary deposits on the Adelaide plains.
TRENGOFF.—Situate about 1} miles from Angaston, at the base of a large hill
of marble, traversed by a dioritic dyke. The Inspector of Mines stated (1889) that
at the point of intersection of the diorite and the marble there is a “ blow" of
318
MINING RECORDS.
specular and oxide iron. There is a lode formation apparently fully 25ft. wide,
and stones said to have been obtained at a depth of 30ft. showed free gold in the
vughs. The appliances were inadequate to keep the water under.
TREVUE.--Four miles E. from Gawler. The Inspector of Mines reported in 1889
that on the top of a hill of clayslate there had been sunk a shaft disclosing a reef,
carrying a little gold, which runs N. and S. and underlies W., but the strata are
contorted. A shaft, 90ft. deep, cut several quartz leaders, mostly mineralised, and
a crosscut was put in the bottom of the shaft, but did not cut the reef.
UNION JACK.-Adjoining the Stars and Stripes, about 1 mile N.W. from Mount
Grainger. A quartz vein formation of a favorable character, from 2ft. to 4ft. wide,
has been explored by a shaft 50ft. deep and an opening 6ft. deep, from which two
small parcels of ore have been treated at the Petersburg works, returning 3dwts.
and 6dwts. per ton respectively. The country rocks are slate and sandstone. The
reef justifiez further testing, for which purpose small openings should be made along
the line, to be followed by underlie shafts on any shoots of gold found. (I.M.R.,
30–8–01.)
UNION JACK.-Adjoining the Ajax Reef, Waukaringa, on the N.
ULOOLOO GOLDFIELD.
This auriferous area is situated about 20 miles N. of Hallett. It was discovered
in 1870-1, and the first workings were on section No. 650, on what is known as the
White Lead. Workings were also opened on Noltenius's Creek, section 673, and
were followed down on to Coglin's Creek. Work was carried on in an intermittent
manner, and it has been impossible to ascertain the total quantity of gold obtained;
but £18,000 worth was, up to August, 1886, transmitted through the post office at
Hallett. No quartz reefs or veins have been worked, the gold found being alluvial,
and generally coated and mixed with iron ore. Along Coglin's Creek the gold is
found in two formations—alluvium of the present creek, and in the old creek bed
or deep lead, following the creek and sometimes crossing it. In the present creek
the sinking was only a few inches in depth, whilst in the deep lead it ranged from
20ft. to 30ft. Both the lead and the creek follow the strike of the rocks, viz., N.
and S. Some parts of the diggings were fairly rich. Attempts to prospect some
of the deep leads have been frustrated by the great influx of water at about 40ft.,
but this could be overcome by pumping. The absence of water, except in the
Ulooloo Creek, is a drawback to efficient prospecting, and another matter that is
against the success of the field is that the area of Crown lands is small and is sur-
rounded by freeholds. The neighboring country is strongly auriferous. With
regard to results obtained by miners, the Warden of Goldfields reported on July
5th, 1886, that Ellis and Carpenter had washed 1lozs. of gold from 17 loads of dirt,
and that Herbert's party had washed 50zs. from two and a half loads. The Govern-
ment prospecting party got various amounts of gold, ranging from 2dwts. up to
13dwts. per load. The gold found is coarse and nuggety, and some but little water-
worn.
The rocks of this field consist of clay and calcareous slates and limestones, with
quartzose, sandstone, and sandstone bands. They contain numerous reefs and
veins of quartz and ironstone, and the surface is frequently strewn with fragments
of these veinstones.
About 2 miles N.E. a small patch of alluvium, named Twigham, was worked for gold.
In 1897 some subsidised prospecting was done in the vicinity, but no fresh dis-
coveries were made.
URAIDLA.—-Vide“ Bolland's Uraidla," page 209.
VICTORIA GOLD MINE.--Ten miles E. from Adelaide, in the neighborhood of
Montacute. Was opened by a company in January, 1846. Vide pages 7 and 17.
This was probably the first gold mine worked in Australia,
GOLD.
319
· WADE's (gold lease No. 988).--About 1 mile N.W. of Mount Grainger. An
outcrop of siliceous material can be traced for fully 200yds. in length over some
small rises. It is of considerable width, but no work has been done beyond a few
surface openings, the deepest being 5ft., where the formation is composed of iron-
stained sandstone and quartzite, with seams and veins of quartz throughout. The
inspector was informed that gold had frequently been seen in breaking the surface
croppings; but a sample taken gave a nil return. Further prospecting was recom-
mended. (I.M.R., 16–2–00.)
WADNAMINGA GOLDFIELD.
The Government Geologist reported fully on this field in 1898. The original
Wadnaminga Goldfield Reserve, an area of 36 square miles, is crossed in a N.E.
and S.W. direction by three main ridges of elevated country, and partially by two
other detached ranges. These are intersected by creeks trending from N.E. to
S.W. into wide alluvial flats. The highest elevation of the hills forming these
ranges is from 300ft. to 350ft., the general average height being about 200ft. The
strike of the rocks conforms roughly to that of the ranges. In the N.W. corner of
the reserve the rocks consist of mica slates and sandstones, clayslates, calcareous
clayslates and flags, and limestones, striking from E. 30° N. and W. 30° S. to N.E.
and S.W., and dipping vertically and S. The lowest beds are the most micaceous.
The limestone, which is crystalline and dolomitic, is interstratified in beds of irregular
thickness. The slates and flags, as well as the limestone in this vicinity, contain,
scattered boulders and pebbles of various varieties of granite, quartzite, sandstone,
slate, limestone, and other rocks, sometimes forming a true conglomerate. Some
of these boulders are very large, and, judging from their size and mode of occurrence,
have probably been transported by ice action at an early period in geological history.
The country rocks in which the two main groups of auriferous lodes occur are
described in connection with these groups. In the S.W. portion of the reserve
there are extensive beds of sandstone, calcareous sandstone, and quartzose sand-
stone interstratified with clayslates and calcareous slates, limestone, micaceous
slates, and sandstones, which have been thrown into an anticlinal arch, trending
N.E. and S.W. In the S.E. corner of the reserve calcareous sandstone beds are
interstratified with mica slates and beds of limestone; they strike N.E. and S.W.,
and dip S.E. at angles of 45°. Further to the S.W. similar beds strike W. 20° S.,
and dip vertically and at high angles in a N. direction.
A rich auriferous quartz vein was found in 1888, and called the Eiffel Tower;
and afterwards the Victoria Tower, Oulnina Tower, Countess of Jersey, and other
lodes were discovered. Another line of auriferous lodes, the Birthday (Milo) and
the Great Eastern and the Virginia, was found in the following year. Work on
various claims was carried on intermittently and not altogether satisfactorily for a
few years; but payable results were obtained from the Birthday, Great Eastern,
and Virginia. In an earlier report the Government Geologist gave a statement
of gold obtained from 1889 to September 19th, 1891, as furnished by F. D. Johnson,
showing that, as far as known, 7870zs. 7dwts. 10grs. of gold (including specimens)
had been obtained from 47 tons 7cwts. of stone. It must be noted that this is by
no means a full record.
EIFFEL TOWER AND VICTORIA TOWER GROUP.
The veins consist of quartz, brown iron ore, hematite, and gossan, having a very
low underlie-10° and 15° to 30°, seldom exceeding 45°. The walls generally are
from 2ft. to 4ft. apart, and enclose, besides the quartz, sections of the country rock.
The lodes cut across the strata, and small subsidiary veins meet them at nearly
'right angles. The principal veinstone is quartz, generally of the white opaque
váriety, also tabular and laminated ; brown iron ore, hematite, gossan, calcspar,
and spathic iron are also often present.
320
MINING RECORDS.
Travertine limestone coats the different veinstones and the country rock along
the vein outcrops, but is found to die out as they are followed down from the surface.
Indicator Veins.-In connection with the quartz lodes there are small subsidiary
veins, sometimes consisting of quartz, gossan, and ironstone, at others merely
fissures, cutting the lodes nearly at right angles. These are locally known as
“indicators," as indicating the presence of gold. Where the lodes are cut by them
rich pockets of gold have been found to occur. So far as observed these indicators
are in the hanging-wall only, and do not pass chrough the footwall ; but there is
some uncertainty on this point. If they cut through the lode completely they must
have been formed subsequently to the deposition of the lode ; if they only penetrate
one wall they have probably been formed simultaneously with the fissure in which
the lode matter was deposited.
The gold occurs in the solid quartz, and in the lamination of the quartz; in iron-
stone and gossan; and has also been observed in the travertine limestone deposit
in lumps or nuggety pieces, flat crystalline plates, and fine particles. Pyrites is
present in the veins near the surface, and will doubtless become more plentiful
below water-level and replace the iron oxides. Galena and carbonate of lead ore
are disseminated through the veinstone of all the lodes to a greater or less extent,
and carbonate and other ores of copper occasionally occur.
Carver's Claims.-Gold sections 153, 221. No permanent body of veinstone has
been discovered, but rich stones have been got out and alluvial gold has been worked
near the principal shaft in shallow ground. A quartz lode, with iron oxides and
carbonate of iron, 4in. to 12in. thick, is in the vicinity, and other vein outcrops occur.
More prospecting advisable.
Gold Sections 156, 157, and 236.--Cuttings and shallow shafts have disclosed
quartz reefs and small veins ; favorable to the presence of gold.
Oulnina Tower.-Gold section 215. A strong quartz outcrop extends 374ft. on
this claim, with a variable strike, and is 2ft. to 5ft. wide ; main shaft 188ft. deep,
on an average incline of 16° W. The lode splits into two veins at the bottom of
the shaft, but in No. 2 shaft it is 2ft. thick. It is stated that a ton of stone in one
instance yielded 30ozs. of gold ; later 12 tons gave 12dwts. of gold per ton.
Victoria Tower.--Gold sections 206, 243, 244. A curved line of outcrop extends
800ft. The main shaft (inclined) reached water at 335ft., and has a total depth of
445ft. and the lode contains much pyrites. Indicator veins jin. thick traverse
the lode, and where they have intersected it is said coarse gold has been found.
The quartz has a highly favorable appearance for gold. Surface deposits of gold
were being worked to the N.W. of the main shaft. The lode is large and persistent
and of an unusual average thickness, and has been proved to contain rich specimens
of gold. If opened up properly and worked on a larger scale it should be a success-
ful mine. It is worth noting, with regard to the future working of this mine, that
vertical shafts would be much cheaper and more economical than inclined shafts.
As an example—the main shaft has been sunk 335ft. to water-level; a vertical
shaft to reach the same point would only have to be sunk about 155ft. from the sur-
face. The mine was worked for five years, from 1889 to 1894, by a Victorian com-
pany. A dry-crushing plant was erected during that time, and 250 tons are stated
to have been treated, yielding 7dwts. per ton. Since 1894 little work has been done.
Five tons 15cwts. raised and treated at the Petersburg Government Cyanide Works
in March, 1898, yielded 4ozs. 19dwts. of gold, valued at £14 13s. 6d. An ex-manager
furnished the following information to the Government Geologist :-
In 1890......
15cwts. yielded 1280zs. 13dwts. 10grs. of gold
In 1891......
2 66 or 60" 066 0 "
In 1891...................... 10 " " 5 " 066 0 6 6
A specimen of gold in quartz weighing 8ozs. 14dwts. was found on the surface.
Mr. Jessop states that 10 tons treated at Footscray, Victoria, yielded 52ozs. of gold.
Twenty tons treated at the Countess of Jersey Battery, Wadnaminga, yielded
GOLD.
321
9ozs. 18dwts., and 3 tons at the same battery yielded 1lozs. 6dwts. of gold. Three
average samples of coarse tailings remaining from the treatment by the dry-crushing
process, taken by the Government Geologist, yielded gold and silver as follows:--
No. 1.. ........... Gold, a trace per ton ; silver, à trace per ton.
No. 2................ “ 4dwts. Igr. 16 “ 2dwts. Ilgrs.
No. 3................ « 4dwts. 23grs. " " 3dwts. 7grs. "
Countess of Jersey.-Gold section 245. There are two outcrops, and the main
shaft goes down 306ft. on the underlie 29° S. The lode varies from 3in. to 3ft, in
the 214ft. level, and from 6in, to 9in. in the bottom. Walls well defined ; no gold
found but in the vicinity of indicator veins. On the lesser outcrop two shafts
have been sunk. A strong cross vein runs at right angles to the strike of the main
lode. Operations have been principally in search for gold specimens. A Victorian
company worked it from 1891 to 1894. A battery was erected 2 miles from the
mine, and about 300 tons of stone treated; there is no record of the returns of gold
from this parcel, and little is known regarding results obtained generally. In 1891
2 tons yielded 160zs. and 1lozs. respectively. (Johnson).
Golden Tower.-Gold section 247. The reef runs E. and W., and outcrops 440ft.,
dipping S. at 45° on an average. The main shaft is down 109ft. on the underlie,
which is 44° S. and 48° in the lower part. The quartz is bin. thick near the
surface and increases to 18in.; walls well defined and 3ft. to 4ft. apart. In No. 2
shaft the lode is 18in. thick at the surface and 3in. thick at bottom, 32ft. Quartz
laminated, and contains galena and green carbonate of copper. Gold visible in the
slate casing, in the quartz, and in the travertine limestone. No. 3 shaft, 41ft.
inclined, has the lode in the bottom 18in. thick, and 3in. to 6in. at the surface. The
lode looks favorable for permanency in depth and for the presence of gold, of which
metal very rich specimens were obtained in the outcrop; every inducement to sink
on the lode to a greater depth.
Taylor's Claim.-Gold section 249. Several shafts have been sunk on a quartz
outcrop extending for a distance of 370ft. It strikes W. 30° S., and has an average
dip of 45°. The thickness of the vein varies from 3in. to 12in. The quartz is
laminated and glassy, and is associated with a calcareous and slaty formation. The
footwall is well defined.
In 1898 9 tons 9cwts., treated at the Petersburg Cyanide Works, gave a return
of 14ozs. 11dwts. 22grs. of gold, valued at £51 7s. 6d., the average extraction being
worth 108s. per ton,
Golden Record (New Golden Record).-Gold section 262 (late Earl of Jersey and
Eiffel Tower). The lode strikes N.E. and S.W., and dips 15° to 24° S.E. The
veinstone, which consists of laminated and crystallized quartz, with pyrites, galena,
and iron oxides, varies from 3in. to 18in., and contains rich shoots of gold. Extra-
ordinarily rich gold has been found here, and it is reported that a parcel of ore
treated at Kapunda yielded loz. 19dwts. per ton. A vertical shaft 15ft. deep has
been sunk to the lode, which has then been worked by winzes and drives for a dis-
tance of 90ft. Besides these workings the original Eiffel Tower Syndicate and
the Earl of Jersey Syndicate had previously sunk shafts on the inclination of this
lode to the S.W., and a vertical shaft 110ft. to cut it. No information as to the
result of these operations is available. The lode is of small size ; it contains, how-
ever, rich shoots of gold which should be followed down and prospected at deeper
levels.
The Inspector of Mines reported in April, 1900, that the operations then were
confined to the new shaft, situated towards the E. end of the workings, which had
been sunk to the depth of 133ft. on the S.E. underlie, the distance from the bottom
to the surface vertically being about 50ft. The reef varies in thickness from 18in.
to a small vein, and consists of quartz containing pyrites, also a little galena and
iron, the country rock being slate. Small diagonal quartz seams occur in the hanging-
wall, which at times intersect the lode, and the points of contact are usually rich
322
MINING RECORDS.
in gold. Lehman's shaft is sunk to the depth of 160ft., the underlie being very flat
to 100ft., thence the dip is steeper. The lode near the surface is fully 2ft. thick;
and is composed of iron-stained laminated quartz, containing pyrites and a little
galena. From 60ft. it contracts to from 12in. to 3in. The gold-bearing shoots
star; from the surface and dip E.; four of these have been exposed, with almost
barren ground between them. A considerable amount of stone, some of which
gave high results, has been taken from this shaft; also in other parts of the mine
à considerable amount of work has been accomplished, chiefly at the shallow levels,
all having a similar appearance, and with similar results. Doubtless, if the new or
present working shaft were continued, some of the shoots previously worked further
W. would be encountered, and the value of the unexplored ground determined.
(I.M.R., 28-4-00.)
Three parcels were sent to Petersburg Cyanide Works. One of these, comprising
5 tons odd, was bagged from discarded stone, the yield being very low; the total,
however, treated at the Government plant was 24 tons 15cwts., which returned
33ozs. 16dwts. 17grs. of gold valued at £122 4s. 9d., the average extraction being
worth 97s. per ton.
GREAT EASTERN, BIRTHDAY (NEw Milo), AND VIRGINIA GROUP.
The Codes have usually two well-defined walls, and vary in width from 3ft. to 5ft.,
the veinstone being sometimes on the hanging-wall and sometimes on the footwall,
with occasional splits, and dip on the average 25° S. The indications suggest that
the lodes will be found to exist to a considerable depth; the country rocks are
clayslates, calcareous Clayslates, micaceous slates and sandstone, micaceous and
argillaceous limestone, and massive limestone.
Gold Section 226.-A quartz lode extends 300ft., striking W. 10° S., and dipping
S. 28°; thickness varies from 6in. to 12in. Shallow workings and a 30ft. sinking.
No record of stone treated.
Great Eastern.--Gold section 150. The quartz lode just above mentioned continues
across this claim for a distance of 800ft. A good deal of work has been done, and
the veinstone has been proved rich in places. It consists of quartz and iron oxides,
with traces of galena. In January, 1898, 6 tons treated at the Government Cyanide
Works yielded 100zs. 16dwts. Ogrs. of gold; February, 11 tons gave 170zs. Od wts.
3grs.; and March, 4 tons 16cwts. gave 3ozs. 5dwts. Ogrs. of gold, the total being
21 tons 16cwts., which yielded 31ozs. 10dwts. 21grs. of gold, valued at £109 15s. 5d.,
the average extraction being worth 100s. per ton.
New Milo (Birthday).- Gold secti'ns 225, 238, 151, 209, 212, 257. The E. lode
outcrop extends 330ft. E. and W., from 2in. to 6in. thick, dipping S. at a low angle.
Two prospecting shafts have been sunk 30ft. deep on the underlie; in the E. shaft
the lode at bottom is 12in. thick, and consists of quartz with pyrites and iron oxides ;
in the W. end it is split into two veins, which will join in depth.
The W. lode outcrop extends 370ft., dipping 20° S. There are three shafts, in-
clined, sunk to a considerable depth, viz., water shaft 395ft., Nutman's 495ft.,
and Golden Point shaft, crossed by Nutman's; and a good deal of stoping has been
done, some of the stone being very rich. Two samples of quartz and pyrites taken
by the Government Geologist assayed respectively-gold, 3ozs. 6dwts. 23grs.,
silver, 15dwts. 23grs.; and gold, 250zs. 7dwts. 23grs.; silver, 10ozs. 21grs. per ton.
The mine was worked more or less regularly until August, 1897. The following are
official gold returns :-
Tons, Curts,
May, 1892 ...... .......... ore, 15 0 gold returned, 12 10 0
" 1893 ................" 12 3
83 0 0
1893 to 1897 .............. 66 9,460 0
66 4,240 120
1993 to 1897 .............. tailings (cyanide)
6,138 12 0
The average value of the bullion has been £2 18s. 6d. per ounce. The property
was afterwards worked for a time by Messrs. Deeble, Rees, and James.
Ozs.
Duis, Crs,
GOLD.
In any future working of this mine the use of vertical shafts will be found more
advantageous and economical than inclined shafts, both for working and draining
purposes. The extension S. of the lode can also be best prospected for by vertical
shafts.
In March, 1907, tributers raised a crushing from the old workings, and sent 13
tons 8cwts. to the Petersburg Cyanide Works. This returned 150zs. 9dwts. 18grs.
of gold, valued at £52 3s., an extraction per ton of loz. 3dwts. 2grs.
Virginia.- Gold sectio s 207, 208, 259, 268. Discovered in 1890. The outcrop
of the lode has been worked over 980ft. It strikes W.S.W., and dips at low angles
to the S. The veinstone has varied from a few inches to 2ft., and consists of quartz,
with iron pyrites, galena, and carbonate of lead. A quantity of ore treated returned
from 2ozs. to 24ozs. per ton, from the proceeds of which a battery was bought and
working expenses paid for 12 months. The mine closed down in 1895. Official
returns show that the ore treated in 1892 totalled 545 tons 5cwts., yielding 1,490ozs.
10dwts. of gold; that a six months' return to June, 1893, gave 629ozs. 2dwts. 5grs.
for 923 tons of stone; and a six months' return to August, 1894, showed a yield of
1,069ozs. from 1,284 tons of stone.
A parcel of 2 tons 16cwts. sent to Petersburg Cyanide Works in August, 1906,
returned 50zs. 12dwts. 12grs. of gold, valued at £19 8s. 4d., a yield per ton of 2ozs.
Odwts. 4grs., equivalent to 138s. per ton; and 751 tons of sand were cyanided on
the mine for 102ozs. gold bullion.
MISCELLANEOUS MINES.
North and South. On block 152 a quartz lode runs N. 13° W. 300ft., dipping W.
25°, and varies from a few inches to 2ft. Main shaft 166ft., following the inclination
of the lode. Three other shafts sunk. The mine was at one time worked by the
New Milo Company, and it was reported that rich specimens of gold were found.
An average of loz. per ton was returned on treatment of a 20-ton parcel of ore by
the Milo battery.
Frenchman Lode.-Gold sections 154 and 155. The main outcrop is traceable
560ft. ; strike E. 30° N.; dip 60° N.; average thickness 1ft., but in one place 10ft.,
where apparently there are two or three separate veins. The lode is favorable for
gold. It consists of quartz, iron oxides, and gossan, with traces of copper; talc and
steatite occur in connection with it. There are other veins on the block worth
prospecting.
John Bull Claims.-Numerous prospecting pits and shafts have been sunk here
on quartz and ironstone veins, which are of a character favorable to the occurrence
of gold. The locality isºa likely one for the surface prospector.
South Australian Broken Hill.–At these old workings there are shallow vertical
and inclined shafts on veinstone and lode formation, consisting of laminated quartz,
oxides of iron, gossan, and carbonate of iron, containing galena, carbonate of lead,
and copper ore. The lode is small and irregular. Three assay samples taken
returned-(1) 19dwts. 14grs. gold and 170zs. 1dwt. 9grs. silver; (2) Idwt. 8grs.
gold and 6dwts. 20grs. silver; (3) 3dwts. 6grs. gold and loz. Idwt. 20grs. silver
per ton. Samples of carbonate of lead returned silver at the rate of 36ozs. 11dwts.,
420zs., 8ozs. 10dwts., 8ozs., and 110zs. respectively per ton, besides a trace of gold.
The silver ore seems to have run out in depth. It is possible that the lode may
increase in size at a greater depth ; it is worth further prospecting.
Old Workings. — There is a strong lode outcrop of hematite, limonite, quartz,
and other siliceous veinstone S. of No. 261, the thickness varying from 2ft. to 4ft.
Samples assayed showed a trace of gold only. Deeper prospecting required.
Klem's Claims. These are situated in a range running across the N.W. corner
of the goldfield reserve. Shafts have been sunk on a siliceous, calcareous, and
ferruginous formation containing carbonate of iron, quartz, and galena. An assay
gave a trace of gold, and silver 190zs. 5dwts. 11grs. per ton.
MINING RECORDS.
North-Eastern Syndicate.—Prospecting on a lode 1ft. to 2ft. thick, well defined,
resembling in composition the large indicator vein on the Countess of Jersey Mine.
A sample of the pyrites gave of gold a trace and of silver 4dwts. 21grs. per ton.
Smith's.--Situated near the Gorge, S. of Wadnaminga. A sample taken from a
vein of brown iron ore assayed-gold, 14dwts. ; silver, 8dwts. per ton. Surface
gold would probably be found in this locality.
There are two batteries on the field, viz. :-The New Milo battery of 10 stamps,
with cyanide vats, &c., and the Countess of Jersey, of 10 stamps (removed in 1907
to the Homeward Bound Mine, near Mannahill), with berdan pans. The New Milo
battery is situated on gold section 225. The tailings collected during the time it
has been at work are now being retreated by the agitation cyanide process. Water
for crushing purposes is pumped from a well { mile S.W. of the battery. Water is
also procured from the mine for that purpose. The Countess of Jersey battery,
situated about mile W. from the township, has not been at work for some years.
An excavated dam and a well have been sunk to provide water for crushing; these
are still in good order, and water is obtainable from the latter. The Virginia
battery, which was erected on gold section 207, has been removed.
Gold has been obtained from alluvial gullies and surfacing at several places along
the Eiffel Tower and Victoria Tower group of lodes, viz., on gold sections 153, 156,
221, 236, 243, 248, 261, 262, 265, 266, and W. along the same range of hills. Except
where the gullies are narrow and well defined, it has only been found in small and
not payable quantities. This is doubtless owing to the wide extent of the alluvial
flats and plains rendering it a difficult matter for prospectors to locate and follow
the “runs” of gold, which there is every reason to infer exist beneath them. (In
1897 some prospectors were subsidised by the Hon. Minister of Mines, but no fresh
discoveries were made.)
The number of auriferous quartz lodes on the Wadnaminga Goldfield so far
opened is large; as a general rule, although small in size, they are persistent in dip
and strike, and have well-defined walls. So far as followed down they have in no
instance been found to die out; in some cases they have thinned out considerably,
but this thinning out may be, and most probably is, only a temporary falling off in
thickness, and should not discourage prospecting at greater depths. The auriferous
specimens found from time to time in many of these lodes have been unusually rich,
and are sufficiently encouraging to warrant more energetic and systematic prospect-
ing and mining.
! With the exception of the New Milo and Virginia, none of the mines hitherto
opened up can be said to have been systematically worked. (Government Geologist,
10-6-98.)
Only intermittent operations, and those on a small scale, have taken place here
during the last few years.
WALTER-OUTALPA.-Situated 13 miles N. from Walpurata Springs, Outalpa.
In June, 1895, the Inspector of Mines reported on the property held. A vein com-
posed of ferruginous quartz with pyrites in small quantity, 3in. to 15in. wide, had
been opened by a shaft 30ft. deep. It was reported that stone from the surface
assayed 2ozs. to 3ozs. per ton. Samples from the stone taken from the shaft for
test by the Government Assayer gave Idwt. gold and ldwt. of silver per ton. In
July, 1897, the Goldfields Warden brought for test two samples from the bottom
of one of the shafts, which assayed respectively 7ozs. 6dwts. and 4ozs. 13dwts. of
gold per ton. The mine was being worked by a Laura syndicate. Three shafts
have been sunk.
WALLACE'S GULLY (Yudnamutana district).—Alluvial was worked for six months
by the discoverer alone, before the place was known to other prospectors. It was
said that he got nearly 1000zs. in that period, the bulk being nice rough gold of a
superior quality, and that the largest nugget weighed a little less than 2ozs,
GOLD.
325
WALLAROO UNITED. ---Situated E. of and adjoining the Ironclad Mine, Mount
Grainger. It has been worked by a number of trial pits, cross trenches, and two
shafts, for a distance of about 200yds. in length. Two shafts have been sunk, one
to 108ft. and the other 98ft. from the surface. The latter discloses a clayslate
formation from 1ft. to 2ft. in width, striking E. and W. It contains several small
seams and bunches of ferruginous matter, which carry fine gold from the surface
to the present depth. At the bottom a crosscut has been made 35ft. from the shaft,
and it is anticipated that in another 20ft. a second formation, indications of which
appear on the surface, will be passed through. The deeper shaft could not be ex-
amined, but it is only a short distance from the other one, and passes through
similar material. (I.M.R., 30–8–00.)
WARDEN GOLD MINE.-Locality, near Warrina Railway Station. A discovery
of auriferous quartz, which at a shallow depth changed into copper-stained lode
material, was made by the Government prospecting party in 1898, and was after-
wards included in the holdings of the Copper Top Company. Vide page 45.
WATERLOO CLAIM.—The Inspector of Mines visited this claim in May, 1889, and
reported that two shafts had been sunk on section 4232, near Hahndorf. A strong
quartzite reef contains a fair percentage of slightly auriferous pyrites. The hanging-
wall is sandstone and the footwall slate, both walls well defined.
WATERFALL GULLY.—The Inspector of Mines, in November, 1894, inspected a
large quartz lode outcropping and traversing sections 985 and 1115, and striking
S. 10° W. A private assay certificate showed a return of 50zs. 4dwts. 12grs. of
fine gold and loz. 6dwts. of silver per ton of ore.
WOODHOUSE ESTATE.—The report upon sections 1150 and 1151, Onkaparinga,
in 1890, expressed the opinion of the Inspector of Mines that there was no gold in
the samples tested. A little alluvial gold was afterwards found.
WATERVALE.-The locality, near Watervale, was hilly, and numerous quartz and
ironstone reefs traverse the district. The Government Geologist reported in 1897
that four shafts had been sunk in an ironstone formation running N. and S., and
having no defined walls. Quartz outrcops in the vicinity and the rocks are favor-
able to auriferous deposits, though not necessarily in a payable quantity. He was
of opinion that the prospects did not justify further shaft-sinking.
WEST ALMA.-Gold mining leases No. 437A and 552, Waukaringa, adjoining the
Alma Extended and the Day Dawn. There is a lode running E. and W., 3ft. wide,
consisting of quartz intermixed with ironstone; and two shafts following the under-
lie of the lode have been put down, one 343ft. and the other 70ft. The country
rock is sandstone. The manager reports that sinking the deeper shaft has been
suspended pending the erection of machinery to cope with the water, but at the
bottom the lode had considerably improved, and was 4ft. thick. The amount
spent on plant and construction to date is £469 15s. 5d., and wages and material
£1,738 11s. 4d.; total, £2,148 6s. 9d. (March, 1890.) Since then it has ceased
working. The average of samples taken from water-level to surface by Messrs.
Gee and Grundy, in 1907, was 3dwts. 5grs. per ton.
WICKHAM HILLS.—Three shafts were sunk in the Wickham Hills, searching for a
deep lead. One was put down 57ft.; a second, half a mile from the first, was
sunk to 63ft., and bottomed on hard rock, dipping at an angle of 45°. Between
these two a third shaft was sunk to the water-level at 107ft., but not bottomed.
Small quantities of gold were found in shallow sinking on the sides of the hills; the
discovery has not been followed up.
WINNININNIE.- Situated 14 miles from Mannahill Railway Station, formerly
known as the Railway and Shepherd's claims. The company erected a Chilian
mill. A. good deal of costeaning and stoping was done on an outcrop, and the
result obtained was good, some of the reef yielding at the rate of 7ozs. to the ton.
The reef has a very low angle, following the bed of the strata, 15° to 20°.
(1889.)
326
MINING RECORDS.
WEST WAUKARINGA.—Situated 3 miles W. from the Alma. A considerable
quantity of work has been done, and the Inspector of Mines reported in 1889 that
the regularity of the reef formation and its proved gold-bearing character warranted
testing the property at greater depth.
In 1907 samples taken by Messrs. Gee and 'Grundy assayed-Tailings at site of
Huntingdon mill, ldwt. 8grs. ; ore at grass, Idwt. 3grs. ; outcrop near Salt Creek,
23grs. ; ore at grass near main shaft, idwt. 10grs.
WONNA.—Vide GOLDEN POINT, page 221.
WOODSIDE MINES.
Bird-in-Hand.-Situation, section 5278, Onkaparinga. It has three lodes
bearing N. 10° E., with an underlie of 40° E. Their width varies from ift. to 8ft.
The country rock consists of decomposed schist, with bands of sandstone, and the
veinstone associated with the metallic minerals is quartz. Seven shafts have been
sunk, one to a depth of 341ft. ; the drives and levels extend for about 4,000ft. in
length. The water-level was reached at 90ft. The quantity of stone raised (1887)
equals 17,014 tons, and the smelted gold obtained 6,079ozs., of the value of
£18,642 15s. Stone taken from the stopes between the 210ft. and 275ft. level gave
1,544ozs. of smelted gold from 3,183 tons of quartz. The gold appears in shoots
apparently perpendicular to the vein. This mine was being worked in 1887, and
machinery, consisting of a 50-inch cylinder beam-engine and 18in. pumps, had
recently been erected. The Inspector of Mines in 1889 reported that the mine had
produced since starting 8,860ozs. of gold by the treatment of 21,000 tons of lode
formation, that from the bottom level producing on an average 13dwts. per ton.
The mine was comparatively speaking shallow, and there was encouragement in the
fact that the length of payable ground increased with the depth attained. Only
one of three parallel reefs had been worked to any extent; and there was not the
slightest doubt of permanency; they should be worked profitably down to a depth
of 2,000ft. The Victoria shaft should be continued down to 600ft. before the reef
was touched. Mr. Scarfe, the secretary, supplied the following information :-
The Victoria vertical shaft is 350ft., main shaft vertical 410ft., and others of shal-
lower depth, part on the underlie. The length of drives is about 5,500ft. The
gold occurs in shoots, and 21,487 tons of material treated gave 9,0170zs. smelted
gold. The value of the machinery on the mine is estimated to be £17,271, and of
the gold raised £26,408 Os. 7d. Work partially stopped pending reconstruction of
the company. (1890.) The Government Geologist inspected the property in
March, 1897, and noted the great width of the reef—4ft. to 8ft.--its friable nature,
and the length of the shoot of auriferous quartz, which appeared to be increasing
as depth was made. The average of 13dwts. 5grs. per ton from 4,453 tons might
be taken as a fair indication of the value of the reef unworked below the 350ft. level.
Continued sinking of the Victoria shaft and opening levels at each 100ft. is essential
for development, and with economic mining and employment of the most improved
method of extraction of gold, the mine should become payable. In June, 1897,
the Woodside Consolidated Syndicate ceased working here.
A large quantity of tailings resulting from the above crushings, which were left
untreated after the battery ceased working, were at a later date treated by McArthur
and Co., who cyanided 10,605 tons for a return of 1,24lozs. 16dwts. 17grs. of fine
gold. Good extractions were obtained in the treatment of these tailings. At
various times trial parcels have been forwarded to the Government Battery and
Cyanide Works at Mount Torrens, and 154 tons 11cwts. treated returned 480zs.
6dwts. 2grs. of gold, valued at £248 5s. 2d., the average yield being worth 32s. per
ton; this ore came from various places. A parcel of 14 tons, bei g alluvial, taken
from near the outcrop, yielded Idwt. per ton.
Bird-in-Hand Extended.-Locality, section 5250, hundred of Onkaparinga, 21
miles E. from Woodside. It was opened many years ago, but owing to want of

GOLD.
327
funds the work was discontinued. Gold was frequently seen in the stone, but none
of it was crushed. There is one lode with a N. and S. strike; it is 20ft. wide, and
is a continuation of the reef in the Bird-in-Hand property. The ore is ferruginous
quartz, which on assay yielded at the rate of 17dwts. to loz. of gold per ton. It
occurs in a large broken reef, consolidating under foot; about 50 tons of ore was
raised. The workings consist of one shaft sunk to a depth of 100ft., and drives
extending 250ft.
Brind.-Locality, W. side of section No. 5256, hundred of Onkaparinga, adjoining
the Bird-in-Hand Mine. The reef at the S. end is 6ft. thick, and consists of white
quartz, enclosing pyrites and some carbonate of lead in cavities. It strikes a little
W. of N., and dips E. 25° N. at an angle of 57º. A shaft was sunk to a depth of
38ft. A portion of the surface was sluiced to a depth of 3ft., and 500zs. of gold
obtained. This included nuggets-among them one of 16ozs., and others of 9ozs.,
7ozs., 5ozs., and 4ozs. (1887.)
One hundred and twenty-seven tons 16cwts. 3qrs. treated at the Mount Torrens
Battery and Cyanide Works returned 440zs. 18dwts. 4grs. of gold, valued at
£153 Os. 8d., the average yield being worth 23s. per ton.
Eureka is on section 5259, hundred of Onkaparinga. It contains one lode bearing
N. 24° W., and underlying 42° E. It is 6ft. wide and carries gold in quartz. The
country rock consists of sandy schist, with bands of sandstone and dioritic slate.
Four shafts were sunk, one of which is on the underlie of the reef, and is 229ft. deep.
The drives and levels extend a distance of 500ft. The water-level was reached at
47ft. The ore occurs in shoots dipping slightly N. The stone containing free
gold was treated by battery, and yielded an average of 12dwts. of gold per ton;
but the reef, as it continues in depth, developed galena, blende, iron and copper
pyrites. These yielded on assay from 2ozs. to 3ozs. of gold, and from 5ozs. to 100zs.
of silver per ton. Owing to the mine not having been regularly worked it is impos-
sible to give the quantity or value of the stone raised in past times. (1887.) In
1894 the Eureka was taken up by an Adelaide syndicate, who sent stone and mullock
for battery treatment, with, it was said, satisfactory results.
Four hundred and ninety-one tons 19cwts. 3qrs. treated at the Mount Torrens
Battery and Cyanide Works returned 3020zs. 7dwts. 16grs. of gold, valued at
£1,055 178. 9d., the average yield being worth 43s. per ton. In 1897 Messrs.
McArthur & Co. treated by cyanide process 2,894 tons of tailings which had been
left at the mine; these returned 583ozs. 5dwts. 21grs. of fine gold.
Fountain Head is on section 5241, hundred of Onkaparinga. A vertical shaft
was sunk 92ft., and at 74ft. a reef was struck. This, it was reported, gave rich
prospects of gold, but an influx of water stopped the work. An underlie shaft was
sunk on the same reef 27ft., and gold was found in the stone ; two other shafts were
sunk to depths of 85ft. and 42ft. respectively. The quartz is cellular, and contains
iron pyrites ; gold is visible on crushing, and also in the quartz. The width of the
reef is about 2ft. 6in. An assay of a sample of the quartz, in which gold was not
visible, yielded gold at the rate of loz. 6 dwts. 3grs. per ton. (1883.)
Mint is on section 5259, hundred of Onkaparinga. It contains one lode bearing
N.W., having an underlie of one in two to the Ñ.E. The width varies from Ift.
to 3ft. Auriferous quartz occurs in patches, but a little fine gold is distributed
through the mass of the ore. The average yield of gold from 30 tons was about
4dwts. per ton, exclusive of specimens obtained. The workings consist of two
underlie shafts, the deepest about 60ft., and a drive 20ft. in length. Water-level
is at 55ft. Very rich specimens were found in this mine at a depth of 40ft. on the
footwall of the reef. They were lying on a ledge formed by the rock. Some of
them contained as much gold as quartz.
Mount Charles.--Situated near Charleston. Some shallow excavations have
been made in quartz reefs in this neighborhood. Nine tons 13cwts. 3qrs. treated
at the Mount Torrens Cyanide Works returned 9ozs. 7dwts. 9grs. of gold, valued
328
MINING RECORDS.
at £35 158. 4d., the average yield being worth 74s. per ton; also 80 tons 6cwts. of
tailings were carted from the mine to the Government Cyanide Works and returned
£88 13s. 3d. worth of gold, the value per ton being 17s.
Nest-Egg is on section 5297, hundred of Onkaparinga. A shaft was sunk 52ft.
on a quartz vein about 4ft. wide. A vertical shaft, 84ft., in the direction of the
underlie, was also sunk to 50ft., and connected with the first shaft by a drive. This
passed through two other quartz veins. A main shaft was sunk 120ft. to strike the
reef on the underlie. Owing to the quantity of water met with in sinking, opera-
tions had to be suspended. The underlie of the Fountain Head reef would probably
be met with in sinking.
New Eclipse (also worked under the following names :- Balhannah Surprise,
Daisy Point, Litile Swallow, and Le Hunte).-Situated on section 4260, hundred of
Onkaparinga. There are four shafts on the property, varying from 30ft. to 60ft.
One hundred and eighty-nine tons 5cwts. treated at the Mount Torrens Battery
and Cyanide Works returned 1410zs. 13dwts. 23grs. of gold, valued at £529 16s. 9d.,
the average yield being worth 56s. per ton.
New Era (also known as Hillside).-Situated on part section 5263 and 5267,
hundred of Onkaparinga, about 21 miles from Woodside. There is one main reef
bearing N. and S., and two spurs bearing to the N.E. The underlie is 1ft. in 3ft.
to the E., and the width varies from 6ft. to 20ft. The stone consists of auriferous
quartz, highly ferruginous, and has yielded from 4dwts. to 8ozs. of gold to the ton.
About 14,000 tons of stone were raised and crushed, yielding gold to the value of
£18,500. The veinstone associated with the metallic minerals is ferruginous silica,
and the country rock consists of pipeclay, mica schist, sandstones, and diorite.
The gold occurs in patches, but fine gold is distributed through the whole width of
the stone, and in some places is found in the surrounding country. The best shoot
is where the spur reef joins the main N. and S. reef, and dips to the N. about 5ft.
in 100ft. One vertical and six underlie shafts have been sunk, the deepest being
120ft. There are two drives—one of 900ft. at the 112ft. level, and one of 100ft.
at the 50ft. level. Water-level, 50ft. (1887). Subsequently two crushings of
stone yielded 428ozs. 14dwts. 12grs, of gold. The following particulars were fur-
nished by the manager :-There is one lode, striking nearly N. and S., averaging
about 10ft. thick. No. 1 shaft is 180ft. deep, and No. 2 is down 90ft., both vertical ;
and there is a tunnel driven 700ft. from a creek, making the 112ft. level. The matrix
of the ore is a much-jointed ferruginous silica, and the country sandy slate and
diorite. The ore carried is an iron oxide, with occasional patches of oxide and
carbonate of bismuth, in which the gold is richer. When this mine was first opened
30 tons of the stone gave 8ozs. to the ton, and 160 tons 3lozs. to the ton. Then
the whole width of stone, sometimes 30ft. across, was put through for an average
yield of 10dwts. The lode was stoped to the 211ft. level, when the water became
very heavy; and after sinking to 180ft. work had to be stopped because of inade-
quate pumping appliances. In 1895 this mine was again worked, when it was stated
that ore was being taken from a lode 8ft. wide, striking nearly N. and S. The
lode is a true fissure vein, and has been proved auriferous for a length of 700ft.
(1899.)
A large quantity of tailings and slimes resulting from the crushings were after-
wards treated by Messrs. McArthur & Co., and 12,015 tons cyanided returned
2,7470zs. 6dwts. 3grs. of fine gold. This mine was occasionally worked by tributers
and local syndicates, with payable results; and 794 tons 18cwts. treated at the
Government Battery and Cyanide Works at Mount Torrens returned 4550zs. 6dwts.
13grs. of gold, valued at £1,756 6s. 2d.; the average yield being worth 44s. per
ton.
New Era South.---Situated between the New Era and Two-in-the-Bush Mines.
Worked in 1895.
New Venture is on section 5260. Some work was done in driving tunnels, but
no gold was found.
GOLD.
329
be to the dish. 5249, hundret. of N., watconsists nie mi
lated on e ines bearing.country with the
Parliamentary Claim.-Locality, sections 5050 and 5051. A number of shallow
openings have been made. Near the reef there was a run of surface gold 10yds.
wide, going žgr. to the dish.
Ridge is situated on section 5249, hundred of Onkaparinga, S. of the Bird-in-Hand
Mine. There are three lodes bearing 10° E. of N., with an underlie of 40° E., vary-
ing in width from 1ft. to 16ft. The country rock consists of decomposed schist
and sandstone, and the veinstone associated with the metallic mineral is quartz.
Five shafts have been sunk, the deepest being 140ft. The main shaft was sunk
to a depth of 120ft. vertical, but had to be abandoned in consequence of quicksand
being met with. Water-level, 45ft. Drives and levels have been made to a total
length of about 1,700ft. Two thousand five hundred tons of stone has been raised,
yielding 380ozs. of smelted gold, valued at over £1,213. The crushings, however,
at this mine were trial crushings and intermittent. The gold occurs in shoots.
(1887.) Mr. Scarfe, the secretary, stated that this property had the Bird-in-Hand,
Brind, and Eureka reefs, and the widths varied from ift. to 16ft. The deepest
shaft was 210ft., and 1,700ft. represented the total extent of drives. Pyrites exist
at lowest level, and 3750zs. of smelted gold was obtained from 2,116 tons of crushed
quartz. (1899).
In May, 1895, a parcel of 394 tons of tailings were sent to the Mount Torrens
Cyanide Works for treatment; these assayed' from 2dwts. 22grs. of gold per ton
to 6dwts. per ton. A small lot of 2 tons of blanketings included in this parcel
assayed 13dwts. 6grs. The 391 tons returned 6ozs. 2dwts. 16grs. of gold, valued
at £24 10s. 8d., the average extraction being worth 12s. per ton.
At a later date Messrs. McArthur & Co. treated at their cyanide plant at the
Bird-in-Hand Mine 6,126 tons of the Ridge tailings for a yield of 1,000ozs. 16dwts.
2grs. of fine gold.
Two-in-the-Bush is on section 5261, hundred of Onkaparinga. There is one lode,
bearing 10° E. of N., with an underlie of 40° E. The width varies from 1{ft. to
18ft. The country rock consists of decomposed schist and sandstone, and quartz
is the veinstone associated with the metallic minerals. Three shafts were sunk,
the deepest of which was 265ft. vertical. Drives and levels measuring about
1,000ft. in all had been made. Water-level 100ft. From 2,198 tons of stone
3860zs. of smelted gold, valued at £1,130, had been obtained. The crushings on
this mine had been trial ones and intermittent. The principal work done was the
sinking of the main shaft, and an endeavor to open up the ground at the deepest
possible point that could be drained by the pumps. Mr. Scarfe, the secretary,
reported that the drainage of the mine, being affected by the pumping operations
at the Bird-in-Hand Mine, further work was deferred pending the successful develop-
ment of that enterprise. (1899.)
The tailings which were left at this mine after crushing operations ceased were,
in 1897, treated by the cyanide process by McArthur & Co., and 854 tons cyanided
returned 680zs. 4dwts. 4grs. of fine gold.
Woodside Gold Mining Company. A syndicate in 1895 acquired the Bird-in-
Hand and Ridge Mines and land on which the New Era South was being started.
Costeaning was commenced on the latter to pick up the New Era reef.
Woodside Consolidation Syndicate.--In 1897 an English syndicate acquired an
option over 2,694 acres of auriferous country round Woodside, some of the mines
being the Bird-in-Hand, New Era, Bird-in-Hand Extended, Ridge, Nest-Egg,
Fountain Head, Two-in-the-Bush, Eureka, Mint, and New Venture.
WORTURPA.-In July, 1899, a find of gold associated with telluride ore was made
in the Illinawortina Pound by Messrs. B. and H. Stubbs on a low range, about
2 miles S. of Worturpa Spring. Good specimens, showing coarse gold, were found;
330
MINING RËCORDS.
and it was at first thought that gold was also in chemical combination with the
tellurium as telluride of gold, but later assays went to prove that the gold was in
a free state, and that the mineral associated with it was melonite, telluride of nickel.
Considerable excitement arose over this find ; several companies were formed,
and a large amount of work done, but the gold contents became poor in depth, ,
although the lode body continued strong and well defined. Work therefore ceased,
and the companies were wound up.
· YUDNAMUTANA.—Near the Yudnamutana Mine the gravel and detritus has been
worked to a slight extent for gold. Gold is also found here and there in the creeks
and watercourses; but the work done simply consists of some very shallow holes
and surfacing. But the last-named operation is difficult, owing to the oreek beds
and flats being filled with boulders. Prospecting might be carried on with advantage
lower down the creeks, where they become less steep.
This discovery is believed to have been made by a Government prospecting party
about the year 1874.
Pide also page 157.
IRON.
331
IRON.
LIST OF THE CHIEF LOCALITIES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA AT OR NEAR WHICH IRON
ORES OCCUR.
Angaston, Barossa, Beltana, Burra, Blumberg, Clinton, Cutana, Crystal Brook,
Eurelia, Gladstone, Gum Creek, Huddleston, Hawker (E. of), Hawker (hundred of),
Iron Knob and Iron Monarch, Koolka, Kapunda, Kersbrook, Mount Jagged,
Normanville, Oodla Wirra, Peralilla, Pernatty Lagoon, Pine Point, Point Lowly,
Port Lincoln, Pandurra, Para Wirra, Quorn (Donnelly's quarries), Talunga.
CUTANA.-Locality, 10 miles S. of Mingary Railway Station ; on level and gently
undulating country. The ore consists chiefly of limonite, but hematite is also
present. The ore beds vary in thickness from 10ft. to 20ft., and have a general
inclination to the N.W. at low angles. The surface in the vicinity is heavily strewn
with pebbles and boulders of iron ore. The beds are generally covered with lime-
stone marl and loam to depths varying from 2ft. to 11ft. There is a large quantity
of iron ore at this locality. Taking the ore bed to average 15ft. in thickness, an
acre would contain about 60,000 tons. The largest continuous area proved is about
30 acres. Trial holes are necessary to ascertain the extent of these ore beds. Assays
of the ore gave the following returns :-
Nodules from Surface.
Average Sample.
Water ........ 1.16 %
Water .... 5.08 %
Silica.......... 6.26 %.
Silica ..... 18.47 %
Ferrous oxide.. 0.79 %1 = 62.49 % Ferric oxide 71.04 %= 49.73 % iron
Ferric oxide ... 88.40 % iron Alumina... 4.37 %
Alumina....... 2.65 %
Phosphoric L0000
Phosphoric acid 0.11%
acid.... v
Sulphur....... Nil
Sulphur... 0.15 %
Titanic acid... Trace
Titanic acid Trace
These quarries supplied iron ore as flux to the Broken Hill Proprietary Company
at the time that smelting was carried on at Broken Hill. This is an important
and extensive deposit, but is 203 miles distant from Port Pirie, the nearest sea-
port.
IRON KNOB.—Locality, 41 miles W.S.W. from Port Augusta. The Iron Knob is
at present being worked for flux by the Broken Hill Proprietary Company. The
outcrop of iron ore extends for a distance of 20 chains. A quarry has been opened
at each end ; from the N. quarry 10,000 tons of ore have been raised and shipped,
and from the S. quarry 80,000 tons. At the S. quarry the workings are about
100ft. high at the face, with a width of 150ft. at the bottom. The ore is chiefly
hematite. I estimate the quantity in sight above the level of the $. quarry at
1,000,000 tons. Average analyses of the ore show that it contains 68.5 per cent.
iron, 2.3 per cent. silica, and no phosphorus nor sulphur. A railway line, 331
miles long, from Iron Knob to Hummocky Hill jetty, has been built by the Broken
Hill Proprietary Company; the ore is conveyed by this from the quarries to the
coast, and thence by barges and steamtug to Port Pirie, a distance of 30 miles.
IRON MONARCH.—The deposit forms a capping on a hill which rises to a height
of from 600ft. to 700ft. above the surrounding plain country. It covers an area
approximately of 50 acres, and has an estimated thickness of from 100ft. to 150ft. ;
this thickness is probably exceeded in places. On the surface the ore contains
manganese, which, however, may not be continuous in depth. Taking the bed
to average 100ft. in thickness, I estimate that it contains about 20,000,000 tons
of ore. In addition large quantities of iron ore, denuded from the bed, are scattered
over the adjacent country. Analyses of the ore showed that it contained iron 54.57
C.S.W. Fromen Hill Proptquarry has and shippent
332
MINING RECORDS.
......................
.................
.......................
Nil
per cent., manganese, 12.47 per cent., and silica 1.2 per cent., and iron 52 per cent.,
manganese 15 per cent., silica, &c., 2.3 per cent. A complete analysis gave the
following results :-
Water
1.23 %
Silica ........
1.19 %
Ferrous oxide ...
1.36 %
Ferric oxide ....
Alumina .......
2.47 %
Phosphoric acid ...,
0.04 %
Sulphur ...
Titanic acid .....
Nil
At the Iron Knob and Iron Monarch, which may be considered as one deposit,
there is exposed a vast quantity of high-grade iron ore and manganic iron in sight,
which I estimate at 21,000,000 tons and its magnitude and importance are, so far,
not equalled in Australasia. Abundance of limestone flux for smelting purposes
is obtainable along the shores of Spencer's Gulf.
MOUNT JAGGED.-Locality, 13 miles N. from Port Victor. The ore occurs in
connection with a quartz reef, and appears to be a lode formation. A quarry,
60ft. by 25ft. by 25ft. deep, has been opened here, exposing hematite iron ore 12ft.
in thickness. There are other small excavations in the neighborhood exposing ore.
In 1873 smelting works were erected to work this deposit, and pig iron was produced
by means of locally made charcoal. The cost of producing this cast iron was about
£2 10s. per ton. Owing to the lack of capital, work was discontinued. In the
vicinity there are large deposits of crystalline limestone suitable for flux, and water
and firewood are abundant. The deposit is limited in size, and the probability
is that the iron will give place to quartz in depth, and develop pyrites below the
water-level. A sample of the ore gave the following analysis :-
Water........
...... Trace
Silica ............
..... 0.80 %
Ferrous oxide ..
..... 6.10 %
Ferric oxide .......
87.98 % containing 66.34 % iron
Phosphoric acid
. 0.01 %
e acid
......... 5.38 %
Sulphur .......................... 0.09%
PERALILLA.—Locality, 7 miles N. of Port Victor. The deposit caps the summit
of a high hill, and has been quarried out over an area of about 1 an acre, to an
average depth of 8ft. An area of about 4 acres of the deposit remains, having an
approximate thickness of 12ft. The ore consists of limonite and clay ironstone,
and is interstratified with ferruginous sandstone. It is roughly estimated that
100,000 tons of ore remain. A sample of the ore gave the following analysis :-
Combined water ......
. 12.03 %
.. 12.00 %
Ferric oxide .......
. 64.57 % containing 45.90 % iron
Phosphoric acid .....
0.51 %
Alumina............
.......... 10.00 %
Sulphur .......................... 0.14 %
OODLA WIRRA.-Locality, 4 miles from Oodla Wirra Railway Station. It is
reported that 16,000 tons of ore have been obtained for the Broken Hill Proprietary
Company as flux from this place. There are several quarries from which this ore
has been raised. Apparently most of the suitable ore has been removed, and the
Broken Hill Proprietary Company now obtain their supply from the Iron Knob.
DONNELLY'S.-Locality, block F, hundred of Yarrah, 14 miles from Quorn Rail-
.way Station, which is 25 miles from Port Augusta. There are five chief outcrops,
.................
•
Silica ......ccccrr
.....................
•
•
................
•
•
IRON.
333
from which iron ore for flux has been raised and shipped to the Broken Hill Pro-
prietary Company at Port Pirie. The ore consists of limonite, and several smaller
outcrops of limonite and manganese ore occur. The quantity shipped as flux to
Port Pirie is given as 17,500 tons, and my rough estimate of the quantity of ore
likely to be available is 470,000 tons. This is a valuable and fairly extensive deposit,
which can be quarried cheaply, and is only 39 miles from Port Augusta. It should
not be lost sight of as a possible source of supply. Six samples of the ore on analysis
yielded as under :-

Ferruginous Siliceous
Siliceous
Manganese | Hema.. Limonite. Limonite. Hema-
Ore.
tite.
tite.
| Siliceous
Limonite.
4.61
1.691 12.79
9.06
1.39
11.22
,67
5.04
26.10
8.54
20.29
........
32.96
Water ................
Insoluble silica and sili-
cate of alumina
*Ferric oxide ..
Ferrous oxide .....
Alumina ..........
Phosphoric acid ...
Sulphur ............
Titanic acid .........
fManganese dioxide...!
Copper .............
74.95
2.52
3.99
.93
8.43
1.22
79.75
1.94
6.30
1.34
.18
nil
83.84
trace
.89
2.35
05
63.68 62.71
trace 2.23
4.08 4.74
1.161 .00
nili nil
nili nil
.11
.06
1
nil
54.57
nil
.16
98.98
99.85
99.96
99.02
100.02
99.51
23.07
34.50
54.43
57.34
58.68
44.57
*Containing iron.......
fContaining manganese
45.63
With regard to the other localities mentioned in the list, iron ore deposits, varying
in size and quality, are known to occur at them. Suitable fluxing material has
been supplied to the Dry Creek, Block 14, Wallaroo, and Broken Hill Proprietary
Company's smelting works from Angaston, Barossa, Blumberg, Clinton, Crystal
Brook, Gladstone, Huddleston, Kapunda, Kersbrook, Normanville, Port Lincoln,
and Para Wirra. From Burra and Gum Creeks flux was obtained for the Burra
Mine smelters; and the other localities, though containing, in some cases, large sup-
plies, are remote and unworked at present. (Government Geologist, February, 1903.)
PINE POINT.-Lease 1935. See page 120.
A shipment of 2,000 tons of iron ore from the Iron Knob and Iron Monarch was
forwarded to England by Messrs. Elder, Smith, & Co. in 1907. All reports received
by the company concerning the parcel were good. It was found to contain 97 per
cent. iron oxides, carrying 68 per cent, metallic iron, and was disposed of in Scot-
land at a satisfactory price; but, as a general thing, oversea freights are too high
to admit of continuous business.

334
MINING RECORDS.
MINERAL PHOSPHATES.
HUNDRED OF CLINTON, YORKE PENINSULA.-No. 1 Phosphate Discovery was
made by Mr. Barton, and consists of a series of discoveries on sections 348, 349,
350, 351, 356, and 357, hundred of Clinton. They extend from 21 miles to 31 miles
N. from Port Clinton, on Gulf St. Vincent, which is the nearest shipping place.
The phosphate rock has been opened up and quarried to a small extent at four
places, which are known as Nos. 1, 2, and 3 quarries and Baker's Gully, and exposed
by cuttings and shallow excavations at numerous other places for a distance, from
N.E. to S.W., of 11 miles.
The existence of phosphate beneath the soil is indicated by scattered fragments
and blocks which have been upturned and brought to the surface by the plough at
the time the land was under cultivation. Some of these fragments are white in
color, whilst others are brown, yellow, and iron-stained; they are often associated
with iron ore and manganese, fragments of which are also scattered on the surface;
they are embedded with black earth, clay, loam, marl, &c., and occur in patches.
The soil generally contains nodules and lumps of phosphate rock, beneath which lies
the phosphate deposit in situ. This consists of soft yellow and grey clay, calcareous
marl, and sandy clay, embedded in which are segregated, rounded, and bedded-like
masses of phosphate rock.
The rock presents considerable variety in appearance, being sometimes grey, white,
and chalk-like, reticulated with thin veins of denser composition, and at others a
compact yellow grey and reddish-colored rock, with cellular spaces of various sizes,
causing the whole to have a brecciated appearance, and again compact and nodular.
In places earthy manganese fills the cellular spaces, particularly in the case of the
soft chalk-like rock, which is also stained with iron oxide.
The deposit as a whole has no regular stratification, although here and there
appear traces of stratification, which, however, are not persistent. The strata in which
the deposits occur are Cambrian limestones. Walls of this primary limestone are
to be seen in some of the excavations. These are in some places vertical and in others
inclined, but dip generally at a much higher angle than the dip of the limestone
strata. From this and other facts relating to the exposed portion of the limestone
rock, I am of opinion that at one time caves and fissures, varying in extent, were
formed in the limestone rock, and that at a later period these became filled with the
phosphate deposit. With regard to the size of these caves and depressions, the
evidence obtainable from the position of the outcrops of limestone points to them
being large. At Baker's Gully, section 357, the surface soil has been removed for
a distance from E. to W. of 4 or 5 chains, exposing the phosphate deposit beneath.
The width between the limestone rock outcrops is about 20 chains. At quarry
No. 3, section 348, a vertical limestone wall is visible on the E. side, and the deposit
is not defined W. At No. 1 quarry an inclined limestone wall is visible on the W.
side. Sufficient work has not yet been done to allow the surface area of the deposits
to be ascertained ; this can only be determined by a careful survey and the sinking
of trial holes.
The depth to which the deposits may extend is unknown; the present shallow
quarries are not deep enough to yield evidence on this point. Judging by the appa-
rent width of the cavities containing the deposits it is reasonable to suppose that in
some places the depth will be considerable. The question is one that will have to be
determined by actual experiment.
No fossils have been found so far in the deposits, and their origin can only be
conjectured at present. My investigations lead me to believe that the quantity of
rock containing a sufficient percentage of phosphate of lime to render it of commer-
cial value is very large, and the configuration of the country is most favorable to the
opening of quarries whereby the rock can be raised cheaply and expeditiously, and
MINERAL PHOSPHATES.
335
shipments averaging 70 per cent. of tricalcic phosphate and less than 6 per cent. of
iron and alumina could be easily selected. As a matter of course the grading and
selection of the rock must be guided by systematic and frequent analyses made on.
the spot.
With regard to the analyses made by Mr. Goyder, Government Analyst (a list of
which is appended), it is to be noted that several of the more argillaceous samples
were found to contain hydrous phosphate of alumina instead of phosphate of lime.
This substance, Mr. Goyder states, would probably be as valuable after fine grinding
as phosphate of lime, but is not suitable for the manufacture of superphosphate.
On section 405 (see list of analyses), 5 miles N. of the main discovery, rock
phosphate of lime can be picked up on the surface. This indicates the existence of
a deposit here ; but so far no work has been done.
It is most probable that deposits of phosphate rock occur in other portions of
this district when occupied by the Cambrian limestone.
This discovery is important, not only to South Australia, but to the Commonwealth
generally, inasmuch as up to the present no similar deposit so likely to prove of
such great commercial value has been found on this continent.
LIST OF ANALYSES.

Phosphoric
Acid.
Equivalent of
Tricalcic
Phosphate.
Insoluble
Matter.
Oxide of Iron
and
Alumina.
Loss on
Ignition.
32.94
71.90
6.26
3.1
32.68
32.76
34.56
28.16
71.24
71.52
75.44
61.47
11.15
11.02
8.28
21.16
2.9
5.18
31.84
31.41
15.43
14.43
1.68
17.0
2.9
69.50 12.34
68.67 11.08
| 52.0
31.50 | 59.4
94.7
38.77 | 19.06
ܟܬ ܟܬ ܦܝܧܟܨ ܟܨ ܝܚܕ ܟܬ ܚܕ
1
.
18.94
21.9
Rock phosphate, soft ferruginous. Farthest N.
quarry; average across, 10ft.
compact, whitish. Baker's Gully
soft. Bottom of No. 1 quarry
compact, whitish
silici ous rock phosphate. No. 3
quarry
compact, whitish. Baker's Gully
soft. Baker's Gully
surface stone. Section 405
nodular
Ferruginous clay, stone, nodular
Soft yellow with dense streaks ; hydrous phosphate
of alumina and ferruginous clay stone
Soft white with reticulated dense veins; hydrous
phosphate of alumina and clay stone. Farthest
· S. trench
Clay stone and hydrous phosphate of alumina.
Farthest N. quarry, lowest depth
Ferruginous clay stone and hydrous phosphate of
alumina. Baker's Gully
Ferruginous clay stone and hydrous phosphate of
alumina. Barton's flux quarry
Hydrous phosphate of alumina and clay stone,
cellular rock. Baker's Gully and S.
Hydrous phosphate of alumina. Baker's Gully
Ferraginous clay stone and hydrous phosphate of
alumina.
74.5
-
5
.
29.35
19.81
8.62
25.15
59.0
24.04
18
NOTE.—The insoluble matter consists of silica and clay. Samples 1 to 9 contain fluorine in not
more than the usual percentage; the remainder only contain a minute trace.
Government Geologist, 3–2-02.)
FAIRVIEW, HUNDRED OF BRIGHT.-The localities where these discoveries have been
made are on section 4, hundred of Bright, 18 miles S.S.E. of the township of Kooringa.
The discovery was made by Mr. F. A. S. Field, who has been granted a reward area
336
MINING RECORDS.
of 1 square mile by the Government for mining purposes. The phosphate rock
has been found also on the surface, and in trenching at several other places on the
40-acre blocks which have been applied for as leases. Operations are confined at
present to two places, which are known as the N. and S. workings. At the N. work-
ings two shafts, each some 20ft. in depth, with drives and open excavations, have
proved the deposit to extend over an area of about 100ft. square. The phosphate is
in irregular-shaped bodies and bands, associated with claystone and clay, with which
it is interstratified and segregated. It contains small veins of quartz, such as are
found in lode formations in some places, and varies from a compact chalk-like rock
to a soft friable one. On the E. side dolomitic limestone, of presumably Cambrian
age, bounds the deposit; and W. at a distance of several chains, in which direction
the ground rises steeply, the bedrock exposed is quartzite. These rocks strike
N.N.W. and dip W.; the surface space between the outcrops is covered with soil
and detritus. At the S. workings a quarry has been opened up along and into the
side of the hill for a length of 130ft., and a width varying from 30ft. to 70ft.
The workings now in progress are in massive phosphate rock, which is being
quarried out in large blocks from a face 66ft. long and from 6ft. to 12ft. high. It
shows underfoot, and the depth to which it extends has not yet been ascertained.
Immediately E. the deposit is bounded by the dolomitic limestone, and W. at a
distance of several chains quartzite outcrops on and along the hill : these are a
continuation S. of the rock exposures mentioned in connection with the N. workings.
Outcrops of phosphate rock occur at several points W. of and between the N. and
S. workings, a distance of 11] chains, and it is most probable that the deposit is
continuous for this distance. Phosphate has also been found N. and S. of the main
workings, but hitherto not in large quantities. Sufficient prospecting has not yet
been done to show to what extent it exists at these places. S. of the S. workings
the dolomitic limestone and quartzite appear in occasional outcrops, which increase
in volume in that direction, particularly in the case of the limestone, which occupies
a large area. The same thing occurs N. of the N. workings.
No estimate of the quantity of phosphate rock available can be formed until more
development work has been done by extending the workings W., and, between the
N. and S. quarries, sinking trial holes or bores, and trenching through the over-
burden. Judging from the surface indications it appears most probable that the
main deposit occupies a considerable portion of the space between the outcrops
of dolomite and quartzite, and extends N. and S. for a greater distance than that
between the workings, viz., 111 chains.
The evidence so far as disclosed by the quarrying at present being done, and the
surrounding surface indications, is in favor of the existence of a large quantity of
marketable phosphate rock. After operations have been carried on for a few months
longer a proper estimate of the quantity likely to be available can be made. The
deposit is very similar to that of Clinton, and is associated with Primary rocks of the
same geological age. In this case, as at Clinton, I believe the deposit fills large
cavernous openings or caves in the dolomitic limestone. 'These openings may have
been ravines at the outlet of an ancient creek or river, in which silt might be deposited
and form an estuary. The deposit at Clinton is close to the seacoast; and that at
Bright, although now at a distance from the sea, was, in the late Tertiary times, in
close proximity to it.
The theories put forth to account for the origin of rock phosphate may be applied
in a measure to these deposits. First, they are, or have been at one time, on the sea-
coast, and therefore may have originated in the deposition of guano by bird life.
Second, the dolomite limestone from Bright contains a small percentage of phosphate
of lime, the analysis showing from a trace to 1.30 per cent., and that from Clinton
0.74 per cent. to 2.10 per cent., and phosphate may have been leached from this
rock. Third, the clay and silt beds on which the phosphate occurs may have con-
tained originally animals secreting phosphate of lime. Fourth, as quartz veins are
associated with the deposit at Bright, another theory suggests itself, viz., the
MINERAL PHOSPHATES.
337
deposition of phosphate by hydrothermal action, as in lode formations. Analyses
of samples taken from the workings have been made at the School of Mines, with the
following results :-

Description of Sample.
Phosphoric
Acid.
Equivalent to Oxide of Iron
Tricalcic
and
Phosphate. Alumina.
Per cent.
'
Per cent.
59.44
61.02
................
Per cent.
ANALYSES OF PHOSPHATE ROCK.
Dense rock ...
27.23
Soft friable rock.
27.95
Brecciated rock .....
34.92
Dense rock
31.66
Friable rock ...
23.37
Rock containing phosphate of iron, clay, and quartz.... 8.7
ANALYSES OF CONTAINING ROCKS, ETC.
Dolomitic limestone
trace
1.00
2.00
3.4
1.07
5.9
51.02
18.99
.
0.6
1.30
S
UOMI
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..............................
............................
1111111
Clay stone .............
0.5
0.7
1.74
1.09
1.52
3.8
Plack chert ......................
(Government Geologist, 27–7–03.)
HUNDRED OF BELVIDERE.— The locality is on section No. 1551, hundred of
Belvidere, 4 miles S.E. of Kapunda. Some 20 years ago a shaft was sunk on this
section to prospect for copper, the green stains due to phosphate of iron having been
mistaken for traces of that metal. Mr. Hooper, of Kapunda, afterwards sent a
piece of this rock to Wallaroo to be tested for copper. It was found to contain
phosphate.
About three years ago specimens were taken by Mr. A. Duncan, of Kapunda, from
another part of the same section; these, he found, contained traces of phosphate.
Three months ago Messrs. Green and Duncan had other samples of rock tested,
which proved to be rich in phosphate of lime. This led to the taking up of the
section by them under arrangement with the owner, Mr. Hansberry.
The principal outcrop of phosphate rock is approximately 10 chains long by 21
chains wide, and it is in the vicinity of this exposure that the shafts and quarry
workings made in prospecting for and opening up the deposit are situated. The
outcrop can be traced S.E. for some 30 chains, and, where not actually outcropping,
scattered lumps of phosphate rock strewn over the surface and embedded in the
soil indicate its presence beneath.
The outcrops to the S.E., which are in the vicinity of a quartzite and slate hill,
contain quartz and ferruginous matter, and samples, on analysis, were found to
contain hydrous phosphate of alumina instead of phosphate of lime. This mineral
is also associated with the phosphate rock at Clinton.
The deposit occurs in limestone, quartzite, and slate formations of the same
geological age as those of Clinton and Bright. The limestone bounds it at a distance
on the E., N.E., and N. sides at a low elevation, while the quartzite and slate occur
as isolated hills of small extent on higher ground. The ground between the outcrops
is more or less thickly covered with an overburden of soil and detritus.
The workings consist of quarries and shafts. The main quarry, near the E.
side of the N.E. outcrop, is 90ft. into the hill and 35ft. wide in one place. The
face of rock, which is getting thicker as work advances, is from 10ft. to 15ft, high.
A shaft has been sunk 22ft. in the deposit here. Another quarry has been opened
near the end of the same outcrop in conjunction with a shaft 23ft. deep. Various
other shafts up to 10ft. and 15ft. deep have been sunk in the vicinity, and in most
phosphate of good quality has been disclosed.
338
• MINING RECORDS.
Rock in massive pieces and rich in phosphate is being raised from the main quarry.
Rough average samples taken by me from two heaps of rock raised from this quarry
and the other workings, on analysis, returned 60 per cent. and 77.9 per cent. of
tricalcic phosphate respectively. The proprietors estimate the marketable rock
raised at 300 tons. Trial shafts and trenches will have to be sunk before any estimate
of the actual quantity of rock phosphate in this deposit can be made. Judging from
the surface appearance, I am inclined to believe that phosphate exists over a con-
siderable portion of the wide spaces between the outcrops of the limestone and
quartzite, beneath the overburden. As to the depth of the deposit, I am of opinion
that it will be variable and irregular, but at the same time considerable, in places.
The area proved at and in the vicinity of the N.W. outcrop may, I think, be s...fely
estimated at 5 acres or over.
This is the third valuable discovery of phosphate that has been made in South
Australia. It is easily accessible, being only 4 miles from Kapunda Railway Station.
The probability is that other similar discoveries will be made over the Cambrian
limestone areas in this and other parts where that formation is exposed.
Analyses of samples taken by me have been made at the School of Mines, with the
following results :-
ANALYSES OF PHOSPHATE ROCK.
Description of Sample.
Percentage i Equiralent |
of
Percentage ofl
Phosphoric Tricalcic
Acid
Phosphate.
Percentage
of (xide
of Alumina
and Iron.

27.0
31.4
58.9
68.5
War
200 OVA
31,6
35.7
.................................
Soft, granulated, with hard lumps
Dense, chalklike .....
Dense, granular ......
Cellular.
Dense, bluish, chalklike
ke............................
Granular and solid
..............................
Dense, brown-colored ............................
Cellular, with bluish bands ...
.........................
Dense, chalklike ......
28.5
77.9
62.2
81.0
76.4
77.0
37.1
35.0
35.3
35.4
1.0
77.3
2.2
1.1
PERCENTAGES OF PHOSPHORIC ACID IN SUBSTANCES FOUND ASSOCIATED
WITH THE PHOSPHATE ROCK.
Phosphoric Acid.
Hydrous phosphate of alumina and quartz...
22.0 per cent.
Ferruginous quartz .........
...................
9.9
Hydrous phosphate of alumina and quartz........
18.5
Clay stone and quartz ......
7.5
Hydrous phosphate of alumina and quartz......
17.9
Sandstone ....
2.7
Hydrous phosphate of alumina and iron with quartz............ 16.0 "
(Government Geologist, 2-9-03.)
RIVER MURRAY.-In the Tertiary formations through which the River Murray
has cut its way deposits of phosphate of lime, consisting of fossil whalebones,
sharks' teeth, &c., occur. The expectation is that at greater depths larger deposits
of this valuable fertiliser may be found.
Extract from the Review of Mining Operations during the Year 1903.
During the year two fresh discoveries of workable deposits have been opened up,
one in the hundred of Bright, 18 miles S.S.E. of Kooringa Railway Station, and
the other in the hundred of Belvidere, 4 miles S.E. of Kapunda Railway Station.
Other discoveries, the extent of which is not yet determined, have been made in
the Ashbourne district, south of Adelaide, and near Ardrossan, on Yorke Peninsula.
For 1903, from the deposits worked by the Clinton Phosphate Company, near
Clinton, Yorke Peninsula, the original find of phosphate in South Australia, 1,052
tons of phosphate rock, containing from 62 per cent. to 65 per cent. of tricalcic
phosphate, have been sold.
MINERAL PHOSPHATES.
339
From the Fairview Phosphate Mine, hundred of Bright, second discovery, 100
tons of rock, containing 55 per cent. tricalcic, have been sold. Here a large amount
of opening up and road-making work has been done, and a company named the
Adelaide Artificial Manures Company formed. North of and adjoining the Fair-
view Company's Reward lease another deposit has been found, and named the
“Lily Dora." Ten tons from this place, averaging 62 per cent. of tricalcic; have
been forwarded to the Chemical Works. A further discovery has been made to
the N. again of this.
· From the Kapunda find, hundred of Belvidere, third discovery, about 400 tons
were sent away, carrying from 50 per cent. to 78 per cent. of tricalcic. The pros-
*pects here also are highly encouraging.
Extract from Review of Half-year ended June 30th, 1904.
THE CLINTON PHOSPHATE COMPANY, working the deposit at the Clinton quarries,
has dispatched during the half-year 630 tons of phosphate rock, containing from
60 per cent. to 66 per cent. of tricalcic phosphate.
FAIRVIEW PHOSPHATE MINE, hundred of Bright.-Attention has been devoted
entirely to developmental work, with the result that one deposit has been proved to
extend 20 chains in length, the width varying from 200ft. to 400ft., and depth
proved at one place to 75ft.
LILY DORA, adjoining the above.-No rock has been sent away. Work has been
confined to opening up and prospecting the ground.
· FOUR MILES NORTH OF THE FAIRVIEW a siliceous rock phosphate has been dis-
covered, and 6 tons sent away for experimental treatment.
Four MILES SOUTH OF THE FAIRVIEW a further discovery has been made, from
which 5 tons on treatment at the Adelaide Chemical Works returned 70 per cent.
tricalcic phosphate.
KAPUNDA, St. John's.—The original find is now known by this name; it has
been steadily worked, and about 650 tons of 60 per cent. rock sent away.
A DISCOVERY has been made on sections 1436 and 1437, hundred of Belvidere,
which is as yet undeveloped
SECTIONS 88, 115, AND 116 HUNDRED OF BELVIDERE, near Koonunga.- A new
discovery has been made. Messrs. Clutterbuck Bros. and Field have dispatched
from this 100 tons of rock, averaging 52.47 per cent. tricalcic phosphate.
SECTION 87, HUNDRED BELVIDERE.- Another discovery has been made of a
promising nature.
MOUNT MAGNIFICENT.--A deposit was discovered last year on sections. 293 and
294, hundred Kuitpo, and some low-grade rock obtained. This find has since been
further prospected, and, so far, a body of phosphate rock 3ft. in thickness disclosed
by trenching. This varies in quality from 45 per cent. to 53 per cent. ·
HUNDRED OF CUNNINGHAM, Yorke Peninsula.—Extensive prospecting is in
progress on section No. 30E. The deposit is large, and in some places analysis shows
the rock to contain as much as 82 per cent. to 50 per cent. tricalcic phosphate.
The property is now being developed by means of an open cut and tramway.
Extract from Review of Half-year ended December 31st, 1904.
Further new and promising finds have been made in the Carrieton and Kapunda
districts, and the occurrence of phosphate rock at intervals has been demonstrated
for 200 miles along the main range ; but the industry is now confronted by a com-
mercial difficulty which has checked the output. Briefly, the local article, which
averages about 60 per cent. tricalcic phosphate, cannot yet compete with the rock
imported from Christmas and Ocean Islands, which averages at least 80 per cent.,
and as farmers at present demand a 40 per cent. fertiliser it will be seen how essential
high-grade rock is to the manufacturer. Here it may be mentioned, on the authority
of Professor Angus, that the experience of English agriculturists has proved that
26 per cent. superphosphate is the most suitable for general use. It may be
340
· MINING RECORDS.
.confidently expected that by intelligent and careful selection of rock, guided by
systematic analyses, the local article can be readily graded up to requirements,
and it has been suggested to the Hon. Minister that experiments and tests should
be taken in hand by the Professor of Agriculture.
HUNDRED BENDLEBY-Discoveries were made by Mr. P. W. Jones on sections Nos.
2 and 28, hundred of Bendleby, about 8 miles E. from Carrieton.
Section No. 28.--Phosphate rock has been found at three or four places on this
section, where it outcrops in irregular-shaped veins and masses in claystone and
clay. The country rock consists of dolomitic limestone, argillaceous limestone,
and clayslates, striking N.N.E., and dipping W.N.W. at a high inclination. The
phosphate rock, as usual, is found chiefly in conjunction with the limestone, and, so
far as can be judged by present appearances, occupies places in the bedrock which
were originally open cavities. The area between the outcrops of bedrock is
covered with soil and detritus, so that to ascertain the extent of the deposits a
considerable amount of trenching and costeaning will have to be done.
Section No. 2.--Phosphate rock occurs here under the same conditions as in
section 28, the surface outcrops indicating its probable occurrence over an area of
several acres. Here, also, the surface soil and detritus prevent any estimate of the
area likely to be occupied by phosphate being made until the ground has been
trenched across. The distance between the two localities is 2 miles, and is most
probably occupied in places by phosphate rock, which may be sought for in the
neighborhood of the limestone strata. So far as the limited prospecting operations
have gone, phosphate rock of fair grade has been found at places where it comes
to the surface, and is not overlaid by soil and surface deposits; it most probably
exists elsewhere beneath these, but to what extent can only be ascertained by
actual prospecting, work which may be undertaken with every prospect of success.
The dolomitic limestone in association with which these deposits occur is of the
same age geologically as those rock formations in which phosphate rock has been
found at Clinton, Kapunda, Bright, Mount Magnificent, &c.
The beds under notice extend S. through Walloway and Orroroo, where they
attain considerable development. Phosphate rock has now been found to occur,
at wide intervals, along the main range for a distance of 200 miles.
ANALYSES.
Section No. 28.
Tricalcic Oxide of
Phosphate. Iron.
Per cent. Per cent.
Excavations at Napa Napa Hill .. Sliceous rock phosphate
12.4
near creek
.. Rock phosphate
.. 73.1
2.7.
Section No. 2.
.. Dolomitic limestone and phosphate .. 17.9
.. Siliceous rock phosphate
.. 59.1 3.7
.. 58.1
(Government Geologist, 6–2-05.)
MOCULTA.—Locality, section 102, hundred of Moorooroo, about 3 miles N.E. from
Angaston. The discovery was made by Messrs. Keüper and Green during the
latter part of last year. The rock is exposed at intervals over a considerable portion
of section 102, and also on section 105, adjoining. It occurs in connection with
crystalline limestone of Cambrian age, which outcrops extensively in the neighbor-
hood. A covering of black soil overlies the deposit to the depth of a foot or more.
and until this has been trenched through its area and boundaries cannot be ascer-
tained, but it will probably be found to extend over a considerable portion of the
11 acres held by Messrs. Keüper and Green. A cutting opened in the E. side of the
hill, after passing through 75ft. of clay and earthy material, met the phosphate
rock on which it was continued for 73ft.; the thickness proved by this cutting is
18ft. on the W. end and about 25ft. in the middle, the phosphate being still under-
foot. The rock occurs in boulders, masses, nodules, &c., imbedded in clay and
MINERAL PHOSPHATES.
341
earthy matter, approximately amounting to 10 per cent. of the whole mass. A
special feature is the frequent occurrence of radiated concentric crystalline phos-
phate in addition to the massive, cellular and chalk-like rock usually found. .
Messrs. Keüper and Green state that 600 tons have been raised from this quarry,
400 of which have been disposed of at 5d. per unit on a percentage of tricalcic
phosphate varying from 67 per cent.
KOONUNGA.—The chief locality is on section 87,hundred of Belvidere, and 4 miles to
5 miles from Kapunda. Other localities are on sections 88, 115, and 116. These
deposits are all in the Cambrian limestone. The principal workings are on a part
of section 87, known as Keüper's Freehold, and consist of an excavation 40ft. long
and 26ft. deep. The rock occurs under similar conditions to that found in other
parts of the district, viz., in conjunction with clay and earthy matter. The pro-
prietor states that 600 tons have been raised from this quarry and sold on per-
centages varying from 51 per cent. to 65 per cent. tricalcic phosphate. The extent
of the deposit here has not yet been fully ascertained, but from surface indications
is probably considerable.
The workings on section 88 are shallow, and less extensive than those on section
87; 200 tons are stated to have been raised and sold from this place.
Analyses of samples, varying in structure and other characteristics, taken from
the quarries at Moculta and Koonunga gave the following results :-

Rock Phosphate.
Iron
and
Alumina.
Phosphoric
Acid.
Equivalent
of Tricalcic
Phosphate.
1.1
0.9
........................
Crystalline concentric
Cellular .....
Cellular and massive .....
Chalk-like ..............
Laminated ...
Average of block from Moculta (100lbs. weight)
37.0
37.4
36.4
80.8
81.6
79.5
71.6
74.0
74.6
5.6
5.0
2.3
33.9
34.2
The phosphate deposits already found in this district are worthy of more atten-
tion in the way of prospecting and development than they have yet received ;
notably so the St. John's, near Kapunda, and Keüper and Green's, near Angaston,
which both give promise of yielding large quantities of high-grade rock when syste-
matically opened out.
The industry is only in its infancy, and has not yet engaged the notice of
capitalists. When the importance of these discoveries is recognised capital will
doubtless be attracted and scientific and economic modes of working adopted,
leading eventually to the manufacture on a large scale of fertiliser from South
Australian phosphate. (Government Geologist, 9–3–05.)
Discoveries have been made and are being worked near Hackham, hundred of
Noarlunga, and on section 65 and adjoining sections, hundred of Willunga.
During the year ended June 30th, 1907, 6,700 tons of South Australian rock
phosphate were marketed, the average crude value being about £l per ton.
NITRATES AT ELDER'S ROCK.
The Inspector of Mines reports that Elder's Rock, about 12 miles E. of Paratoo
Head Station, is a remarkable one, there being no other similar formation in the
surrounding locality. It rises abruptly to the height of about 50ft., and extends
N. and S. for 120ft., the greatest width being 90ft.; it covers an area of about 770
square yards, the cubical contents being about 9,000yds. The outside shell of
342
MINING RECORDS.
the rock is quartzite, which on being penetrated gives place to soft material of
various colorsfrom light yellow to purple-having very much the appearance
of decomposed slate and sandstone. In almost all instances where tests were
applied the fumes of ammonia were very pronounced; it could also be detected
from the summit of the rock in places where it had been exposed and portions
became detached owing to atmospheric influences. At the S. end of the rock there
is an ironstone outcrop, which appears to limit the nitrate material in that direc-
tion; but until further explorations have taken place little can be said in regard
to its real value or extent. Nine samples were taken, and gave results clearly
showing that the value of the material will fully warrant the property being further
explored. Calculating on the following approximate current values, the approxi-
mate commercial value of the samples is-Ammoniacal nitrogen, 12s. 4d. per unit;
nitric nitrogen, 15s. 6d. per unit; organic nitrogen, 10s. per unit; phosphoric,
insoluble, ls. per unit; phosphoric citrate, soluble, 4s. 9d. per unit; potash, water
soluble, 4s. per unit. (I.M.R., 6–1–06.)
A small company spent about £500 prospecting here, but no results of com-
mercial value were obtain:d.
. OCCURRENCE OF NITROGENOUS GUANO. AT ORATAN ROCK.
This rock is situated about 10 miles S.E. of Netley Station, and is composed of
a mass of quartzite and quartzose sandstone, forming a capping about 200ft.
thick, on sandstone grit, conglomerate, and soft slate.
On the E. side of the quartzite there is a cave, which, for the purpose of describing,
may be divided into two portions, viz., the outer and inner portions. The outer
portion is 30ft. long, 12ft. wide, and 10ft. high; and the inner portion 9ft. in dia-
meter at its entrance, and it extends W. about 20ft., where it becomes a mere
fissure in the rock. The floor of the outer cave is covered with a dry, dusty deposit
mixed with pieces of rock and fragments of bones of small animals and other
detritus. A sample of this on being analysed was found to contain 84.95 per cent.
of sand, 2.57 per cent. phosphoric acid, 0.60 per cent. nitrogen. The inner cave
is practically filled with a deposit of a greyish-yellow color, which is the nitro-
genous guano; it extends back into the fissure before mentioned, and is covered
with loose sandy material. A sample of the latter was found to contain 83.45
per cent. sand, 0.55 per cent. phosphoric acid, and 1.68 per cent. nitrogen. A
sample of nitrogenous guano on analysis proved, to contain 23.44 per cent. nitro-
gen, equivalent to 28.49 per cent. of ammonia and 7.1 per cent. potash; it is,
therefore, a valuable substance.
Owing to the irregular shape of the cave, the narrowness of the fissure, and the
absence of evidence as to what portions of the fissure are occupied by this deposit,
I am unable to estimate the quantity; it cannot, however, be large, as the extent
of the deposit as a whole is limited by the size and irregularities of the cave; and,
this being in sandstone and quartzite, is not likely to be connected with a system
of caves, as it might be if in limestone.
To what animals the deposit is due it is impossible to say, as the cave has been
occupied at times by animals of various kinds, including bats, owls, wallabies, &c.
The presence of such a large percentage of ammonia is due, doubtless, to the
guano being protected from rain for a long period, during which time the cave was
used as a camping place for the animals. Other caves of smaller size have been
found in similar quartzite and sandstone beds capping the hills and ranges in the
district, some of which may be found to contain similar deposits in small quantities;
as, owing to the small size and irregular shape of caves in this kind of rock, it is
pot likely that any extensive deposits will be found. (Government Geologist,
7-4-02.) ,
MİNERÁL PHOSPHATES.
343
BONE BRECCIA AND ROCK PHOSPHATE AT BROTHERS ISLANDS.
These islands are situated in Coffin's Bay, about mile W. from the S.W. ex-
tremity of Horse Peninsula. They consist of two small islands, the larger and
most W. one being about 7 chains long and 4 chains across, and rising at the highest
point to about 40ft. above high-water mark; the smaller one is about 2 chains in
length, about 1 chain in width, and rises about 15ft. above high-water mark.
The lowest visible rock is a yellow granular limestone, and the surface rock con-
sists of marine limestone, in which numerous holes, cavities, and crevices occur.
On the W. end of the larger island a small deposit of fossil bones and bone breccia
is showing; this place has every appearance of having been at one time a cave,
but, the end of the island having been erosed by the action of the sea, only the back
part of the cave has been left. Although somewhat fragmentary, the fossil bones
are in a good state of preservation : skulls, lower jawbones with teeth, and other
bones of the giant kangaroo have been obtained, also bones of small animals and
birds. Some of the bones have been broken into fragments and subsequently con-
solidated by calcareous matter into breccia, while the limestone rock in the imme-
diate vicinity of the bones and breccia is more or less phosphatic.
On the N. side of the island, close to the water, and where the rocks have been
washed bare, several small crevices in the limestone rock are visible; they extend
towards the centre of the island and are filled or partly filled with rock phosphate,
while in one place a horizontal crevice occurs and appears to be an entrance to a
cave. It is too narrow to permit of ingress for more than 4ft., but on the lower
side phosphate rock in layers is visible for about 2ft. in thickness.
A considerable quantity of guano mixed with sand, broken up seashells, and a
little vegetable matter has been removed from the larger island for use as manure,
and in collecting this the holes and cavities in the limestone rock have been followed
down and this materail obtained to a depth of 6ft. or 7ft. Bone breccia has been
met with at a depth of 10ft., but no exploration has been made below this, and,
therefore, there is no information as to what depth the phosphate, breccia, &c.,
may extend. The limestone rock is favorable to the occurrence of cakes, and it
is quite possible that cavities of some extent containing similar deposits may be
found.
Samples of bone breccia from W. end of the island gave 54.6 per cent. and 59.1
per cent. tricalcic phosphate.
Samples of rock phosphate from N. side of the island gave 55.9 per cent. and 68.3
per cent. tricalcic phosphate.
Samples of the limestone rock gave 2.2 per cent. and 4.3 per cent. tricalcic phos-
phate. (D. R. (George), 23-4-02.)
344
MINING RECORDS.
BROWN COAL, LIGNITE, ETC.
From time to time announcements have been made of supposed discoveries of
coal, which in most instances have proved to be, at best, merely Tertiary lignites,
of no value for fuel. In two cases, however, namely, at Kuntha Hill, 110 miles
N. of Hergott, and at Leigh Creek, on the Great Northern railway line, a better
class of brown coal has been found.
LEIGH CREEK was visited by the Government Geologist in February, 1889,
in consequence of a discovery of carbonaceous shale at the railway tank,
near to the Leigh Creek Railway Station and at Glen's Gums. He expressed
his opinion that the shales were propably of Mesozoic age, that there were good
grounds for assuming the presence of coal in them, and that it was desirable to
test the question of the presence or absence of coal in workable quantities by boring
or sinking shafts. A private company was then organised, and they sank a shaft
70ft., at which depth the great influx of water prevented further sinking. Subse-
quently this company, on the recommendation of the Government Geologist,
received assistance from the Government, who provided a diamond drill and
undertook the payment of two-thirds of the cost of boring. The bore was started
at Glen's Gums on February 7th, 1890.
Age—Mesozoic, equivalent to the Ipswich coal measures of Queensland. Nature
Intermediate, probably, between brown coal and bituminous coal. In percentage
of water it resembles a brown coal, but the products of combustion and distillation
are those of true coal.
No. 1 Bore. At edge of basin—At 125ft. to 150ft., coal; 150ft. to 151ft., shale ;
151ft. to 170ft., coal, shale, and coal; 170ft., blue clay slate of Primary age.
No. 2 Bore.—One and a half miles from No. 1, near centre of basin-At 1,496ft.
8in. to 1,544ft. 6in., coal seam (thickness 47ft. 10in.); coal seams 2ft. 3ft. and
smaller met with below. Bottomed at 1,900ft. on Primary rock.
Analyses of Coal and Physical Conditions (Main Seam, No. 2 Borej.

Depth from Surface.
Volatile
Hydro-
carbons.
Carbon,
Ash.
Water at
212.
1,496ft. 8in. to 1,501ft. 4in. ...
1,509ft. to 1,510ft. ..
1,514ft. to 1,515ft. ....
1,516ft. to 1,517ft. ..
1,518ft. to 1,520ft. ......
.....................
1.521ft. to 1,522ft. ......
1,523ft. to – ..........
1,526ft. 6in. ............
1,527ft. to 1,527ft. 6in. ...
1,527ft. 6in. to 1,528ft. .....
1,529ft. to 1,530ft. ..
1,531ft. to 1,532ft. ...,
1,532ft. 6in. to 1,533ft. 6in. ....
............
1,539ft. 6in. to 1,540ft. 8in. .
..............
1,540ft. 8in. to 1,541ft. 10in.
1,541ft. 10in. to 1,543ft. 9in. ....
1,544ft. 6in. to bottom of seam
eam .............
32.27
34.55
28.60
28.30
28.54
27.18
26.74
24.88
23.83
28.45
26.88
26.37
24.73
24.51
24.68
25.98
21.53
43.20
42.14
36.46
37.26
42.93
40.54
44.50
45.00
43.69
45.57
44.24
38.56
42.57
43.21
40.75
41.13
33.50
3.54
1.38
17.08
13.36
10.46
15.92
11.90
10.52
16.16
10.70
12.05
21.77
18.93
14.88
16.56
13.59
31.49
20.91*
21.93
17.86
21.08
18.07
16.36
17.00+
19.62+
16.32
15.38
16.83
13.30
13.77
17.40
18.01
19.30
13.48
* Average sample. + Two samples,
This coal was more compact than that taken from the shaft (referred to later
on), and fragments of core have been kept for years without disintegration.
BROWN COAL, LIGNITE, ETC.
345
Analyses of Coal and Coal Shale from Various Depths (No. 2 Bore).

Depth from Surface.
Volatile
Hydro-
carbons,
Carbon,
Ash,
Water at
212,
..............
1,765ft. 6in. coal shale ..................
1,765ft. Sin. “
......................
1,770ft.
1,773ft.
1,773ft. 6in.
1,774ft.
............
1,774ft. coal ........
..........................
28.80
19.32
16.57
17.55
23.01
29.03
26.76
28.22
43.19
33.44
28.33
16.09
17.61
40.25
35.91
46.48
10.77
38.10
46.38
58.37
52.5
19.6
27.23
2.68
17.24
9.14
8.72
7.99
6.86
11.07
10.10
22.62
These bands of coal and coal shale or impure coal are interstratified with shale,
containing more or less carbonaceous matter, and often thin veins or streaks of coal.
Analysis of Carbonaceous Shale from No. 2 Bore.- The Government Assayer
reported that the shale from 965ft. when distilled gave 3,000ft. of unpurified gas
per ton, a little tarry matter and water, and a trace of petroleum.
The following table shows the percentage of carbons and bituminous matter
at the various depths.
The Government Assayer's Analyses.


Depth,
Combus-
tible
Matter,
Ash.
Moisture.
Depth,
Combus-
tible
Matter,
Ash.
Moisture.
2.06
34ft. to 44ft.....
71ft. to 84ft. ....
301ft. to 307ft...
420ft. ..
934ft. .....
965ft. ....
Per cent.
12.00
18.18
20.00
19.00
86.00
80.00
78.00
79.00
78.35
79.42
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
1.91
1.01
989ft. .
1,040ft. ..
1,048ft.
1,053ft.
1,063ft. ..
1,098ft.
Per cent.
20.72
21.55
28.50
20.10
20.79
19.04
77.22
76.26
71.04
77.66
76.94
78.12
0.46
2.24
20.74
19.57
Mr. Cosmo Newbery's Analyses.

Depth,
Fixed Carbon, Volatile Matter,
Ash,
Water at 212,
1
.
O
1,140ft.
1,141ft. .........
1,150ft. to 1,158ft. .....
8.30
11.95
8.80
11.75
14.55
14.15
75.45
71.80
73.45
1.50
1.70
3.60
He states that this shale contains a trace of free oil.
The Government Assayer's Analyses-continued.


Depth,
Combustible
Matter.
Depth,
Combustible
Matter,
Depth.
Matter.
1,256ft...
1,258ft.
1,260ft.
1,262ft. ...
Per cent,
24.4
24.8
15.00
31.00
1,273ft. .
1,279ft. .
.......
1,283ft. ..
Per cent.
27.00
23.30
27.20
1,285ft. ...
1,287ft.
1,289ft.
Per cent.
18.00
23.80
20.00
346
MINING RECORDS,
The Government Assayer's Analyses-continued.

Depth.
| Hydro-carbon,
Coke.
Ash,
Moisture.
1,730ft.
1,736ft.
29.50
30.90
5.92
5.89
62.86
61.67
1.92
1.54
A shaft was also sunk between Nos. 1 and 2 bores and a considerable quantity
of coal raised from 300ft. by the company which had taken the matter in hand.
This coal, although disintegrating after being exposed for some time, was used
as fuel and sold. It was tested in the Government railway locomotives, both mixed
with Newcastle coal and by itself, and condemned by the departmental experts
as unsuitable for the engines in use. It was considered a useful coal for domestic
requirements, as it gave little smoke and burned out thoroughly."
The late Mr. C. M. Henrie supplied the following particulars regarding the work-
ings :-“ The total length and extent of coal workings in No. 2. shaft is 5,652ft.,
the average width of bords 10ft., and height of coal worked 7ft. The coal pro-
duced from the mine is 12,455 tons, amount sold, 8,304 tons. The direction of No.
1 bore from No. 2 shaft is S. 221° W., distance from shaft to bore 132 chains. Direc-
tion of No. 2 shaft from No. 1 shaft is S. 37° W., distance between shafts 21 chains.
The depth of No. 2 shaft from surface is 285ft. to bottom of the coal seam. Sunk
15ft. ; total, 300ft. The coal was disposed of in Adelaide, Port Augusta, Peters-
burg, and other towns along the line, Hergott Springs and Broken Hill. Workings
- Ventilation shaft is divided into three compartments-upcast 4ft., downcast
and ladderway 7ft., air carried through workings from shaft bottom by intake
roadway and returns by open heading to upcast shaft. Coal is worked on the stope
and room method or pillar and stall, the size of stopes and pillars left in for support
is 127yds. square; rooms or stalls, that is, face of coal from 6ft. to 15ft. wide,
according to nature of roof. No. 2 shaft is 50yds. from the railway line." (Govern-
ment Geologist, 3-12-06.)
HILL RIVER COAL COMPANY.Locality of operations, near Mintaro. The
report of the Government Geologist, in 1894, was to the effect that the rocks in the
vicinity are of too great age to contain coal measures or coal.
KUNTHA HILL is situated on the Birdsville track, 110 miles N. of Hergott Springs.
The Government Geologist inspected this place in the earlier part of 1889, and ob-
tained samples from a shaft which had been sunk. He arrived at the opinion that
the coal had been deposited in lake or swamp basins, which originally had received
the waters of the Diamantina and Cooper's Creek, and that there was a highly
encouraging prospect of obtaining brown coal or lignite by boring or sinking. But
he pointed out that the remoteness of the locality from a railway, and other natural
disadvantages, such as lack of timber, water, &c., would seriously affect the work
of prospecting, and would make the sinking of the numerous shafts necessary for
exploration of the supposed coalfield very expensive. He observed that the clay
and shale sunk through contained in abundance fragments of fossil leaves and car.
bonaceous matter generally, which belonged to the fresh-water beds of the Lower
Tertiary or Upper Cretaceous rocks, and overlaid Marine Cretaceous formations.
formed to prospect the property :-Three shafts and two bores have been put
down vertically, the depths of the former being respectively 70ft., 84ft., and 150ft. ;
and of the bores, 298ft. and 112ft., and three seams of coal have been passed through
in the shafts of the thickness severally of 2ft. 6in., 2ft., and 5in. A direct, as well
as comparative analysis, is appended :
Wyoming brown coal (similar formation in western North America) .
Water ..................
......... 10.0
Volatile matter ...,
... 38.0
Fixed carbon ........
0
0
49.0
A
S
.........................
BROWN COAL, LIGNITE, ETC.
347
Kuntha Hill coal, two samples, analysed by Mr. Geo. Goyder, jun.“
l'irst
Second
Sample, Sample,
Water .........
11.68 11.00
Volatile matter.....
36.63 36.77
Fixed carbon ......
.. 42.70.. 43..39
Ash ..................
:.. 8.99 .-7.84
LAKE PHILLIPSON BORE.—The bore, which is being sunk for artesian water,
has reached a depth of 2,651ft., and is in blue argillaceous shale, similar to the
lower cretaceous shale of other parts of the artesian basin. In this bore several
seams of brown coal, similar to that of Leigh Creek, were met with at intervals
from 166ft. to 551ft. These varied in thickness from a few inches to 28ft. From
551ft. downwards the bore passed through blue argillaceous and micaceous shale,
with thin sandstone, grit, and calcareous bands at long intervals. This shale was.
more or less bituminous at intervals to about 2,240ft., and yielded petroleum on
distillation. The stratification has been horizontal all through.
Analyses.
No. 1.—310ft. llin. to 312ft. 10in.
18.54 per cent. Coke .............. 11.64 per cent.
8.82 6 | Volatile hydro-carbons 61.00 €
Ash................
Moisture ...........
No. 2.-377ft. 10in. to 393ft. 2in.
Moisture ........... 21:02 “ | Volatile hydro-carbons 39.48 " .
(Government Geologist, 13–3–05)
NORMANVILLE COAL COMPANY.-Locality, the Sugarloaf, midway between
Normanville jetty and Carrickalinga Head. The Government Geologist reported
in February, 1892, that fragments of coal, much waterworn, were strewn over a
rocky beach, apparently washed up from the sea. The presence of a coal seam
was supposed, but the rocks are of a greater age geologically than any in which
workable seams of coal have been proved to exist. Of such a seam there is no
probability, and the presence of the fragments of coal is due to accidental circum-
stances.
. NOARLUNGA.—Locality, section No. 80, hundred of Willunga, near the township
of Noarlunga. A shaft on this section, 50ft. deep, has penetrated a lignite deposit
14ft. thick, including an interstratified band of carbonaceous shale. The deposit
consists of a brown coaly shale containing carbonised wood, compressed leaves and
resin, with small seams and bunches of brown coal of good quality; the formation
in which it occurs is of Tertiary age, most probably Lower Miocene, the extension
of which E. is cut off by rocks of Cambrian age, towards which the beds dip slightly,
W. it passes beneath the Miocene Tertiary fossiliferous limestone, &c., of the Noar-
lunga and Willunga coastal region. There is a large Tertiary area extending along
the coast from section No. 631, Noarlunga, to section No. 227, Willunga. It is
divided near Noarlunga township by a S.W. spur of the Mount Lofty Range, which
approaches close to the sea near section No. 359, Willunga; the Noarlunga portion
of this area continues N.E. nearly to Sturt Creek, a distance of about 12 miles,
and it varies in width from one to five miles. The surface of this formation is not
much elevated above sea-level near Noarlunga; but at its N.E. end it caps the
summit of the range, and is doubtless the filling in of an ancient river and estuary
trough or depression. ,
As a rule the lower portions of most Tertiary deposits in South Australia contain
deposits of brown coal or lignite of greater or less thickness.
348
MINING RECORDS.
The following is the report of the Analyst of the School of Mines on samples
submitted by me:-
Number
1
2
6
7
Lignite, containing Lignite. Dried Lignite, Bright Lignite.
Resin.
Moisture at 100 C. .......
15.3% 34.30 12.12 16.96
Ash......
44.5
14.53
7.61
5.9
Fixed carbon......
23.23 38.95 39.64
Volatile matters ..........
27.94 41.32 37.50
The carbon from No. 6 showed a slight tendency to cake; the others were non-caking.
The deposit, as a whole, is not sufficiently good to be used as fuel. It is, how-
ever, possible that richer and thicker beds exist to the N., and these could be tested
by boring at intervals across the Tertiary basin in that direction. (Government
Geologist, 17-4-66.)
In order to assist the Noarlunga Coal Company in their search for a payable
coal seam, a Government drill was started at work on the company's property near
Noarlunga, in December, 1906. No. 1 bore on section No. 80, hundred Willunga,
passed through sandstone, clay, and slate, and at 355ft. struck the Cambrian rock.
No. 2 (site selected by the Government Geologist) bore was started on section
No. 337, about one mile N.W. from No. 1; it passed through sand, and at 70ft.
encountered boulders, the progress through which was so difficult that the drill
was shifted to site No. 3 on section No. 336, about half a mile to the S.W. On June
30th this bore had reached a depth of 296ft., passing through limestone, marl,
and clay to 70ft., succeeded by sandstone and clay, with bands of fossiliferous
limestone to 123ft. ; then 7ft. of shale, 2ft. white drift sand, 7ft. sandstone and clay,
4ft. 6in. black slate. From this argillaceous limestone and shells continued to
296ft.
PIDINGA LIGNITE.--At Pidinga, 86 miles N. of Fowler's Bay, there is a bed of
lignite outcropping on the shores of a salt lake. By shallow sinkings of a foot or
two the deposit was found to extend for about į mile, or all across the lake.
By boring, the bed of lignite was ascertained to be 30ft. thick, and fossil resin was
found to occur in it. The quality of the lignite is not good enough to allow of its
being used as fuel.
PORT AUGUSTA COAL PROSPECTING SYNDICATE.-Locality of workings, near the
Uno Head Station. In July, 1895, the Government Geologist examined the place,
and reported that blue laminated slate or shale bearing a resemblance to coal-shale
had been raised from a well. The rock formation of the country consists of quartzite,
quartzose, sandstone, and clayslates, into which felspar prophyry has been intruded.
The black slate in the well belongs to this formation, and is of the same age as the
Flinders and other ranges, and is, therefore, too old to contain coal measures or coal.
RHINE VILLA.-In August, 1888, because of an alleged discovery of true coal,
the Government Geologist paid a visit of inspection to a place near Rhine Villa,
on the Murray Flats, hundred of Angas. The coal was said to have been found on
the surface, and also in a bed of clay, in which a shaft had been sunk to the depth
of 110ft. He came to the conclusion that the finding of these fragments of good
coal in the position he saw in no way indicated the existence of coal seams beneath
these Tertiary clay deposits, and that the adjoining bedrocks were, geologically
speaking, too old to contain coal; that the coal found was not in situ , and that
the only coal likely to be met with in sinking was lignite. A company was formed
and boring commenced on the site of the discovery, resulting unsuccessfully. Since
1888 the Wyndham Company have put down two bores on the property without
success.
SHALE DEPOSIT.--Locality, between Victor Harbor and Port Elliot. The Govern-
ment Geologist, in 1892, reported that there are numerous evidences of a shale
*formation underlying the Tertiary beds. Where the Tertiary and alluvial beds
have been washed away the shale formation is exposed. It is jointed, and varies
in color from bluish green to black, and is interstratified with beds of sandstone
and occasionally concretionary limestone. On section 314, Encounter Bay, many
BROWN COAL, LIGNITE, ETC.
349
years ago, a shaft and bore were put down, and on section 582 a shaft, 100ft. deep,
both in a search for coal. Fossiliferous remains not having been met with, the age
of the deposit cannot be determined. If it belongs to the Mesozoic age there is a
possibility of coal existing.
In 1892-3, assisted by the Government, on section No. 415, hundred of Encounter
alternating with bands of hard sandstone. No coal was found to that depth, and
the tools being lost in the bore work was abandoned.
Another bore in the near vicinity reached a depth of 570ft., passing through
similar strata; was abandoned for the same cause.
A third bore, completed October, 1895, bottomed on Primary rock, blue clay.
slate, with quartz veins, at a depth of 964ft., no coal being found. The strata in
the upper portion of the bore is similar to those of the two previous ones, except
that it became more arenaceous as sunk on. From 600ft. downward the strata
consisted of sandstone and boulder formation.
In No. 1 Bore, at a depth of 292ft., artesian water giving a supply of 2,400galls.
per diem was struck.
TEATREE GULLY.--Twelve miles from Adelaide. Another supposed discovery
of coal led to an examination by the Government Geologist in 1888. In this neigh-
borhood there is a bed of white clay, which is mined at the depth of 100ft. for use
in the manufacture of pottery, and in it a little woody lignite and some carbonaceous
matter occur. He reported according to the facts, and stated that the lignite did
not indicate the presence of true coal, and that there was no chance of discovery of
a coal seam by boring. A company was formed and a drop-drill procured from
the Government. A bore was put down, it is believed, to a depth of 249ft., when
it reached solid limestone or calcareous slate. No record appears to have been
kept of the strata passed through, but the first 100ft. would doubtless consist of
Tertiary sands and clays, underneath which boulders or gravel would be met with
resting on the bedrock.
WIRRABARA.—In December, 1889, the Government Geologist inspected the
locality of a supposed coal discovery near Wirrabara, hundred of Appila. He
had to report that he saw no coal at the site, and that the rock formation there
was of too great an age geologically to warrant any search for the mineral in that
district.
WARRENBEN OIL CLAIMS.—It was stated that a discovery of petroleum had been
made near Warrenben, in the S. part of Yorke's Peninsula, and the Government
Geologist reported that the locality is at the base of a cliff, a short distance N.W.
of Cape Spencer, where there is a cave a few feet above low-water mark. The rock
formation consists of hard compact coralline and shell limestone in beds dipping
slightly N., resting on gneissic and hornblendic granite; these are the oldest, or
foundation rocks : they rise but a few feet above sea level. The coralline limestone,
which is of Tertiary (Eocene) age, rises from 250ft. to 300ft. above sea level ; it is
permeated by cracks and pipes, or blowholes, and also by irregularly shaped vughs,
which are either hollow or contain friable coralline limestone and sand. In the
cavities or vughs containing the softer rock: the latter is found to possess a dis-
tinct odor of petroleum. Samples taken by me were assayed by Mr. G. A.
Goyder, F.C.S., who reports as follows :-
“Kerosine .................... Trace, less than 0.02 per cent.
......... Minute trace
“ The kerosine and paraffin yielded by this sample appeared to me of greater
purity than is usual in subterranean products.”
Mr. Chapman, analyst and assayer at the South Australian School of Mines,
reports :-“I have examined the samples, fines and rock, from the Warrenben
oil claim, and in neither sample can I detect any petroleum or paraffin wax,
although there appears to be a trace of volatile hydro-carbons present."
350
MINING RECORDS.
The presence of pure kerosine and paraffin in this porous limestone might reason-
ably cause the conclusion to be arrived at that petroleum exists bere; but the
results of the analyses show that the other oils, bitumen, &c., usually associated
with crude petroleum, are absent; the inference being that the presence of oil in
the cave is casual. No beds of oil shale or coal are known to exist in the district,
the Tertiary limestone resting directly on the granitic; so that there are no likely
sources of supply. I regard the occurrence of oil at this particular spot as a merely
local one, which may be due to the decomposition of seaweed or animal matter
originally enclosed in the rock, and one which cannot be taken as evidence that pet-
roleum will be found by boring in this district. (Government Geologist, 18-9-06.)
Some bores were put down by the company holding the claims, but so far no dis-
coveries of oil have been reported.
BITUMEN.-An alleged discovery of bitumen and mineral oil on the sea beach
at the mouth of the Glenelg River and W. was reported upon by the Government
Geologist in July, 1898. He stated that no traces of bitumen could be detected
on the beach, and the lumps previously found were probably erratic fragments
washed up from sources at present unknown, like those found along the coasts of
Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula, and Port Lincoln. As to the presence of mineral
oil, suggested by the local discoloration of the sea at the place visited, analysis
showed that there was no mineral oil or trace of bitumen present, but finely com-
minuted seaweed, causing the appearance of a scum.
Similar discoveries have been reported from time to time in other localities, but
up to the present there has been nothing found suggesting the existence of true
deposits of this nature.
COORONGITE, OR AUSTRALIAN CAOUTCHOUC.- This is an indiarubber-like material,
which was discovered many years ago not far from the Salt Creek, which empties
itself into the Coorong, a salt-water inlet extending from the Murray Mouth for about
90 miles parallel to and a short distance from the coast. It was first observed on
the surface in little hollows in the sand on a run held by Mr. Gall, and resembled
patches of dry leather; it generally occurred in swamps. The theory formed was
that this substance had resulted from the overflow of petroleum or rock oil, and
boring operations have since been conducted at various periods, with the view of
tapping the oil-bearing strata from which this peculiar substance was supposed
to have exuded. The greatest depth of bore attained was somewhere about 500ft.,
and so far as is known the beds passed through were Tertiary sands, clays, and
limestones, resting on blue clayslate. An English company imported boring
machinery from America, with a view of renewing the search for rock oil; and
after spending £3,000 (the greater portion of which was paid for incidental expenses)
gave up the quest. The late Mr. T. U. Scrutton for many years gave enthusiastic
attention to the subject, but did not succeed in inducing capitalists to adventure
upon a scientific search. There is a wide difference of opinion as to the origin of
the "coorongite," some scientific authorities in England and America ascribing
it to a vegetable origin, regarding it as a gum which has exuded from a plant or
lichen; whilst others assign to it a subterranean origin. The point remains at
present officially undetermined.
In 1903 attention was again called to this district by the extremely optimistic
reports of some experts from America ; it was stated that the presence of MINERAL
Oil in situ had been detected in the Coolmasson Well, about 13 miles N.E. from
Meningie. In order to test this the Hon. Minister of Mines, on the recommendation
of the Government Geologist, had some bores put down, and on November 20th,
1903, the Government Geologist reports :--Two bores were sunk, one to a depth
of 61ft., and another, which was placed within a few inches of the well timber, to a
depth of 36ft. through sand, sandstone, &c., containing fresh water. There was
no oil in water or sand raised from these borings. The piping in the well, when
drawn out, was found to extend downwards to 35ft. from the surface. At 29ft.
"it contained plugs of dynamite and oily matter; this was not examined minutely,
as the presence of nitro-glycerine was suspected,
BROWN COAL, LIGNITE, ETC.
351
As there is no oil in the strata in which the well is sunk, the oily or tarry matter
found within the limits of the well timber must have been derived from outside
sources. This locality is the most important one relied on by Messrs. Stoyel and
others to prove the existence of mineral oil, near the surface, and consequently its
presence in quantity at depth; and the boring having proved that natural oil does
not exist at this place, I did not consider it worth while testing other localities
in the neighborhood, where similar phenomena are alleged to have been noticed.
It appears probable that the oil found here and at the other localities has been derived
from the lubricating material used on the joints of the rods and casing used in boring.
The rock stratification of the locality is horizontal, and consists of sand, limestone,
clay, sandstone, &c., of Tertiary age, resting, so far as can be ascertained, on granite ;
the nearest outcrop of this rock occurs 57 miles W. of Coolmasson. In the lower
portion of the Tertiary strata beds of lignite probably occur, but they are not likely
to be oil-bearing. I am of opinion that there is no evidence of the existence of oil
in this district, either near the surface or at depth, and, therefore, I do not recom-
mend deep boring. (Government Geologist, 20-11-03.)
There have been other discoveries which have led to some hope of finding petro-
leum, but, so far, on investigation, there has been no substantial evidence of its
existence in any quantity.
352
MINING RECORDS.
MANGANESE.
Manganese and iron ores are common in many parts of the Staie. The ore
often contains cobalt, but not in sufficient quantity to render its working payable.
AERGUNDA.-Situated 9 miles E. from Blinman, on the Angorichina Run. A
large bed of manganese outcrops on the side of a hill, with blue limestone above
and below it. Yield up to 35 per cent. of manganese, but transit expenses too
great to allow of profitable working.
ELLEN, 12 miles S.E. of Gordon, the ETNA, 64 miles N.E. of Gordon, and the
GORDON, 82 miles N.E. of Gordon, have been worked for manganese.
CUTTLEFISH.—Locality, section R, hundred of Dudley, Kangaroo Island. The
Government Geologist reports that a tunnel has been driven 80ft. in a N.E. direc-
tion on a well-defined lode formation, with good walls 3ft. to 4ft. apart, dip S.E.
70° to 80°. The lode is associated with a band of crystalline marble and calcareous
sandstone, and is enclosed in mica schist and mica slate rocks. No trace of gold
or silver was obtained by assay of samples of the gossan and manganese ore, but
the assay return for manganese was 23 per cent.
QUORN.—Locality, 17 miles N.E. from Quorn. The Inspector of Mines stated
that a sample he took assayed 32 per cent. for manganese, and that good ore was
in sight. (April, 1891.)
SCOTT's is situated between Orroroo and Hammond, close to the railway line.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN.—Locality, Boolcunda Creek, near Willochra. The com-
pany commenced operations in 1882-3, and did a considerable amount of work,
winning a fair output. Mr. W. Dunn, the secretary of the company, states that
there are four parallel lodes having a W. strike, one averaging 9ft. in width, and
the others 2ft. to 5ft. There are five vertical shafts (deepest 75ft.), and a tunnel
140ft. One drive has been put in 80ft., and the other over 200ft. The lodes are
composed of pyrolusite, manganite, and psilomelane, and the yield is now from
3,000 tons to 4,000 tons per annum. Ore has been sent away continuously during
the last three or four years. (1890.)
TUMBY.-Situated about 4 miles from Tumby Bay. The inspector, reporting
September 5th, 1899, states that operations had only been recently started, and
consisted of a number of trial pits from 3ft. to 6ft. deep. The deposit of manganese,
judging from surface indications, is large and of a good quality, but will take some
time to determine. At the time of the visit over 40 tons had been dispatched,
and further shipments of high-grade material were in progress. (I.M.R., 5-9-99.)
WATT'S SUGAR LOAF.—Locality, about 5 miles from Gordon. A large deposit
of manganese has been worked for some time. Blocks of 10 tons to 12 tons of ore
were found on the surface, and a considerable quantity was shipped to England.
WILLOWIE FOREST RESERVE.-In 1886 a deposit of manganese was found in
the Willowie Forest Reserve, about 4 miles N. of Melrose. An analysis made by
the Government Assayer showed that the manganese contained cobalt varying in
percentage from 1.7 to 2.31. No work has been done to test the lode.
The Government Geologist, reporting generally upon mineral claims in the
neighborhood of Orroroo and Carrieton, says that manganese ores are frequently
seen in outcrops or “ blows,” some of them being very rich. These outcrops, as a
rule, are not of a permanent character, although some of them will yield a consider-
able quantity of ore. The chief places where these occur are at McGee's Springs,
Eurelia, Kinnane's, and Byerlee's, near Carrieton. There is an abandoned man-
ganese mine on section 46, hundred of Moockra, which was worked a few years ago,
when a large quantity of manganese was obtained from it, which was shipped to
Enlgand, via Port Augusta. It has the appearance of being a large lode, with a
strike N. 28° E., and a dip of 55° W. Parallel outcrops have also been worked.
Manganese is known to occur or has been worked on section 11, in the same hundred ;
sections 168 and 178, hundred of Yanyarrie; and section 25, hundred of Bendleby.
MISCELLANEOUS.
353
MISCELLANEOUS.
Oodla Wirra,—The Government Geologist reported in 1895, on Heithersay's
mineral claim, that there was an outcrop showing a variety of asbestos known as
mountain cork; other varieties might exist beneath.
Sailor's Gully.—Sixteen miles S.E. from Gawler. The Inspector of Mines reported
in 1892 that there were small veins of asbestos dipping E. He took a good sample
from a depth of 20ft. There was an abundance of “mountain cork” scattered
about the surface.
Hundred of Adams.-The Government Geologist reported in 1896 that a vein
of crocidolite (a variety of asbestos) 3in, or 4in, wide had been opened up, traversing
crystalline limestone and calcareous, argillaceous, and arenaceous slaty rocks.
The vein was too small to be of any importance, and it was questionable whether
that variety of asbestos was of any value.
Bright.-Locality, 8 miles N.E. from Robertstown, and E. of section 48, hundred
of Bright. In 1894 the Inspector Mines reported that a pit, about 60ft. long and
10ft. wide, had been sunk about 7ft. deep in the bed of a creek, and small irregular
veins and bunches of asbestos were found, the quality varying, being worth from
£6 to £15 per ton. About 6 tons were bagged.
COBALT MINE, NEAR BIMBOWRIE.—The Government Geologist, reporting on
April 29th, 1901, states that the locality is about 8 miles N. from Bimbowrie Station,
prospecting operations were being carried on by the South Australian Cobalt and
Nickel Company. It was formerly worked by a syndicate which had, a few years
before, raised some rich ore. The rock formations at and in the neighborhood of
the mine consist of mica schist (with granite dykes), clayslate, calcareous sandstone,
quartzite, crystalline limestone, and soft earthy sandstone and calcareous strata.
The strike of the rocks is N.E., and they dip both S.E. and N.W. in anticlinal form.
The workings of the original proprietors are on the N.W. side of the outcrop; they
consist of shafts and trenches, the latter having been driven through soft earthy
calcareous strata. The amount of ore obtained from these workings is not known,
but the black gossany streaks cut through in places contain cobalt. It is probable,
therefore, that further prospecting in this direction might disclose other seams
or veins of ore, and a thorough examination of these old workings should be made.
The cobalt ores occur chiefly in the crystalline limestone beds, which extend on a
bearing of N. 40° E.; they have been found to occur along the strike at intervals
for some 200ft. in several shallow excavations, the most extensive of which is 32ft.
long and 5ft. deep in its deepest part. This cobalt-bearing bed is on the S.E. dip
of the anticlinal, and appears to be the most important one requiring examination.
The ore occurs in seams in the bedding of the limestone rock in small veins, in the
joints of the rock, and also disseminated through the rock itself. The thickness
of the seams of ore which are associated with-calcareous and ferruginous matter
varies from lin. to 5in, or 6in. as at present visible in the bottom of the excavations ;
these seams contain rich ore in places. The ores found include erythrite (cobalt
bloom, cobalt arsenate), smaltite (cobalt arsenide), cobaltite (arsenide and sulphur),
and earthy cobalt (oxide associated with manganese and iron oxides).
The work recently done has been chiefly confined to sinking vertically and driving
in the crystalline limestone on each side of the ore-bearing strata, so that no infor-
mation as to the continuance in depth of the veins and seams of ore has been ob-
tained; but the fact that the seams are interbedded with the rocks is in favor of
this. The ore-bearing bed varies in dip from about 45° to nearly vertical. At the
place where the richest ores are exposed the dip is about 45° S.E. The sinking of
an inclined shaft on the ore body at this point is recommended. This would dis-
close the character and extent of the deposits, and at the same time enable the
354
MINING RECORDS.
company to obtain ore, and, after sinking, the ground can be opened up by drives
along the strike of the rocks. By means of these operations it is probable that
shoots and bunches of ore rich in cobalt will be met with in depth, and an im-
portant mine may be developed. From the ore raised by the original prospectors
a bulk sample of 14cwt. 3qrs. was crushed and sampled, and on assay by the Govern-
ment assayer returned cobalt 14.8 per cent.; nickel, 0.5 per cent. Assays made
for the Mines Department, from time to time, returned cobalt from 6.2 per cent.
to 22 per cent. ; nickel, from 0.2 per cent. to 1.5 per cent. Six samples taken by
me along the line of outcrop assayed-cobalt, from 1 per cent. to 13 per cent.; and
nickel, trace to 0.23 per cent. (Government Geologist, 29-401.)
Later the property was taken over by Mr. J. H. Cooke, C.E., who has worked
it intermittently and obtained satisfactory results from several trial parcels.
Arrangements are in progress whereby it is hoped that a dressing plant will be
erected and the mine systematically developed. (1908.)
CARTAPO CREEK, hundred of Ayers.-Cobalt has been searched for here, but no
details are available. Several shallow tunnels and holes were excavated in soft
argillaceous and kaolinised sandstone, with limestone bands.
NICKEL MINING COMPANY, Mount Ogilvie.—The Inspector of Mines reported
in October, 1890 :-From the surface down to 7ft. a vein had changed from quartz
to a soft calcareous formation, from which 2 tons of nickel ore averaged 20 per cent.
of nickel and about 5 per cent. of cobalt; another 2 tons, which would return
5 per cent. of nickel and 11 per cent. of cobalt, had been raised.
Young's COBALT.-Situated near the township of South Blinman, between the
Blinman and the Wheal Friendship Mines. The Inspector of Mines stated that he
examined the claims on the 18th February, 1890, and found several tons of ore at
grass : cobalt, with silver and copper. The outcrops of the lodes show copper
intermixed with iron and quartz, the cobalt being found in nodules near the inter-
sections of two lodes, the ore-erythrite arsenate of cobalt-being seen in each.
It is of peach-red color, varying to greenish grey. This form of ore is the result
of decomposition of other cobalt ores, and suggests the possibility that this mineral
will carry down to depth. Samples assayed by the Government Assayer returned
No. 1 sample, 61 per cent. copper, 11.72 per cent. cobalt, 2ozs. 12dwts. silver per
ton; (2) 28 per cent. copper, 1.46 per cent. cobalt, 6 per cent. nickel ; (3) 141 per
cent. copper, 1.15 per cent. cobalt, 3ozs. 5dwts. silver per ton; (4) 74 per cent.
copper, 4.89 per cent. cobalt. The Inspector of Mnies reported in 1891 that the
vein was ift. thick, and that samples assayed 23 per cent. of nickel and 1 per cent.
of cobalt, but there had been richer ore taken out. On the footwall side there were
patches of copper, nickel, and cobalt. Probably the ores would prove richer at
depth.
ETHIUDNA MINE (Cobalt).-Vide page 53.
GYPSUM.—The principal deposits being worked at present are at Lake Fowler,
and near Marion Bay, Yorke Peninsula.
KANGAROO ISLAND CHINA STONE AND CLAY COMPANY.–Workings are on section
No. 79, hundred of Dudley, Kangaroo Island. This place was formerly worked for
tourmaline (vide page 360), of which some large and beautiful specimens were found
in the extensive granitic dyke mass exposed at this locality ; but as their occurrence
was scarce and erratic mining for them could not be profitably carried on, and the
ground was taken over by the present company, which was formed to try to put
to some commercial use the large deposits of felspar (hard and decomposed), china
stone, silica, pure quartz, and firebrick clay, which exist here, comprising all the
material for high-class pottery (except bones) and firebricks. A small crushing
and grinding mill, which, it is stated, is the pioneer pottery mill of Australia, is at
work here. The plant is run by a 12-horse-power traction engine. The crusher
consists of two basalt rolls, 33 tons each in weight, running on a similar stone
embedded in concrete, and the grinder is a set of ordinary millstones. China stone
(silica and felspar), felspar, and silica are ground separately, made as fine as flour,
MISCELLANEOUS.
355
and a market is being 'stablished amongst the potteries of Adelaide, Melbourne,
and Sydney. The products have given satisfaction, but, as the potters prefer it
wet ground, the present dry grinder will be replaced by a wet grinder, which has
been purchased in Germany, and will arrive shortly. The machinery is well placed,
and everything goes to it by gravitation; the water required is raised by a windmill.
The clay pits expose large bodies of good clay; the Broken Hill Company is using
some for the linings of the zinc furnaces at Port Pirie. It has been proved very
suitable for fire bricks, and the erection of brickworks at Hog Bay is contemplated:
There does not seem any doubt as to the purity and suitability of the materials
found here, nor of the large quantities readily available ; and the time may be looked
forward to when possibly the main china and pottery supplies of the Commonwealth
may come from this district. (D.R. (Gee), 17-11-06.)
CHINA CLAY.—The Government Geologist reported (December, 1896) the existence
of a deposit of white and pink kaolin, or china clay, of good quality in a locality
2 miles N. from Yatina. It is a portion of the argillaceous slaty strata constituting
the bedrock of that neighborhood.
FIRECLAY, ETC.—Pine Point, vide page 119.
Four and a half miles S. of Mount Lofty Railway Station.
Near Blakiston.
Burra Fireclay Company, hundred Baldina.
STEATITE.-Skinner's lease. On section 6265, hundred of Talunga, 3 miles
from Gumeracha. The workings are principally on the side of a range rising steeply
to the height of 150ft. above the flat, and have exposed two formations each, from
10ft. to 15ft. wide, composed chiefly of kaolinised talc material, portions of which
have been worked and ground fine, and disposed of in Melbourne for various purposes.
At the foot of the hill a tunnel has been driven 100ft. with the object of intersecting
the talc formations, the first of which will be probably cut in another 50ft. Some
150ft. to the N. there is an outcrop of ironstone, so far undeveloped, and the surface
stone appears of very poor quality. At the workings there are numerous dressed
stones cut to various sizes and patterns, suitable for bakers' ovens, fire grates,
stoves, &c., which should answer well for the purposes designed. (I.M.R., 29–5–00.)
MERCURY.-Hundred Myponga, 7 miles E. of Willunga. The Government
Geologist (June, 1891) visited the several localities where finds were alleged to have
taken place, and came to the conclusion that the bedrock of the tunnels and the allu-
vial drift at a shaft that had been sunk (15ft.) both contained mercury in small
quantities. He recommended further prospecting.
OCHRE.—Copper King, Beltana, vide page 45.
Mount Sienna Mine, vide page 282.
North Mount Rhine.- Situated near Mount Frederick, hundred of Angas. The
Inspector of Mines (1891) reported very highly of a deposit of ochre of a first-class
quality in this property, which, besides, has silver and lead ores.
Flinders Range Umber, Oxides, and Ochre Mine.-Situated 12 miles E. of Blin-
man. Captain Doble reports that there are six lodes, varying in width from 4ft.
tin. to 50ft., the last mentioned being a very large iron lode embedded in yellow
ochre and pipeclay. (1890.)
Blackwood Gully.-A deposit was found (1897) in a tunnel, which it was claimed
would have commercial value as a paint basis.
Hundred Willunga.-Claim 2998.
Near Lyndhurst Siding.
MINERAL CLAIMS NEAR HOG BAY.--Ten 40-acre mineral claims were taken up,
about 10 miles S.E. of Hog Bay, on a supposed discovery of tin. The Inspector
of Mines visited the locality in November, 1900, and reported that the general
features of the country are small creeks and low hills rising from 50ft. to 100ft.
above the level of the plain, with several granite dyke formations carrying tour-
maline. Towards the S. end of the claims the formation shows for over 30ft. in
width, including intrusive rock. Seven Chains further N. the dyke appears much
356
MINING RECORDS.
smaller, and a short distance further disappears, until, towards the N. end, it again
crops above the surface, being very much larger than at the S. end. No work has
been done, but samples were taken from the most favorable points. W. of the
large outcrop are other similar formations, some of the outcrops standing several
feet above the surface; here also samples were taken. About 13 miles E. of the
main line an outcrop shows on the surface 2ft. 6in. wide, and on it a trial pit has
been sunk to a depth of 3ft. The lode matter here looks better, but the samples
taken gave no return of tin. It was stated that samples taken from the outcrops
and trial pits examined yielded from 1 per cent. to 27 per cent. of tin oxide; but the
inspector was unable to see any during his visit, and nine samples from various
points on these separate formations failed, on assay, to show any tin, or any metal
of value. The dykes are of the usual tin-bearing character, and possibly may be
found to contain that metal; but, from the results of the samples, the prospects
are not encouraging. The most simple and inexpensive way of prospecting the
country would be by searching the creeks for stream tin. (I.M.R., 26-11-00.)
MICA, NEAR WILLIAMSTOWN.-Section No. 122A, hundred of Barossa, about
31 miles S.E. from Williamstown, Mica occurs on the surface along the rocky
spur of a hill running N. and S., the country rock being micaceous schist. An
opening has been made on one of the outcrops to a depth of 14ft., exposing a dyke
composed of felspar, quartz, and mica about Āft. thick, striking in the same direction
as the hill N. and S. and dipping to the E. at about 60°. Mica, not compact and
of a schistose character, is plentiful throughout the dyke, the sheets on the hanging
wall being the largest in size. About 20ft. S.E. from this opening a shaft has been
sunk to a depth of 30ft., passing through the dyke at 22ft. The mica sheets at
this depth are larger than those found nearer the surface. The mica outcrops
can be traced for a considerable distance to the S. The largest sheets seen by me,
averaged about 5in. by 5in., and the color, as a rule, is dark and spotted with occa-
sional patches of fairly clear. Prospecting pits should be sunk on the dyke at selected
places on the outcrop in order to further test the quality and quantity of the mica,
and more compact and clearer material may be expected to exist in this locality,
although that already found is suitable for many purposes. (D.R. (Gee), 16-5-06.)
RUTILE.--Sections 8 and 9, hundred of Talunga, 6 miles N. from Blumberg.
From time to time, for many years past, work has been carried on by various parties,
but apparently in no instance has there been much enterprise or energy. The
workings, which continue for about 150yds. in length, are principally a number
of small shafts, cross trenches, and surface openings, from 3ft. to 30ft. in depth,
disclosing a soft clay kaolinised dyke formation, from 10ft. to 12ft. wide, striking
slightly E. of S. Through this material rutile crystals in various forms, both coarse
and fine, can be seen, in some places dispersed throughout the matrix, in others in
pockets and scams, and can be extracted by dish washing. For some distance on
each side of the formation fine rutile can be obtained on the surface, but the most
valuable is in a small seam of gravel resting on a clay bed about 12in. below the
surface, and which yielded very good prospects indeed, much better than had been
anticipated, judging from the debris on the surface, and its position not being on
the line. The better class material is at each end of the workings. From each of
those several samples were taken, also from the surface and shallow pits, which,
when bulked, gave an average return of 13 per cent. In regard to the treatment
of the crude ore several modes of extraction have been adopted on a limited scale,
but in no instance have the operations proved a success, except the last 3 tons,
which were shipped to Victoria and treated with the ball mill and Whitley table,
and, from returns furnished, gave an average value of 10s. per ton for the crude ore,
which is of similar value to the samples taken at the present market rate. This,
with suitable machinery, and worked on a large scale, even with this low average,
would prove remunerative; but previous to any large outlay being incurred in
dressing appliances it would be advisable to adopt a thorough system of develop.
ment and prospecting, by ascertaining the depth, width, and length of the deposit
MISCELLANEOUS.
357
or dyke formation, also at various points test its true value. This, from the nature
of the material, would be comparatively inexpensive, and would enable a reliable
estimate to be arrived at with the object of deciding on the erection of machinery or
otherwise, as the prospects and quantity may justify. (I.M.R., 27-9-00.)
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.—Mount Crawford, section 119, hundred of Para Wirra.
There is a fine deposit of rutile in the matrix at this mine.
SALT.--The salt industry has been steadily growing for some time past, the
exports having increased from 18,824 tons in 1896 to 45,000 tons in 1906.
The chief sources of supply are the salt lakes of southern Yorke Peninsula, of
which Lake Fowler is the largest, and Lake Bumbungie in the hundred of Cameron.
There are also salt lakes on Kangaroo Island, notably in the hundred of Haines.
Lake Hart, about 60 square miles in area, situated about 120 miles N.W. from Port
Augusta, contains immense supplies of salt of good quality, which at present, owing
to the distance from a market, is of no economic value. Salt lakes are also numerous
in the north and in other portions of the State.
The Castle Salt Company and the Standard Salt Company are in active opera-
tion. Most of the salt exported is shipped from Edithburgh.
TIN.-Earea Dam, vide page 310.

358
MINING RECORDS,
GEMS AND RARE MINERALS.
DIAMONDS.--For many years there had been rumors of the discovery of gems,
including diamonds, in the Echunga Goldfield. The feeling that it was desirable
to test the credibility of these statements induced the Commissioner of Crown
Lands in 1879 to engage the services of an experienced gem digger, Mr. G. T. Bean,
to examine the district and report. He went over the field and stated that dia-
monds had been found in Long Gully and in other localities, and that Chapman's
Gully presented features resembling those of the diamond field at Kimberley, South
Africa. He added that there were also other places in the Echunga district in which
it was probable that diamonds would be found, and he recommended that a syste-
matic search for diamonds should be organised. It is stated that more than 50
good saleable diamonds have been found in the district since the first discovery
made many years ago, and that the most notable gem found was Glover's diamond,
which was valued at £70, whilst two small ones were sold for £10. Another was
secured weighing 91 carats. Most of the diamonds hitherto found have been dis-
covered accidentally in washing alluvial for gold.
A few small specimens of Echunga diamonds, including one of a red color, were
purchased by the Adelaide Museum authorities.
Mount Kingston, near the Peake River.--A diamond weighing a little over 1 carat
was received from this locality in 1894, stated to have been washed from auriferous
gravel.
CORUNDUM.-In 1906 a discovery of corundum was made in the rough ranges
which divide the watershed between Lakes Eyre and Frome; it is approximately
4 miles W. of Mount Painter and 2 miles E. of Mount Pitts on an unnamed creek
which is on the E. watershed and flows N. into Bolla-Bollina Creek, running into
the N. end of Lake Frome.
The Government Geologist made an examination in August, 1906, and says
that the ranges in the locality are steep, rugged, and stony, forming peaks, rounded
hills, and cliffs from 2,00ft. to 3,000ft. above sea level, and intersected by numerous
creeks and gullies with deep ravines and gorges. The rock formations consist of
gneissic, metamorphic, siliceous schist, quartzite, mica schist and mica rock, trending
Ě. and W. and dipping S. at angles varying from vertical to 50°. These strata
have been upheaved by the eruptions of granite dykes and masses which have
penetrated them extensively; the prevailing granite is of a reddish yellow color,
and, as a rule, contains little mica ; but in some of the smaller dykes large crystals
of mica occur, and tourmaline is frequently present.
The corundum occurs in the metamorphic rock, the chief matrix being a schistose
rock composed chiefly, in some cases almost entirely, of mica; this rock varies in color
from black to yellow and grey; it is massive and tough in structure. The corundum
is seen in segregated crystalline lumps, rough hexagonal crystals, and small irregular-
shaped pieces disseminated through the rock. In color it is blue, mottled, and
white and greenish, and is associated with minute red crystals, chiefly rutile, which
occur both in it and in the matrix. The width of the rock formation in which the
mineral is visible across the strike is about 5 chains at the level of the creek, and it
can be traced up the hill for a height of 150ft. or more on the weathered surface
of the rock, above which it protrudes. In some places the percentage of corundum
would average from 10 to 25 per cent. of the rock matrix; in others the average
would be lower. In the creek boulders of the corundum-bearing rock occur above
and below the outcrop, and it is most probable that other bands of similar rock
exist in the vicinity.
The deposit is a remarkable one, and I am of opinion that a large quantity of
corundum could be obtained here if required. Corundum is used as an abrasive,
being valuable on account of its extreme hardness, which is next to that of the
GEMS AND RARE MINERALS.
359
diamond. In 1903 916 short tons were produced in Canada, the value of which
is given as 92,940 dollars, or over 100 dollars per ton. As corundum, with sapphire
and oriental ruby, is in mineral composition pure alumina, the question of the
probable existence of valuable gems must be considered. Mr. G. A. Goyder, who
has examined and tested some of the samples, reports the presence of fragments
of clear blue sapphire, and of an oriental ruby in one instance. Mr. Chapman, Analyst
and Assayer of the School of Mines, reports the presence of sapphire and oriental
emerald and red transparent rutile in the specimens submitted to him. A yellow
mineral in granite from the same place he has identified as iolite, and in the pannings
from the alluvial wash of the creek he has also detected monazite in addition to
the other minerals above mentioned.
I would recommend sinking in the creeks in order to test the alluvial wash for
gems, monazite, &c., as there is a much greater probability of larger stones being found
in the drift than in the rock matrix; shed corundum should also be found there.
As a whole the discovery may prove of importance and value. (Government
Geologist, 17-8-06.)
BERYL AND EMERALD.—The holding is situated 31 miles from Williamstown,
and has been worked at various times for a considerable period. The principal
object of the prospecting has been emeralds, and up to the present operations have
resulted in the discovery of beryls, occurring at times in pockets, in others scattered
in a very irregular manner throughout the matrix, a large wide dyke formation of
partly decomposed granite striking S.E. by N.W. On this a very irregular underlie
shaft has been sunk to the depth of 33ft., at an angle of 45°, disclosing the same
character of rock as appears on the surface, with portions of decomposed felspar
and quartz occurring in bunches and veins crossing the granite dyke with a S. dip,
the beryls usually being discovered at the point where the decomposed matter
junctions with the quartz veins. At various points at the time of the visit beryls
could be seen, both small and large ; but in most instances when taken out are in
a fractured condition, and have not the proper color to make them of commercial
value. About 2 miles in a W. direction, situated on Crown lands, further prospect-
ing has been continued by the sinking of two shafts, 10ft. and 15ft. respectively.
and crosscut driven from the latter 14ft. The workings in the first opening or shaft
expose a micaceous quartz formation from 4ft. to 5ft. wide, the enclosing rock being
micaceous schist. This formation in places discloses beryls freely, but in most
instances the prisms are not by any means so perfect as in the first place, and as
they are taken out fracture and crumble into small pieces. Towards the bottom
of the shaft the formation is apparently contracting. Possibly as it gets smaller
and better defined many of the flaws in the beryls may disappear, and the stones
become more perfectly formed. The second shaft is 15ft. in depth, and crosscut
driven 14ft., but at the present depth does not show anything of importance, being
simply micaceous schist with one vein of siliceous matter. It was stated that on
and near the surface a considerable quantity of beryls had been obtained, which,
as the shaft was continued, gradually disappeared. From general appearances,
and the class of beryl obtained, it would be advisable to continue prospecting in
the first place worked by sinking a vertical shaft from the surface at the point reached
by the underlie shaft; then continue down where the contact of the decomposed
felspar and quartz takes place. There is no doubt the formation contains the true
beryl, and at a deeper level the prisms would probably become more perfect, the
flaws less, and the color more of the true emerald. (I.M.R., 20–9–01.)
Daw's DIGGINGS, ELEANOR RIVER, KANGAROO ISLAND.-Vide MONAZITE, page
362.
Oriental ruby (red).
Oriental sapphire (blue).
Oriental amethyst (violet).
Leuco sapphire (colorless).
Sapphire (blue).
360
MINING RECORDS.
Cyanite (blue).
Zircon.
Tourmaline.
Rutile.
OPAL, NEAR CHARLEY'S SWAMP.-Locality, about 30 miles S. from Boopeechee
Railway Siding. The opal occurs in the siliceous shale that underlies the jasper
rock and flint of the table hills and stony downs formation, occupying joints, fis-
sures, and veins of irregular thickness which traverse it at varying angles and some-
times horizontally. Some of the opal possesses a play of colors in what appear to be
minute fissures in the translucent and vitreous stone; common, white, and black
opal, opalised wood, and chalcedony are associated in these veins.
Precious opal is supposed to differ only from common opal in possessing micro-
scopic cavities and fissures in the stone, which refract light in different directions.
The opal found here may be considered as an inferior variety of precious opal, and
it is probable that stone possessing these properties in a more marked degree may
be discovered later. The rock formation is of similar age (Upper Cretaceous) to
that in which opal is found in New South Wales and Queensland, and consists of
horizontal beds of white and bluish siliceous shale and sandstone, capped with
jasper rock, flint, and porcelainised shale, forming low table hills with stony flats
and sandhills.
This is, I believe, the first authentic find of anything really approaching the
precious opal in this State. (Government Geologist, May, 1904.)
LAKE HART OPAL.-The discovery at Lake Hart is situated near the S.W. corner
of the lake, and about 6 miles W. of Wirra minna Station. The strata here consists
of sandstone, with flint, quartz, jasper rock, and other stones resting on horizontal
white sandstone, forming cliffs rising some 50ft. above the lake shore. The bands
of opal are embedded like veins up to an inch in thickness in the sandstone. The
opal is brittle and laminated; in color it is yellow, grey, and white, and has a
vitreous and resinous lustre. It does not reflect a play of colors, except in fractures,
and therefore must be classed as common opal; but it is possible that the precious
variety may be found in these rocks by further search. (Government Geologist,
25-2-02.)
TOURMALINE (GEM).—Locality, section No. 79, hundred of Dudley, about 10
miles by road from Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island. The rock in which the gems occur
is a granite, which has been intruded into metamorphic micaceous sandstone, the
prevailing bedrock in this part of the island. The granite varies from coarse
micaceous to graphic granite, and is kaolinised and decomposed for several feet
from the surface. The area occupied by this dyke mass has not yet been ascertained,
owing to its covering of sand and clay; but it will probably be found to be of con-
siderable width and length. The gems are found in pockets and other clay seams
and bunches, associated with quartz crystals and large crystals of mica and felspar,
sometimes in considerable quantities. They also occur in the quartz and felspar
of the coarse granite, and also in fine-grained micaceous granite. Ordinary
black tourmaline is also associated with the colored varieties. The tour-
maline occurs as striated, rhombic, prismatic crystals of various diameter and
length, broken fragments, and segments of prisms. The varieties found which may
be regarded as gems include pink tourmaline (rubellite), blue tourmaline (indicolite),
and green tourmaline. Two different colors are often associated in the same crystal
-the green crystal having a pink centre, and the blue and green colors showing in
the same crystal; the shades of color range from light to dark. A beryl crystal
has also been found. The workings consist of open excavations, shallow shafts,
and short drives made in the soft, decomposed granite in searching for the pockets
or bunches in which the gems are chiefly imbedded. These are met with at irregular
distances in sinking and driving, and there appears to be no defined line which can
be followed for them. A shaft has been sunk at one place about 50ft. into hard,
undecomposed granite. The gems have been hitherto obtained from the decom-
posed granite only, because of its soft, friable nature ; but they will in all probability
GEMS AND RARE MINERALS.
361
also be found in the solid rock itself in a similar manner, and the question of con-
tinuing operations into the harder ground must be determined by the commercial
value of the gems. The occurrence of the gem-bearing centres is so erratic that all
prospecting in this connection must necessarily be more or less at haphazard. The
cut stones present a very beautiful appearance, and those having pink centres and
a combination of blue and green colors are particularly interesting, and will probably
difficult owing to the prevailing covering of surface clay and other deposits. (Govern-
ment Geologist, 14–4–04.)
CARNOTITE.
Locality, about 2 miles S.S.W. of Teesdale's dam and about 20 miles E.S.E. of
Olary Railway Station. The ore occurs as yellow and greenish-yellow incrusta-
tion and powder on the faces, joints, and cavities of a lode formation, which consists
of magnetic titaniferous iron, magnetite, &c., and quartz in association with black
mica (biotite). In some specimens the latter mineral adheres also to the containing
rock, giving the formation a dyke-like character. There are two of these lode outcrops
running more or less parallel at distances of from 5yds. to 15yds, apart. The main
outcrop can be traced for some 200yds., either continuously or intermittently, or
as indicated by surface stone scattered on the loam and other surface detritus.
The smaller outcrop can also be traced in the same way, but for a longer distance.
The ore incrustations are visible in the matrix at intervals along the outcrops, but
are best developed along some 50ft. of the more solid and continuous portion,
which has a thickness varying from 2ft. to 3£ft. The trend of these outcrops is
N. 39º E., and they traverse metamorphic gneissic micaceous granite and granite
schist, into which dykes of granite and diorite have been intruded. These rocks
are variable and irregular in strike, but in a general way it is N.E. No work has
been done, and the ore so far has only been obtained from the outcrop protruding
above the level of the surface.
Judging from the persistent character of the lode itself in length of outcrop and
its width, where visible, I am of opinion that it will be found to extend to a con-
siderable depth. From the fact that the carnotite occurs as incrustations it appears
most probable that it has been derived from the solution and redepositation of
other uranium compounds below, and that, therefore, such ores in addition will be
found by exploration in depth. Mining operations with a view to ascertain these
points are, therefore, amply justified. The analyst and assayer at the School of
Mines has made a special analysis of a small bulk sample, and reports that it con-
tained •28 of uranium oxide (U,08). He was unable to collect sufficient of the
carnotite incrustation from the specimens supplied to him to make a complete
analysis of the mineral itself, but reports that it contains 60 per cent. of the uranium
oxide and a considerable proportion of vanadic acid. He states that the mineral
is chiefly carnotite, and that a little gummite was also detected by him. This
mineral is regarded as an alteration product of pitch blende.
Specimens were forwarded to Professor Bragg, of the Adelaide University, and
writing on May 11th, he says: “I found the radio-activity to be somewhat less than
that of a layer of pure uranium oxide of about equal dimensions. But this is the
only test I have made, and to prevent misunderstanding I should like to call your
attention to the fact that no other conclusion can be drawn from the one test than
that the substance contains radio-active material. The percentages of uranium
and radium, for example, could not be deduced, nor any information as to the stone
being of commercial value. I should, however, like to make further tests from a
scientific point of view. The whole subject of radio-activity is so new that each
fresh opportunity of investigating the circumstances in which radio-active sub-
stances are found is of value. Although the proportion of radium to uranium is
now known to be almost invariable, yet there are exceptions. There may be such
an exception in the Olary find, or there might be some new radio-active material
or some unusual juxtaposition of substances.” (Government Geologist, 14–5–06.)
362
. MINING RECORDS.
MONAZITE.
In August, 1906, monazite was detected in the pannings of alluvial creek wash
from near Mount Painter.
In October, 1906, monazite crystals, in small veins and vughs in the quartzite,
were found at King's Bluff in small quantity.
In February, 1907, waterworn crystals were detected with alluvial gold pannings
at section No. 83, hundred Para Wirra.
In the same month a sample from the Eleanor River, Kangaroo Island, was
forwarded to the School of Mines. The analyst and assayer reported—“The sample
of sand was found, on examination, to consist of quartz, rutile, monazite, tourma-
line, zircon, &c. Monazite is a phosphate of cerium, lanthanum, didymium, and
other rare earths; it usually contains some thorium, and it is upon the proportion
of the latter substance present that its economic value depends. Monazite is worth
from £4 to £5 per unit of thorium oxide. The sand submitted yielded, on analysis,
0.45 per cent. thorium oxide, and on the above basis of valuation shows a value of
from £1 16s. to £2 5s. per ton. The sample appeared to have been concentrated,
and would of course be capable of further concentration. I estimate the sand to
contain about 7.5 per cent. monazite, so that it would appear that the clean mineral
would contain about 6 per cent. thorium oxide."
This discovery was reported on by the Government Geologist in April, 1907,
The locality is about 28 miles W. from Kingscote, and is known as Daw's Diggings.
It was prospected for gold in 1897, and examined by me in 1898, when small pros-
pects of alluvial gold associated with rutile and zircon were obtained in the alluvium
of the river and from older drift deposits in higher ground; these workings were
subsequently abandoned. On my recent visit I found that Mr. H. G. Taylor had
been prospecting in the same locality, and in doing so had demonstrated the presence
of monazite, which he has obtained chiefly from the sand, clay, gravel, &c., raised
by Daw from the old shafts, and also in a lesser extent in the alluvium of the river.
Judging from the old holes, the depth of sinking on the higher ground varies from
15ft. to 20ft. I obtained a small quantity of the monazite sand resulting from the
washing operations, and on examination and analysis, in addition to monazite and
rutile, small gems of the following varieties were found to occur in the finer siliceous
sand contained in the sample :- Aluminium oxide-Oriental ruby (red), Oriental
sapphire (blue), Oriental amethyst (violet), Oriental topaz (yellow), Leuco sapphire
(colorless), sapphire (blue); aluminium silicate-Cyanite (blue), zircon, and tour-
maline were also present.
An analysis of the monazite crystals separated by hand from the sand obtained
was made by Mr. Goyder, who reports that it contained 8.4 per cent. of thoria
(oxide of thorium). Rutile is the most plentiful of the minerals found to occur
here, and it probably exists in sufficient quantity in the drifts to be of economic
value. The presence of the varieties of corundum mentioned above, although
the specimens are of small size, indicates the possibility of the existence of larger
and more valuable stones, and also that of other species not yet detected.
I understand that the separation of monazite from the other constitutent minerals
is practicable, and, as the percentage of thorium oxide is high, it is possible that
marketable results may follow this find. The formation in which it occurs is of
Tertiary age and occupies a considerable area of tableland country in the central
portion of the island; it is similar in character to the “ deep leads” in which gold
is found, and should be prospected in the same manner, viz., by shafts, to trace the
runs of washdirt and determine the positions of the deeper ground, in which the
richest deposits may be reasonably expected. (Government Geologist, 9–4–07.)
VANADIUM.
Discoveries have recently been made at Paull's Consolidated Copper Mine, the
Leo Vanadium (Paull's North), and at the Mount Burr Mine, all in the Leigh Creek
district.
GEMS AND RARE MINERALS.
363
At Paull's the ore has been found in 12 different places along the lode for a distance
of } a mile, as yellowish green stains and coatings in the joints and crevices of the
copper-bearing slate rock, and in small vughs and crevices in the copper ore. So
far it has not been obtained deeper than 18ft.
At Paull's North, as similar stains in cuprite and grey copper ore, and also in
the joints of the siliceous slate rock in which the copper ore occurs.
At Mount Burr, sparingly in stains and coatings of the crevices and joints in grey
copper and copper carbonate ore; this at two places 11 chains apart. In all cases
no defined vein of vanadium ore has been observed.
Sample from Paull's North yielded, on analysis, 0.12 per cent. of vanadium,
which existed in the surface as vanadium ochre. (Government Geologist, 8–12–04.)
Vanaduim ochre has also been found at Clarke's Mount Lyndhurst Mine, Booleroo
Springs, and the Mountain of Light. (8-12-04.)
CARNOTITE, Associated with.--Vide page 361.
EDELWEISS MINE.— Vide page 50.
364
MINING RECORDS.
METALLIC MINERALS, EARTHY MINERALS OF
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE, AND GEMS,
[For details, look up records within of the mines mentioned.]
ANTIMONY-
Sulphide and oxide.-Mount Fitton Mine. Atimonial lead ore.-Aclare
Mine.
ARSENIC—
Arsenical iron pyrites.--Glen Bar and Talisker Mines, near Victor Harbor,
Woodside Gold Mines, and Section 1610, hundred of Waitpinga, Preamimma
Mine, near Callington.
BISMUTH ORES
Native bismuth, bismuth ochre, bismuth sulphide, and carbonate.-
Balhannah, Murninnie, Mount McDonnell, Sir Dominic, Stanley, and Daly
Mines, Freeling Heights, Mount Freeling, Burrawing Mine, Mount Oglivie
(associated with nickel), Grundy Mine at Second Valley, Mount Rugged,
N.N.E. of Blinman, New Era Mine, Forest Range, Teetulpa, Morialta,
Paralana, Mount Fitton.
CASSITERITE (oxide of tin).
Earea (Wilgena district). Vide page 310.
COBALT AND NICKEL-
Bimba Hill, Bimbowrie-Erythrite (cobalt bloom, hydrous cobalt arsenate),
smaltite (cobalt glance, cobalt arsenide), cobaltite (arsenide and sulpbur),
and asbolite (earthy cobalt oxide, associated with manganese and iron
oxides). Nichol's Nob and Mount Ogilvie-Smaltite (nickel, cobalt 23.5 per
cent., and arsenic), gersdorffite (nickel 35.1 per cent. sulphur 19.4 per cent.
arsenic 45.5 per cent.), and erythrite (oxide of cobalt 37.6 per cent., arsenic
acid 38.4 per cent., and water 24 per cent.). Young's Cobalt Mine, S. of and
near Blinman Mine-Erythrite and nickel, associated with copper ore and
silver. Flinders Range Mine, 2 miles from the Blinman-Cobalt and nickel,
associated with copper ores and silver and gold. Mount Ogilvie West-
Nickel associated with bismuth. G.E. Reserve 21, hundred of Ayers, near
the Burra. Cartapo Creek, near the Burra, and Gum Creek, near Willowie-
Cobalt, associated with manganese. Glen Bar, Mount Ogilvie-Cobaltite
(arsenic, sulphur, and cobalt). Gill's Bluff, Mount Ogilvie-Ullmanite (nickel,
antimony, and sulphur). Tomkinson Range-Quartz stained with nickel.
Ethiudna Mine-(Cobalt, associated with copper). Nicholl's Nob-Anna-
bergite (arsenical nickel). Wortupa-Melonite (telluride of nickel).
COPPER-
Lodes containing copper ores may be found to a greater or less extent
over nearly all the area where the Primary rocks outcrop. The Moonta
lodes, which are the most important that are now being worked, are enclosed
in felspar porphyryman eruptive rock intruded into granitic and meta-
morphic country. The Kapunda copper deposits are in argillaceous slates
LIST OF METALLIC MINERALS, ETC.
365
and kaolinised rocks of various colors, accompanied by dark-blue- pyritous
slates. The Burra Burra copper ores were worked in siliceous slates, crystal-
line limestone, and argillaceous slates and sandstone. The Blinman Mine
is in an ore-bearing stratum of siliceous limestone, intersected by veins and
lodes of ore; igneous dykes of granite and greenstone are intruded into
argillaceous slates, sandstones and quartzites forming the country rock.
Intrusive dykes of greenstone and other igneous rocks have been noticed as
connected with other lodes. Boulder conglomerate, argillaceous and cal-
careous slates, dolomitic limestone, quartzite, micaceous slates and sand.
stones also consititute the country rocks enclosing copper lodes. In some
instances gold and silver-lead ores are associated with the copper ores, and
more rarely bismuth is present. Baryta, ferri-calcite, quartz, ironstone,
gossan, and calscpar are some of the chief accompanying constituents of
the lodes.
Atacamite (oxichloride), azurite (blue carbonate), bornite (variegated
pyrites), chalcocite (copper glance), chalcopyrite (copper pyrites, copper,
and iron sulphide), chrysocolla (silicate), cuprite (red oxide), malachite (green
carbonate), native copper. These, and also rarer ores, are found in variable
association throughout the numerous copper mines of the State. Localities
and occurrences will be found particularised in the Copper Section, and a
detail list here is therefore unnecessary.
GOLD-ALLUVIAL.-
By alluvial gold is meant gold which has been derived from the denudation
and disintegration of rocks containing auriferous veins by the action of natural
forces, the principal agent being water. It is found (1) scattered through
the surface deposits covering the bedrock, and sometimes lying upon it ;
and (2) in gullies which have been watercourses, which have become filled
with alluvium washed into them from higher ground in their vicinity; and
(3) in deep leads which are alluvial deposits of Tertiary age that filled the
beds of ancient Tertiary watercourses at a time when the drainage of the
country was on a larger scale, and often in a different direction to that now
existing. To a great degree these deposits have been denuded, and frag-
mentary sections alone remain as cappings on the hills ; but in some instances
they conform to the contour of the present valleys. The Pliocene drifts
of the Barossa Ranges and those covering a considerable area of country
in different parts of the main range down as far S. as Cape Jervis belong to
this category. The Adelaide Plains are also underlaid by similar deposits,
as well also as most of the flat country along the main creeks and valleys in
many parts of the colony.
There is a probability of alluvial gold, i.e., gold that has been denuded
from its matrix, being found in the older Tertiary (or Miocene) rocks, which
are understood to have been deposited in lakes and estuaries, and in the
conglomerates and gravels of Mesozoic age. Gravel and sand drifts have
been proved by boring beneath both the older Tertiary and Mesozoic rocks.
where they doubtless fill the basins and channels of ancient lakes and rivers
belonging to these periods. The presence or absence of gold in them depends
on the proximity of older auriferous rocks from which they were derived
by denudation.
The auriferous conglomerate of Algebuckina, on the Neales River, may
be of Mesozoic age.
BAROSSA, Hundreds of Barossa and Para Wirra.—In Tertiary gold drifts
and deep leads at Cottiers', Edwards', Goddard's, Green, Hitches', Red,
and Victoria Hills ; Melville's Rush, Simmons', and White Leads; Bis-
marck's, Simms' Paddock, and at Yetti Hill; in alluvium at Bullocky,
Devil's, Gollop's, Green Hill, Hamlin's, Hissey's, Mary's, Moonta, Nuggetty,
Spike, and Vixen Gullies, and at South Para River, section 586.
366
MINING RECORDS.
ECHUNGA, Hundred of Kuitpo.-At Chapel, Windlass, Poor Man's, and
Little Bendigo Hills ; Chapman's, Break of Day, Diamond, Donkey, German,
Hahndorf, Little Bendigo, Long, Sailor's, Sawmill, and Simond's Gullies;
Wattle Flat, Bell's Point, Christmas Rush, and Hough's Paddock. On the
Onkaparinga River, Bigg's Flat, Pennyweight Flat, Seaman's Point, Black
Sand Corner, Hack's Bridge, &c.
JUPITER CREEK.—At Dead Horse, Long, White, and Foster's Gullies
and Surface and Golden Points.
HIGHERCOMBE.-Sections 3239, 3242, Yatala.
MOUNT CRAWFORD and GUMERACHA, Hundred of Para Wirra.-At Avenue,
Baynes', Dead Horse, Kerosene, Sailors’, Snake, Speck, Spring, and Watts
Gullies, and near Kersbrook.
Near WILLIAMSTOWN.
TEETULPA.—At Brady's, Brennan’s, Flack's, Goslin's, Strawbridge's
Dam, and other gullies.
ULOOL00.-At Coglin's and Scrubber's Camp Creeks and White Lead.
GLENLOTH.-North-Western District.
BLUMBERG, Hundred of Talunga. On the following sections, namely:-
Nos. 116, 6396, 6624, 6625, 6337, 6332, 6334, 6572, 1673, 6511, 6510, 6524,
6558, 6113, 6060, 6154; and sections 1287, 1288, and 1289, known as the
Mount Pleasant Diggings, and others.
MONTACUTE MINE, Sixth Creek.-Along the Torrens River from Mount
Pleasant to Adelaide, Fifth Creek, Uraidla, Forest Range, Inglewood and
Morialta.
MOUNT COFFIN.Leigh Creek District.
BLACKWOOD GULLY, Hundred of Kuitpo. Sections 23, 626
MOTAGGART'S PADDOCK.-Section 22, Kuitpo.
BLACKFELLOW'S CREEK, Hundred of Kuitpo.
BULLAPARINGA. -Second Valley, Encounter Bay.
HUNDRED MOOROOROO.--Sections 777, 810, 813, and others.
MEADOWS.—Hundred of Kuitpo.
MOPPA.-Hundred of Belvidere.
MYPONGA.—On sections 9 and 287, near the junction of the Meadows
Creek with the Finniss River.
WOODSIDE, Hundred of Onkaparinga.- Near the Bird-in-Hand and other
reefs ; and on section 5230, Mount Torrens.
WOODFORD ESTATE.—Hundred of Onka paringa.
LYNDOCH, Hundred of Barossa.-On section 3250.
ONKAPARINGA.-Section 5172 and others adjoining.
NORTH PARA RIVER, Hundred of Barossa.-On section 586.
KING'S BLUFF.-Mellor's Gully, about 4 miles from Olary Railway Station.
BOOLEROO SPRINGS.--Twelve miles N.E. of Leigh's Creek Railway Station.
BILLY'S SPRINGS.—Near Mount Fitton, N.E. of the main range.
YUDNAMUTANA.—About 60 miles E. of Farina.
WALLACE's GULLY.-Near Daly's Bluff.
TWIGHAM.--About 2 miles E. of the Ulooloo Diggings.
RIESCHBEITH'S WELL and CALLANA.—In the Mount Nor’-West Ranges.
ALGEBUCKINA._On the Neales River, North Railway Line.
MINTARO.--Near the township (sec. 2153).
MOUNT OGILVIE.— Near Tower Gap, Mount Lyndhurst Run.
ANGIPENA.
LIST OF METALLIC MINERALS, ETC.
367
Alluvial gold has also been found and in some instances worked to a limited
extent at Waukaringa, Wadnaminga, Mannahill Reefs, Giles' Nob, Noarlunga,
Kangaroo Island, Callawonga and Station Creeks (Waitpinga), Cutaway
Hills, Leigh's Creek, at the Peake, Dennison, and Mount Dutton Ranges;
Clarendon, Currency Creek, Macclesfield, in the Port Lincoln and Franklin
Harbor Districts, Hundred of Coglin (near bore), Quartzose Peake (Mount
Lyndhurst Run).
GOLD IN VEINSTONE”
In South Australia gold occurs in the several matrices undermentioned,
viz. :-(1) quartz reefs ; (2) iron oxides (limonite hematite, gossan, flucan,
etc.); (3) pyrites (ordinary iron pyrites and arseniral pyrites); (4) kaolin
and silico felspathic decomposed veins and dykes ; and (5) ferri-calcite
(carbonate of lime and iron).
The associated valuable ores and metals are galena or silver-lead, native
bismuth and its carbonate, native copper, and ores of nickel, cobalt, and
arsenic,
In quartz reefs the gold is often visible to the naked eye, and in some
cases in pieces of considerable size; but in the ironstone and gossans it is
often so fine as to be invisible. In pyrites this latter is almost always the
condition, no gold being visible until the pyrites has been ground up. The
kaolin and silico felspathic veinstones are generally small and often irregular,
the gold occurring in them in flat, nuggetty pieces, and flat leaves and fila-
ments, and often separated by long intervals of barren sections in the vein.
They are apparently decomposed igneous intrusions associated with vein.
stone.
The occurrence of nuggets in the alluvial drifts may often be due to the
denudation of the soft argillaceous strata in which these veins have been
formed, and not alone to quartz reefs, which are generally regarded as the
matrices of nuggetty gold.
Auriferous quartz reefs occur in gneiss, granite, micaceous and hornblen-
dic schists, and metamorphic sandstone and quartzites ; in argillaceous
slates and sandstones ; in dolomitic limestones and slates; and in brief,
in all the known Primary rocks. Granite, diorite, porphyry, and other
granitic dykes are often found traversing the gold-bearing rocks in the neigh-
borhood, or associated with the auriferous veins. The presence of auriferous
veins is generally indicated by outcrops of quartz, ferruginous quartz, hema-
tite, limonite, and other oxides of iron in reefs conforming to the strike and
bedding of the country rocks, or cutting across them at varying angles.
Their underlie varies from vertical to nearly horizontal, and their width or
thickness from many feet to a few inches. Their bearing or “strike” is
generally more or less meridional, although E. and W. in some districts.
The character of the quartz varies greatly; opaque, transparent, granular,
dense, opalline, and ferruginous quartz, have all been observed to contain
gold. The upper portions of auriferous veins are generally oxidised, the
sulphide of iron being converted into oxides, but this is not invariably the
case. The gold exists in shoots, i.e., portions of the reef which are auriferous
may be followed down continuously to considerable depths, while other
portions along the course of the reef are barren, or else contain a much less.
proportion of gold.
Small branch veins or “ leaders " running across or into the main vein are
often richer than the main vein, or the latter is more highly auriferous near
the junction. Iron and arsenical pyrites are more or less auriferous in all
auriferous veins, but may vary in richness in a similar manner to quartz.
Particulars as to localities are furnished in the Gold section, commencing
page 196.
368
MINING RECORDS.
IRON-
Hematite, limonite (oxides).
Angaston, Barossa, Beltana, Bismarck, Burra, Blumberg, Clinton, Cutana,
Crystal Brook, Eurelia, Gladstone, Gum Creek, Huddleston, Hawker (E. of),
Iron Knob and Iron Monarch, Koolka, Kapunda, Kersbrook, Mount Jagged,
Normanville, Oodla Wirra, Peralilla, Pernatty Lagoon, Point Lowly, Port
Lincoln, Pandurra, Para Wirra, Quorn (Donnelly's quarries).
At or near these localities iron ores occur in workable deposits. The most
extensive deposits are at Iron Knob and Iron Monarch and at Cutana, for
details of which vide Iron section, page 331.
Small and untested ore bodies are also found at Bugle Ranges (near
Macclesfield), Flinders Range (12 miles E. of Blinman), Hahndorf, Laura
(near to), Mount Barker, Mingary, Olary, Hindmarsh River, Scrubbers'
Camp (near the Burra), South Rhine, on Benowrie and Boolcoomata runs,
also 12 miles N. of Bimbowrie Head Station. Oxides of iron are common
in connection with most lodes and quartz reefs above water-level. Iron
pyrites, arsenical pyrites, and cupriferous iron pyrites are found below the
water-level in many localities where these outcrops occur. Pyrites generally
contains gold, and at the Alma Mine, Waukaringa, formed its principal matrix.
Ilmenite, titanic iron, chief matrix of carnotite.- Near Olary.
MERCURY.—Near Willunga.
MOLYBDENITE.
Yelta. Moonta, Wallaroo, and Kurilla Mines, near Franklin Harbor,
Waterfall Camp, 25 miles S.E. of Mount Pleasant.
MICA-
Mount Crawford, near Williamstown, &c.
RUTILE-
Balhannah, near Angaston, Encounter Bay, Lyndoch, Tanunda, Echunga,
Victor Harbor, Meadows (S.), Gumeracha Diggings, Mount Crawford, Hun-
dred of Talunga (sections 8 and 9), Morialta, Noarlunga, Daw's Diggings,
Eleanor River, Kangaroo Island, Oonatra Water, near Mingary.
SILVER-LEAD-
Veins containing argentiferous ores are, in South Australia, always as-
sociated with galena, or sulphide of lead, and cerussite, or carbonate of lead,
with or without ores of copper. These veins may occur in any part of the
area occupied by Primary rocks, and are found chiefly in fissure lodes. There
is an exceptional instance in the case of the Ediacara Mine, where the silver-
lead deposits occur as segregated masses in a soft argillaceous bed, where
also crystalline dolomitic limestone possesses veins of galena and carbonate
of lead, and occasionally fahlerz ore. Most of the silver-lead lodes contain
a percentage of zinc blende (sulphide). Chlorides and iodides of silver have
been found in the Ediacara, Fifth Creek Central, Mount Malvern, Eagle, and
other mines. Arsenides and phosphates of lead have also been observed.
Gold also occurs in association with silver-lead in the ores of Eukaby, Wheal
Ellen, and other mines. Baryta, calcspar, quartz, gossan, ironstone, &c.,
are some of the chief associated veinstones.
Anglesite (sulphate of lead).-Wilpena Pound.
Cerargyrite (silver chloride).-Mount Malvern Mine, Mingary, Mount
Freeling, Ediacara, Eagle, Fifth Creek, Almanda, &c.
Fahlerz (argentiferous tetrahedrite).-Ediacara Mine.
Galena (lead sulphide).-Found in all silver-lead mines.
Pyromorphite (phosphate of lead).-Glen Osmond, Franklin Harbor dis-
trict, Strathalbyn Mine, Avondale Mine, Farina, Hahndorf, Eukaby.
Wulfenite (lead molybdate).--Avondale Mine.
LIST OF METALLIC MINERALS, ETC.
369
.
TUNGSTEN,
Scheelite (tungstate of lime).-Mount Fitton.
Wolframite.-Port Victor.
URANIUM-
Carnotite (uranium and vanadic oxides, &c.)--20 miles E.S.E. of Olary
Railway Station (radio active).
ULLMANITE (See COBALT and NICKEL).
VANADIUM— "
Sulvanite, a new mineral, containing copper, vanadium, and sulphur
Edelweis Mine, section 1, hundred of Apoinga. Vanadic ochre-Paull's
Consolidated, Gow's, Great Mount Lyndhurst, Mountain of Light, and
Mount Burr Mines, Booleroo Springs, Sweet Nell Mine, and Carnotite
locality.
ZINC
-Smithsonite (zinc carbonate)-Mount Fitton Mine. Sulphide (zinc blende)
associates with galena (sulphide of lead) in many of the silver-lead mines.
Zinc (native)-Forest Range.
EARTHY MINERALS.
ASPHALTUM-
Bitumen, mineral pitch. Found at several points on the coast from Mount
Gambier to Fowler's Bay; apparently washed up by the sea; an erratic
occurrence. No deposits have yet been found in situ.
ASBESTOS AND CROCIDOLITE-
Hundred of Adams, Angaston, Hundred of Bright, New Mecklenburg,
Tungkillo, Lobethal, Mine near Menge Town, Animath Place, German Pass,
Barossa Range, Umberatana, Arkaba, Sailors and Watts' Gully (Gumeracha),
near Arkaroola Creek, near Wooltana, near Mount Barker, Belvidere Range,
Flinders Heights, near Mount Fitton Mine (Billy's Springs), Oodla Wirra.
BARYTA
Sulphate of barium, Heavy spar.--Hundred of Talunga, sec. 3696, Mount
Mulga (near Boolcoomata), Šaltia, Teetulpa ; these are solid lodes, the one
at Mount Mulga being an exceptionally large deposit. Baryta also occurs
in many of the copper and silver-lead mines.
COQUIMBITE (copperas) —
E. and N. of Mount Margaret, at the Mound Springs.
28.65 %
Silica and silicate of alumina ..... 13.50
Sulphuric acid ...
30.81
Ferric oxide .....
18.56
Alumina ....................
2.60
Undetermined (lime, magnesia, and soda) 5.88
Water ...........:.;.
;
100.00
CALCITE-
Crystallised carbonate of lime occurs freely throughout the State as a
veinstone in connection with metallic minerals. See MARBLE.
COAL.
Mesozoic Coal.---Leigh Creek, Kuntha Hill, Oorowilannie Swamp, Warri-
ninna, Lake Phillipson bore, and has been met with in several bores sunk
in the Mesozoic basin for artesian water.
Carbonaceous Shale.—Leigh Creek and Lake Phillipson bores.
A2
370
MINING RECORDS.
Lignite. Hindmarsh Island, near Adelaide Railway Station, Coffin's
Bay (near Port Lincoln), Echunga (deep leads), Mirrabuckina Bore (near
Lake Torrens), Nailsworth (near Adelaide), Pidinga (86 miles. N. of Fowler's
Bay), Point Douglass (near Port Lincoln), Port Wakefield (8 miles from),
Teatree Gully (12 miles from Adelaide), Murray Flats, Noarlunga, &c.
Coorongite.-Salt Creek, on the Coorong; found on the surface of a swamp
on sand, in patches resembling pieces of dried leather. Although this sub-
stance is of a very similar composition to elaterite (mineral caoutchouc)
there is a doubt as to its being a minerał. By some seientific authorities
it is regarded as an exudation from a plant or a lichen, and by others as
mineral oil evaporated to a solid form. Vide page 350...
CORUNDUM-
Mount Crawford, between Mounts Pitt and Painter, in extensive deposits.
CHLOKIDE OF SODIUM (common salt)-
As a surface deposit encrusting the mud beds of coastal and inland lakes,
.9., the Coorong, Lake Hart, Lake Eyre, Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula,
etc., and in the neighborhood of the mound springs of the interior. In solu-
tion in the water of many wells and lakes in various parts of the colony, and
in the waterholes of the inland rivers running into Lake Eyre.
FELSPAR-
Kangaroo Island, in large and very pure deposits, and elsewhere wherever
FLINT-
In the older Tertiary limestones of Mount Gambier, MacDonnell Bay, and
Bunda Cliffs (Nullarbor Plain), Rivoli Bay. Table Hill and stony downs
formation of the N. plains.
FLUORSPAR-
Paramatta Mine, Moonta Mine, Field River, and Parara (in limestore),
Kapunda Mine, Alma Mine, Tarcoola, Western River, Kangaroo Island.
GYPSUM (sulphate of lime)
Wallaroo Mine, Hummock Range, Kanyaka, Kapunda, Wirrialpa, Lake
Alexandrina, Beltana Mine, Brighton, Nichol's Nob, Salt Lakes of Yorke
Peninsula, the N. plains (including the Lake Eyre and other lake districts),
the tableland and stony downs country generally, N. of Marion Bay, Lake
Fowler (Yorke Peninsula), N.W. of Port Augusta.
GRAPHITE (Plumbago)-
Sleaford Bay, Warrow, and Koppio (Port Lincoln district), Mount Charles
(Woodside), Mount Torrens, Flaxman's Valley, Amianth Place, near Tumby
Bay, Bimbowrie, Cleve (Franklin Harbor district), Mount Dutton.
KAOLINITE-
Mount Lofty Ranges, Hundred of Dudley, Kangaroo Island, and of frequent
occurrence in all districts.
MANGANESE-
Cold and Wet Station, 8 miles from Coonalpyn Railway Station ; Ellen
Mine, 12 miles S.E. of Gordon Railway Station; Etna Mine, 61 miles N.E.
of Gordon; Gordon Mine, 8.miles N.E. of Gordon; Tumby Bay; Scott's
Mine, on railway between Orroroo and Hammond ; South Australian Mine.
Boolcunda Creek, near Willochra ; Watts' Sugarloaf, 5 miles from Gordon:
Willowie Forest Reserve, 4 miles N. of Melrose (this manganese contains 1.7
to 2.81 per cent. of cobalt). Manganese has also been discovered near
Carrieton, Orroroo, and Lurelia (McGee's Springs, Kinnane's, and Byerlee's);
also 16 miles N.E. of Carrieton. It is also common in small quantities in
various other parts of the colony. Pyrolusite - Gordon; psilomelane
Gordon; wad-Parakylia ; rhodochrosite-Barossa,
LIST OF METALLIC MINERALS, ETC.
371
MAGNESITE (Carbonate of Magnesia)
Flinders Range, near Port Pirie; Hundred of Cunningham; Oolabidnie
Creek, Blinman; Mount Lofty and Barossa Ranges; National Park, Amianth
Place and German Pass, MacDonnell Ranges, Glen Osmond.
MARBLE and CRYSTALLINE LIMESTONE-
Kapunda, Angaston, near Franklin Harbor, Second Valley, Yankalilla,
Ardrossan, Curramulka, Carrara Hill, Amianth Place, Sixth Creek, Mount
Barker, Macclesfield, Flinders Heights, Billy's Springs, Tumby Bay, &c.
ΜοΝΑΖΙΤΕ
King's Bluff, N.E. ; Eleanor River, Kangaroo Island ; section 83, Hundred
of Para Wirra ; Mount Painter.
OCHRE-
Red, yeilow, associated with ferruginous lodes and other deposits, in
numerous localities. Mount Sienna Mine, vide page 282.
PHOSPHATE OF LIME (Rock Phosphate)
Sections 348, 349, 350, 351, 356, and 405, Hundred of Clinton, Yorke
Peninsula ; section 4, hundred of Bright, near Burra; Hundred of Belvidere,
near Kapunda, sections 1551, 1436, and 1437; Hundred of Belvidere, near
Koonunga, sections 88, 115, and 116; Hundred of Kuitpo, sections 293 and
294; Hundred of Cunningham, Yorke Peninsula, section 30E; Hundred
of Noarlunga, near Hackham; Hundred of Bendleby, sections 2 and 28;
· and 224, Hundred of Reynolds. Section 65, Hundred of Willunga.
PHOSPHATE OF ALUMINA-
Section 1551, Hundred of Belvidere ; sections 21, 42, and 60, Hundred
of Pekina ; section 30E, Hundred of Cunningham.
PHOSPHATE OF IRON-
Grampus Range, 11 miles from Netley Station, 30 miles N. of Orroroo,
Angaston, Mount Rufus, near Strathalbyn, Rowland's Creek, Elder's Rock,
Paratoo.
SOAPSTONE (var Talc) -
Lyndoch Valley, Rowland's Flat, near Gumeracha.
SULPHUR-
Native-Echunga, Montacute Mine, Waitpinga. With baryta-Spring
Creek, Mount Remarkable. With Melanterite-Weathered Hill, Blanche-
water, Mutooroo (5 per cent. copper, 37 per cent. sulphur).
GEMS, ETC.
AMETHYST (Oriental)
Mount Painter, Kangaroo Island (Daw's Diggings).
AGATE-
All over Central Australia, from Hergott Springs N., and on the Dia-
mentīna River and Cooper's Creek.
AQUAMARINE-BERYL-
Mount Crawford and Barossa Ranges, Hundred of Dudley, Kangaroo Island.
CHALCEDONY
Angaston, Charley's Swamp, North Para, Redruth, Wallaroo Mine, Ardrog-
san, cliffs at mouth of Onkaparinga River, Barossa Ranges, Flaxman's Valley,
Mount Barker, Kapunda, Blanchewater, Innamincka, and the stony downs.
and table hill country of the Lake Eyre region.
CHIASTOLITE-
Near Bimbowrie, N.E.
CYANITE (Blue)
Kangaroo Island (Daw's Diggings.)
372
MINING RECORDS.
DIAMOND-
Echunga, in alluvium, with gold, Mount Kingston.
EMERALD (Oriental)
Mount Painter.
GARNET
Kanmantoo, Bundaleer, Monarto, Yabmana, Belvidere Range, Mount
Barker, Hundreds of Talunga and Kuitpo, Mount Babbage, Coffin's Bay,
Mutooroo, Kohinoor G.M., Kangaroo Island, &c.
HELIOTROPE (Bloodstone)
Stuart's Creek.
HYALITE (Opal)
Munno Para Hills, Mulligan Springs.
HYDROPHANE (Opal)
Flaxman's Valley, Hundred of Dudley, Kangaroo Island.
JASPER
Tableland and stony downs country of Lake Eyre, Diamentina, Cooper's
Creek, Yudnamutana, Callana, Willowran, Lake Phillipson.
LAPIS-LAZULI-
In white granite, Murray Scrub.
LYDIAN STONE-
Stony downs country of Lake Eyre, Diamentina, and Cooper's Creek.
OLIVINE—
Mount Gambier, Mount Schanck.
OPAL (Common)
Angaston, Mount Crawford, Nuriootpa, Yudnamutana, Kelly's Well,
near the Peake, Flaxman's Valley, Charley's Swamp, Hergott District
(agatised wood and opal), section 337, Hundred of Hawker, Lake Hart.
OBSIDIAN-
Has been found in alluvium and on the surface generally in round button-
shaped pieces all over the province, although most frequent on the stony
downs and table-hill country of the Far North, where its presence, so far
away from any volcanic centre, is most difficult to account for.
RUBY
Mount Painter, Kangaroo Island (Daw's Diggings).
SAPPHIRE-
Mount Painter, Kangaroo Island (Daw's Diggings).
SERPENTINE
Sailor's Gully, Gumeracha (verde-antique), Mount Crawford, Iron Knob,
Tumby Bay, Port Lincoln.
TOURMALINE,
Angaston, Ardrossan, Mount Crawford, Moonta and Paramatta Mines,
Mount Boothby, Barossa Range, Encounter Bay, Rapid Bay, Mount Torrens ;
black-in felspar, in quartz, and in mica, crystallised-in nine-sided prisms
with summits of the primitive rhombohedron-in felspar and with tombac
brown mica, Flinders Heights, Moonta Mine, near Port Augusta, Wallaroo
Bay; section 70, Hundred of Dudley, Kangaroo Island, Tubelite (red),
indicolite (blue), green, and black,
TOPAZ-
Mount Painter, Kangaroo Island (Daw's Diggings).
ZIRCON-
Mount Painter, Kangaroo Island, Jupiter Creek, near Echunga.
Return Showing, so far as can be ascertained, the Quantity and Value of Metals and Minerals Produced in the State of South Australia Annually since 1840.

GOLD.
SILVER.
SILVER LEAD
ORE.
COPPER.
COPPER ORE
AND REGULUS.
LEAD.
MANGANESE ORE.
BISMUTH ORE.
IRONSTONE
FLUX.
LIMESTONE
Flux.
PHOSPHATE
ROCK.
CRUDE Salt.
OTHER
METALS AND
MINERALS.
YEAR.
TOTAL
VALUR.
Quantity.
Value.
Quantity.
Value.
Quantity.
Value.
Quantity.
Value.
Quantity.
Value.
Quantity,
Value.
Quantity. Value.
Quantity. Value.
Quantity.
Value.
Quantity
Value.
Quantity.
Value.
Quantity.
Value.
Value.
-
Ozs.
Ozs.
Tons.
Cwts.
Tons.
Cwts.
Tons.
Cwts.
Tops.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
1040
1841
111
Dil 390
104
23
127
203
277
26,436
85
8513
147
145
20
203
682
2,427
871
1,437
2,104
10,452
2,877
2,941
1,592
219
130
104
O
8,63
29
29
O
259
335
131
6,462
9,162
16,323
10,000
8,992
5,180
11,714
3,767
3,279
4,102
9,539
O
O
23
44,595
50,774
39,187
24,303
8,119
12,255
44,980
56,893
Tilllllllllllllllllll
22
144
Estimated value of production to July 31st, 1871, vide Gazette
August roth, 1871–
16
550,000
35
accomana
1,422
8,115
47,798
56,745
WIIllllll||||llllilllll
6,857
7,447
7,435
5,710
8,275
15
8,207
36r
425
3,650
377
23,855
14,200
8,068
2,480
300
2,266
9,007
13,107
1,507
11,318
3,353
1,245
296
21
||||||||||llllllllllllllll
1862
1,26:
1,824
1,250
426
271
41|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4,426
41|||||||||||!||||||!|||||||!|||||||||!|||||||||
97
1863
1864
||!|||llil!!!!!!!!!lllllllllllllllllll
4,009
12,613
140,794
171,883
310,172
182.829
187,556
113,379
212,931
63,112
59,094
84,444
159,205
144,245
109,040
107,399
104,007
152,874
143,781
84,917
40,605
184,677
225,683
113,969
207,732
250,259
173,861
119,903
122,020
133,371
136,530
175,101
164,597
165,408
156,318
135,603
113,864
155,126
981
525
I21
lo
llllllllIllIIIII||||||||lll.
63
451
567
86
648
212
82
215
33,812
174,574
195,545
161,847
113,235
35,312
67,383
248,460
290,739
250,042
289,841
331,775
294,572
400,591
447,944
637,791
433,795
584,509
627,384
400,691
371,566
394,919
518,080
680,714
635,131
557,306
578,065
427,403
397,662
252,200
217,186
233,374
263.370
259,884
234,780
287,753
194,090
172,330
133
Dovac
1,351
3,391
3,049
2,936
2,564
2,061
500
2,991
5,464
5,670
4,471
4,089
5,497
24
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
1869
1870
1871
1872
42
1,045
500
1,130
4,720
6,634
5,382
4,597
16,176
16,824
11,455
20,735
26,835
20,886
20,127
26,964
27,382
22,854
26,436
22,682
18,532
17,046
13,759
14,656
21,648
25,897
73
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||llllllllllllllll
IIIIIIIIIII||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
411|lllllll||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
inllllll||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Illllllllllllllllll|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3,381
♡ CONNNNNNNNNN
Illlllllllllllllllllll|||llllillllllllllllllllll
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||lllll||||||||||
2,324
1,168
1873
14
20
1874
76
I,III
1,802
2,501
293
4,175
7,034
9,888
332
III
1,775
1,960
2,120
200
215
120
13,484
142,251.
174,190
320,943
219,547
365,464
310,516
374,778
176,744
94,831
155,557
408,042
458,839
373,282
411,018
446,537
452,172
547,619
542,393
691,624
620,112
824,501
752,231
616 383
627,092
574,020
*550,000
648,200
806,226
770,590
700,303
762,386
602,317
563,425
409,749
352,969
347,238
420,558
461,425
401,715
490,833
343,804
275,083
319,938
369,989
348,803
263,645
267,001
204,051
234,490
247,515
255,080
237,857
285,951
264,849
451,611
431,259
522,478
498,375
571,371
531,783
573,796
II
371
65,429
61,047
85,872
96,039
134,055
100, 196
129,272
156,863
104,227
92,788
109,421
127,911
149,050
141,744
132,587
136,835
109,269
102,871
71,866
67,370
66,108
76,485
72,955
67,973
91,441
70,352
72,710
77,490
63,310
80,172
59,237
71,033
53,074
98,888
103,352
92,069
94,096
95,414
109,912
97,727
134,719
136,937
129,812
125,560
130,959
164,160
her OOO ac
324
20
1,225
90
"
880
3,080
10,554
15,469
195,686
131
064
907
386
18,687
2,079
.
23,968
59
18,295
37
152
220
764
2,671
3,970
4,692
8,825
19,082
8,728
10,124
5,184
6,904
6,569
un
ooooooooooooo 0 0
28
1,182
2,111
13,757
5,898
1,496
602
1,800
2,550
2,332
8,452
1,787
521
420
186,624
32,535
72,003
34,205
37,305
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
1,929
2,700
140,545
181,477
128,893
58,538
54,244
74,755
87,694
71,575
53,175
43,485
34
120
171
327
523
128
372
18,639
14,782
12,731
13,055
18,056
15,380
13,035
10,596
1,259
270
2,780
5,505
490
123
1,973
2,942
20,808
236
893
10,895
5,144
3,507
5,107
7,023
1,725
1,526
6.359
517
146
1,550
1,452
1,021
1,596
2,764
847
704
2,428
370
792
I!|||||||||||||||||||llllllll
و بر
334
48
3,262
86,393
5,805
580
407
\
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
309
34
174
II
212
84
39
88
1111
348
987
707
27,380
26,097
12,561
33,401
26,060
14,350
39,020
10,676
15,582
14,494
16,613
24,878
28,650
76,025
45,853
27,000
252,627
212,933
155,417
182,142
132,040
208,967
208,639
226,494
219,052
238,277
244,865
406,208
371,920
468,606
388,162
417,116
382,356
426,511
218,609
1,522
950
190
2,961
723
598
1,346
560
1,357
545
8,904
7,473
4,031
10,322
2,798
3,893
3,721
4,918
7,231
8,650
17,897
10,983
8,037
338
1896
1897
1898
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903
1904
1905
1906
1,146
3,806
3,782
1,963
1,607
3,150
4,640
3,992
24,682
22,526
23,011
42,550
54,923
24,597
411
1,631
6,316
7,282
7,650
1,360
43,507
14,408
4,382
722
132
330
2,892
2,367
1,856
2,579
7,069
3,051
2,563
17,526
11,357
19,740
1,267
1,410
2,680
211
22,303
1,839
680
81
7,086
8,799
1,000
84,932
46,687
84,483
46,712
27,091
48,577
33,852
198
28,434
43,440
44,498
31,940
6,516
4,791
4,791
1,000
3,000
5,000
5,850
40,000
40,000
32,500
55,000
3,000
5,000
1,040
1,000
369
550
12,000
12,000
13,000
27,500
Bor
104
1,261
2,209
75,226
5,850
820,465
II
-
-
TOTALS +185,687
1,256,479 || 12,516
1,770 || 15,008 | 218,979
il
5,091,448
18,743,481
699,737
6,654,884
118,410
102,153
13,267
46,232
1,402
16,679
291,328
156,232
119,878
16,098
14,850
14,850
167,500
64,500
15,624
£27,308,351
* Estimated value of production to July 31st, 1871, vide Gazette, August 1oth, 1871.
+ Incomplete.
IN DE X.
NOTE.—'The letters (c). (s-1), (9) indicate copper, silver-lead, and gold.
........
9, 20
208
.............
41
.......................
79
198
.........
337
........
Page.
Aclare (8-1) ......
162
" North (8-1) ..........
163
Adams, Hundred of (asbestos)
353
Adelaide Copper Mining Co. (c)
66 Syndicate (g).
259
Aergunda (manganese) ...
352
Agery (c) .........
159
Aitchison's Claims (g) ..
196
Ajax (c) ........
20
" (9) .............
196
Aladdin (g) ...........
259
Algebuckina (g) .......
199
Alſ Nations (c) .....
159
Alma and Victoria (g)..
197
• Extended (g) ...
Almanda (3-1).......
163
Annesbury's Claim (c)
21
Angaston (c) .....
159
(g) ..........
200
Angepena Treasure (g) ... .......... 200
Ango (c)...............
21
Anstey's (c) .......
159
Anker and Garrett's (c) ..
154
Apex Hill (c).
Appealinna (c) ......
21
Extended (c)....
Homeward Bound (c) 22
Appleby's (g) .......
200
Argosy (g) ................
269
Arno Bay (c) ............
152
Asbestos .......
353
Associated Copper Trust (c) .....
146
Auburn (g) .....
205
Aureous (g) .......
201
Aurora Aust.alis (g)...... .....240, 245
Associated O.K. (g) .....
201
Australian Mining Co. (c)... ........
Austral Blocks (c).
Avenue Gully (g) ....
259
Avondale (8-2)....
164
Ayliffe's Prospect (c)
Balhannah (c, g, bismuth)..
5 Surprise (g) ..
Balcanoona (c) ..........
Barilla (c) ........
Baroota Nob (0,9) .....
Baratta (c) ............
6 (8-)) .........
164
Barritt's (8-1) ........
165
Basham's (8-2)........
165
201
Banksia (g)...
201
Batchelor and Moody's Great Iron Blow
(S-1) ........
185
Barossa, Hundred of
66 Goldfields ..........
202
"' Cement (g) .......
203
Page.
Barossa, Deep Leads (9).......
203
66 Reefs (g) ............
205
56 Junction (9) ........
205
66 Treasure (g).......
205
“ Redemption (g) ...
.........
Bernini's Claims (c) .....
Benalack (c) ..........
Ben Lomond (c, s-1) ......
Benowrie (c) ..........
Bewley (c) ...........
159
Beltana (c, S-1) ...............
165
Broken Hill (5-1) ....
165
Blocks (8-2) ....
166
North (s-1) ......
166
Comstock (s-1)...
194
Edith (8-1).......
194
" King (8-2) ........
194
South (3-1) .........
194
Winnowie (8-1) - ......
194
Bandleby, Hundred of (phosphate) .... 340
(g) .........
209
Belvidere, Hundred of (phosphate)
v (s-/) ......
166
Belle of Barossa (g) .....
205
Bertram's Reef (g) .........
227
Belcher and Gray's (g) ...
270
Beryl .......................
359
Billy Springs (C, s-l, zinc)
166
locality (g) ..
209
Big Ben (g)................
227
- Blow (g) .............
209
“ Hill (3-7). .............
166
Biggs' Flat (g) ..........
268
Birthday, Mannahill (g) ..
238
“ Wadnaminga (g) ......
322
Bird in Hand (g) .......
326
o Extended (g) ..... 326
Bimbowrie Cobalt.....: .......... 353
Bitumen ..................
350
Bismarck (Lux) (g)..........
Para Wirra (9)
Billeroo (c) ......
Bimba Hill (c) .....
Bingo (c) .....::
Black Feather (c)
66 Queen (c) ...
30
« Point (c) ...
.............
31
Horse (c) ..........
43
Maria (c)...........
159
Nob (c) ........
.............. 159
66 Rock (8-1)
............ 166
" Hills (s-l)...
194
56 Snake (g) ......
270
Blackfellow's Reef (g) ........
209
of Creek (g) ..........
228
Blackwood Gully (g) ............
228
Blacker's Reward (g)
270
228
.. 9, 23
. 23
............
Pero
259
23
30
..............
27
.............
202
374
INDEX
31
42
167
284
......
.......
.......
34
.................
42
42
58
42
34
228
Page.
Blinman (c) .......
Block F, Hundred Batchelor (c) .. 34
Blumberg Gold Mines (g) ........ 270
" Boulder (g)......
United (g) ::::
271
“ Proprietary (g).
271
“ Diggings (g) .....
271
Blocks, Tarcobla (g).....
286
Boolooroo Springs (c) .....
Bon Accord (c)........
Bonaventura (c) ....
Boolcunda (c) ......:
34
Bock and Broadbent's (c)
123
Bolland's Uraidla (9)
209
Boomerang (g) ......
210
66 North (g) .............
210
Booyoolie, Hundred of (g)
210
Boolooroo (g)......
210
Bowker's Claim (g) ....
210
Bremer (c) ...
Bremer's (g) ....
Brindana (c, g) ........
264
Britannia Mining Co. (c).
Bronzewing (c) ........
Broughton (c) ......
Breakell & Co. (g) .......
205
Brilliant (g) .......
211
Broken Hill and Waukaringa Syndicate
(g).......
211
Broken Hill Workings, Hawker (c) .. 63
Brennan's (g) .......
313
Bright, Hundred of (phosphate) ... 335
66 (asbestos) .....
353
Brothers' Islands (phosphate) ..... 343
Brind (g) ........
327
Burra Burra (c) .....
11, 37
“ Consols (c)....
Burrawing (c) .......
39
Bunker's Hill (c) ...
Burnt Pussy (c) ......
159
Bundaleer (c) ......
150
Bullocky Gully (g) ..
204
Buckerfield & Co. (g)
Bunyaroo Spring (g)
211
Bulla paratta (9)...
211
Burnside (g) .......
212
Burton's (9) ......
271
Buttamuk (8-1)........
166
30
Page.
Chamber's Mine (c) .......
Charlton (c)..........
Cherry Gardens (8-1) ......
Mine (5-2)..
167
Chapel Hill (g) ...
228
Chapman's Gully (g) .....
228
66 Mine (g)
229
Christmas Rush (g) ......
229
" Day Claim (g)....
239
Challoner (g).......
259
China Clay ....
355
Champion (S-1)..
177
Claca St. Dora (c) ;
Clare, Hundred of, sec. 41 (g)....... ·212
Clive (c) ...........
Clinton (phosphate) ........
334
Clark's Mount Lyndhurst (c) .........
Cocoa Nut (c).....
Coglin, Hundred of, sec. 163 (c)
Colliny Spring (c) .......
Commonwealth (c) .......
Condell's (c) ..............
Condell and Provis (c) ....
Constitution Hill (c) ....
56 66 West (c)
Confidence (g) .........
Cooper's Claim (c) .......
Copper King (Hawker) (c) ...
" (Beltana) (c) ...........
“ Top (c).....................
s Hill (Kulpara) (c) ...........
66 65 (Benowrie) (c) ..........
46
56 Corporation S.A. (C) ....48, 129, 131
66 Valley (c) .......
46
Cottier's Hill Lead (g) ...
203
Cooee (9)........
212
Comet (g) .........
229
Cobra (g) .......
272
Countess of Jersey (g) ........
321
Coorongite ...
350
Coomooroo (8-1) .............. 166
Coodla Moonda Syndicate (3-1).
167
Coromandel Syndicate (8-1).
167
Corundum: ..............
358
Cornelius Claims (Mary) (c) ..
Cornwall (c) ...........
46
Cobalt ............
353
Crinnis (c) .........
Crow's Claim (g) ...........
213
Crystal (g) .....
229
Crozier and Sheppard's Claims (g) .... 266
Crown (g).
Currency Creek (c) ...
47
Cumberland (c)...
......... 47
Curramulka (c)
Cutaway (c) ...
......48, 129, 131
Cumanilla (S-1) ..............
Curdnatta (g)..
292, 307
Cutana (iron) ...............
331
Cuttlefish (manganese).........
352
Cygnet (g) ........
.................
33
.................
.....
(8-4)..
205
.................
47
....
272
0
0
0
1
.......
47
160
34
39
212
39
166
212
259
39
220
361
160
354
320
166
40
167
Caledonia (c) .....
Callington (c) .........
Callana (c) ............
California Claims (g) ......
Campbell's Lease (c) ..
hos Creek (8-1)
Cameron's Reef (g)
Cambrian (9)....
Carn Brea (c) .....
(g) .....
Carnotite
Cartapo (c) .....
« Creek (cobalt)
Carver's Claim (g)
Carrieton (8-1) .......
..................
Castambool (c) .........
Centralia (c) .....
Central Brown Snake (g).........
Challa (c) ........
213
213
48
.............
Daly (c) ..............
Dalkey (6, 3-1) .............
Dalhousie Syndicate (S-1) .......
Davill's (C) .........
Davey's (-2) .......
Day Dawn (g) .........
83. 167
167
106
168
214
INDEX.
375
20
51
Page.
214
272
240
272
168
292
293
167
312
328
48
48
49
140
204
214
358
49
230
268
126
332
80
214
49
168
49
277
49
Daw's Diggings (g).........
Dart's Syndicate (g) .......
Dalton & Co. (g) ...
Dan O'Connell (g) ...........
Dark's Peak (5-7)....
............
Dark Hill Taccoola (g) ..
“ Bairstow's (g) .....
(87).....
Darley's Glenloth (g) ....
Daisy Point (g) ....
Depot Creek (c).
o Springs (c)
..........
Dead Finish (c)...
Devon Consols (C)..
Deep Lead (g) ....
Debney's (g) ...........
Diamonds ............
Diamond Jubilee (c) ....
os Gully (g) ....
Didicoolum ..
Dominick (c) .......
Donnelly's (iron) .........
Doris and Youngman (c)........
Doig's (Angepena) (g) ...........
Doora (c) ......
Dr. Dixon's Taltabooka (8-2) .....
Duke of Cornwall (c).......
" " (g) .......
Duryea (c) .....
Ducer's Sliding Rock (c) ......
Dutton's Mine (c) .......
Duck Pond Hill (5-1)..
Duncan's (8-1) .. ..............
Dustholes Reef (g) ......
Duchess of Neidorf (g).....
Durdan (g) ........
Duscovitche's Reef (g)...
..........
Page.
Elsie Adair (c) ..
51
Brown (g) .......
272
- May Reef (g) ... .........
...241, 244
Elvena (c)...
Emily (S-1)........
171
Emu (c) .......
51
" Creek (c) .............
20
" Flat (c) .......
Emeralds...
359
Encounter Bay (coal-boring)...... 349
Enterprise Mining Co. (c, s-l)........ 12, 52
Beltana (c)
Slattery's (C)..
52
Williamstown (C) .......
52
Barossa (g)......
203
Esinonde (g) .........
217
Ethiudna (c and cobalt) ..
53
Etna (manganese)....
352
Eudunda Hope (g) ....... ..244, 246
Eukaby (S-1).
171
Blocks (s-l) ...
172
Extended (5-1).
172
Hill (8-1)...
172
on South (5-1) ..........
172
West (S-1)..............
172
Euko (c) ....
53
Eurelia (c).
56
66 (5-1) ..........
166
Eurilpa (c) ..
166
Euro (g) ....
245
Eureka (g) ......
327
Excelsior (9) .......
260
“ (Tarcoola) (g).... ........... 294
Ey's Mine (S-2) .....................
173
66
168
168
214
219
272
273
................
50
54
Fabian's No. 1 (g)
312, 313
“ No. 2 (g) ....
313
.6 No. 3 (g) ..
314
Fairview (phosphate).
335
Fairbank's (s-l)........
173
Farrant's (g) ..........
231
Faugh-a-Ballagh (g) ........
......
217
Federal (Mount Bourne) (c)
" Mount Fitton) (c)
54
(9) ........
216
“ (Tarcoola) (g) .........
294
Fergusson's (g) ....
217
Fiedler's Claim (c)....
Fifth Creek Central (c, s l) .....
54
Finniss (c) .........
Finke Springs (s-l) ..........
185
Flagstaff (g) ......
Flaxman's Valley (c)
Flinders (c) .........
56
194

......
260
54
15
66'
160
Eagle (8-2)..
177
Earea Dam ....
307
Earl of Jersey (9)
321
s Dalhousie (c)
50
East Moonta (c)..
“ Alma (g) .......
216
" Paringa (c) .........
160
Easter (g) .....
Eastward Ho (g) ........
244
Easther's Claim (c) ..
Echunga Goldfield
Mine (9)...................
230
Gold Prospecting Party (g) ... 230
Hydraulic Sluicing Co. (g) ... 236
Eclipse (9 and bismuth)
le East (g) ...........
216
Edwards' Copper Mine (c) ......... 50
203
Edelweiss (cand vanadium)...
50
Edeberg (c and vanadium) .....
50
Ediacara (8-7) ................
168
Edgardo (g)...................... 217
Eiffel Tower (g) .........
....319, 321
Elatina (c) ...........
Elder's Section (g)....
273
" Rock (nitrate) ..
341
Eldridge and Trinder's Reef (g) .... 273
Electra (g) ......
231
Ellen (manganese) ...
Elliott and Clarke's Claim (g)........ 240
273
160
210
Rush (g) ..........
(8.1) ......
g) :
173
1
210
217
173
160
Forest Range (g) .....
Fountain Head (S-1) .. ..........
(g) ....
...........
Fox's Property (g) ..
Frenchman (g) .......
...............
Friend (c) .......
Frome Syndicate (c) ..
" Well (c) ......
Fullarton's Claims (c)........
327
218
323
116
160
173
56

.
352
Gawier River (g) ..............
218
376
INDEX.
137
322
203
:
C
204
.
.
60
12
.
Page,
Great Tarcoola (g) .....
295
6 Eastern (5) ....
.............
Green Hill (c) ......
60
Lead (g) .....
...........
co Gully (g) .
.............
Green and Gold (c,9) ............
Greenock Creek (c)..
Grunthal (c, g) ..........
221
Grundy (g) ..........
220
Gum Well (c) ........
Gurr's Copper Venture (c) ..
Gumeracha and Mt. Crawford Goldfields 257
Goldfield
203
66 Syndicate (g) ........
260
Gold Venture (g) ...
Gypsum..........................
354
.
.
13, 174
61
260
..
218
203
.................
<3
61
160
...............
219
.........
................
........
260
261
220
160
Page,
Garden Gully (g) ..
272
German Hill (c) ..
" Reef (g)..
273
Gibbons & Co. (g)....
239
Gilead P. Beck (5-).
........ 173
Gilles (Glen Osmond) (3-1)..........
174
Gip Gip.........................
268
Glamorgan (g) ......
199
Glen Osmond (5-1) ..............
173
“ Union Co. (8-1).....
" Quarries (s-l) ....
.. 177
Glenalbyn (9, $ 7)...
.56, 178
Glen Dhu (9) ...... ......
... 231
Glenloth (g)......
........ .. 311
Glen Markie (g) ..
........313, 314
Glen Taggart (9).....
Goddard's (g) .......
261
“ Hill (9) ...........
Gorge (c) ........
57
Goode and Price (C)
136
Golden Gate (g) ...
218
Pile (g) ......
218
Junction (g) .......
.......... 219
Hill (g) ...........
219
- (Mannahill) (g! .......
240
Nob (g) .............
220
Rock (9)
220
Thorpe (g) ..........
Point (g)....
221
Crown (g) ......
231
" (Blumberg) (g) .... 276
Reef (g) ......
231
Rise (9)......
.......
231
6s West (g) ..............
231
Dew Drop (g)
256
Slope (g) ...
277
66 West (g)
...........
277
of North (9)
278
Tower (g) ....
321
Record (g) .....
321
Gollop's Gullv (9)
204
Gordon (manganeso) ... .......... 352
Gordon's (g) ... ................
313
Goshen Claim (9) .................
239
Gosliu's Claim (g) ..............
241
Gorrlay's (g) .......
310
Government Mine, Tarcool.(9) ... 295
Gowland's Reef (g) ........... 278
Grand Junction (Yudnamutana) (c)
66
(C) .......
Graefe's (87) ...............
Gray's (3-2) ..................
Great Benowrie (c)............
66 Britain (c) ...........
Boulder (C) ........
Expectations (rutile).
Gladstone (c) .......
" (3-11 ......
.......
Mount Lyndhurst (c) ....
........
Montezuma (c)...... .......
Wheal Orford (c, g) ..........
Copper Bell (c).. ........
60
Northern (c) .........
60
6 (-1) .....
...........
Bradford (c). ........... 160
Comstock (5-1).
178
Nevada (5-1) ......
194
Talunga (g)
270
...
.........
221
179
278
Haddy's Reward (g) ........
278
Hahndorf (3-1)..'
17-
.66 Gully (9) .......
231
Hallett's Mine (c)"..
160
Hall's New Find (g) ......
231
Hamley (c) .....
" Extended (c) ...
Hamilton (c) ....
61
Hamilton's Claim (c) ...
62
Hamlin (g) ..........
" Gully (g) .....
Hannaford's Reef (g).
260
Harris' Hill (c) ...
62
Hart's Mine (c) ......
Harvey's Return (c) .....
Harrold's Claim (g) ....
Hatche's Hill Lead (g)...
204
Hawker, Hundred of, sec. 75
63
Heather Bell (g) ......
Henderson's (g) ....
309
Hender's Property (S-1) .....
Helene (8-1) :.
179
Heinrich's Mine (g).
Heggie's (g)....
249
Hercules (c).... ...........
Heyward's (c)
62
Hicks' Shaft (S-1)
Hill's (5-1) .......
179
Hillside (Kapunda) (c)
62
328
Hill River (coal) ...
346
Hisgrovo's (g) .....
306
Hissey's Gully (g)........
204
Hog Bay Mineral Claims
355
Holmes Claim (c) .....
130
Holmes and Radford (9) ........... 240
Homeward Bound (g) ...
..245, 246
Hooper's Luck (sl)... ........... 179
Hope (3-2)......
179
Horseshoe (g) .... ................ 222
" Bend (g) .........
........... 208
Venture (c) ......
160
Howell's Syndicate (g).
279
Hutchinson's Claim (g)
260
Hynes' Reef (g) ...
........... 270
Hyland's Great Gun (9)
222
.......
63
.........
179
os
(g)... ::
57
......
21
179
............
222
Imperial Mint (5-7) .....
Inglewood (g) ....
Iron ....
“ Monarch (iron) .........
..............
331
331
INDEX,
377
331
63
Page.
Iron Knob (iron) .......
" King Copper Prospect (c)........
Ironclari (g) .....
222
Ivey's Claim (g) ....
239
Ivy Queen (c) .....
64
231
306
238
Jackman's Mine (9)
Jagoe and Harris (c)...
Jenkins' Claim (9).
Jerry's Mine (c) ...
Jessie Darling (9)
John Bull (c) .........
(5-0) .......
64
239
50
279
64
..........
238
(g)..
John Brown (Lux) (g) ....
Johnson's Gully (9)
Joker (N.E.) (s-l)..
" Mount Freeling) (8-2)
Junction (Leigh Creek) (c).
Jubilee (5-1)...
Juanita (g)..
Jupiter (9)
194
323
237
222
179
180
65
195
223
Page.
Lake Torrens (c)...
76
" (8-) ...
............... 195
6 Hart (opal) ...
................ 360
66 Phillipson (coal)
347
66 View (g) .........
314
Lambert's (g) ......... ...... 238
Last Resource (g) ......
Laura Syndicate (Lovely Gully) (g).
Lawrence's Claim (g) ...
232
Lease 938, Tarcoola (g) ...
307
66 1022, 6 (g)
........
305
1060 " (g) ...
296
Ley's (g) ......
Lester's Claim (g)
240
Legge and Walsh's (g).
266
Le Hunte (g) ........
328
Leigh Creek (coal) ..
344
Lindo's Claim (c) ...
Lindschau's (c)....
Lipson's Cove (c).
Lilian (g) ........
279
Little Crumb (g)..
on Gem (g) ...
236
5 Swallow (9)
328
Lloyd's (C) .........
" Section (Cherry Gardens) (8-1) 181
Lobethal (8-1) ......
181
Localities of Minerals, &c. ...
364
Long Gully (g) ........
232
Lorna Doone (c) ........
77
Lovely Gully (White's) (g)
211
Lucky Hit (g) .......
279
North (g) ....
280
Junction (g)..
Ludlow (g) ..
264
Lux (g) .......
237
Lynda (c) ........
77
Lyndoch (9) ..........
205
Valley (g) ...
205
231
279
..........
77
........
66
65
66
280
.................
64
Kanappa (c) ..
65
Kangarilla (s-!).....
180
...........
Kangaroo (g) ........
232
* Island China Stone & Clay Co. 354
Kanmantoo (c) .....
..13, 66
o West (C)....
Kanyaku (c) .......
sec. 98 (c) ...
Kapunda (c) ......
14, 66
" Syndicate (g) ...
261
Karkarilla (c) ......
61
Karkulto (c) .........
70
Kathleen (9)....:;:
279
Keyneton King (8-1) ........... 180
"
Proprietary (5-1) ..... 180
Kibble Hill (c)
75
King (g) .....
232
King's Bluff (g) ....
223
Kingsmill's Discovery (9)....
307
Kintore (c) ...
Kirwan (c) ......
Kirkeek's Treasure (g) ....
Kitticoola (c, g)
70
Klem's Claim (9)
323
Klondyke (g) ....
246
Koh-i-noor (9) ....
226
Kooagnie (c) .......
Koona (c) ...........
Koonunga (phosphate)
341
Konig's Claim (g) .....
Kooroona (c) ........
46
Kuitpo, Hundred of
227
Kuntha Hill (coal) ........
346
Kurilla (c) ....
141
Kychering Hills (g)
295
78
177
............
......
78
....................
76
78
16
239
MacDonald's Hill (c).
Macfarlane's (8-1) ...
Mack's Prospect (8-1)
181
Magill Mine (c)......
160
Maitland (c) .......
157
Malone's (c) ...........
78
Mallee Hut (c) ............
Malcom's Barossa (g, c).....
208
Malpas' Section (g) .......
238
Mammoth Black Ridge (c)
(s-l) ...........
195
Mandarin (c)...
79
Mangalo (3-1) .................
181
Mannahill ..................., 238
• Proprietary (8.1) .......... 181
. " Reef Samples (g) ...242, 243, 245
Manganese ..
352
Mary (c) ...........
79
Marybank (g) ...
218
Mary's Gully (g) ...
262
Marcollat ....
268
Marshall's (3-2)
181
Maria (9) ............
252
Marowie (c).......
79
Matheson's (c) .....
79
Mattapara (c)
120
Matta Matta (c)
141
Mattawarangala (c)
80
...............
.....
......
261
Lady Alice (g).
Buxton (c)....
Tennyson (c) .........
" Elizabeth (3-2)
Franklin (c, 9, 8-1, und zinc)
Smith (-2)...
Pearce (g)
Jane (g) ...
Edith (g)..
180
180
195
205
238
262
378
· INDEX
80
66
................
..........
.....
230
..313, 314
82
91
195
91
195
81
...........
94
94
.......................
232
94
83
94
SAN
177
Page.
May Queen (9) ....
233
sr Flower (c) ...
80
McConville's (c)...
McGee's Springs (c)
166
McCulloch (8-1) ..
166
McGrath's (3-1) :
182
McRobie's (g) ....
206
McMurtie's (g) ....
233
McLean's (g).......
248
McVittie's Hill (g) ..
McPherson's (g) ......
Mears' Copper Prospect (c)
Medina (c)...
80
Medora (g) .........
248
McCabe's (c) ........
............
86
Melrose (c)....... ...............
80
Melville's Rush (g) ......
204
Menzies' Barossa (7) ...
206
“ North (3)...... 208
Mercury...
355
Mica ..........
356
Mid Alma (g) .....
248
" Moonta (c)
Mildaltie (c, s-1)
83
Mingary (g) ...
237
Mint (g) ......
327
Mineral Oil ....
350
Mintaro (g) ....
248
.....................
Mizpah (g)......
Mochatoona (c)...
“ North (c) ..
83
Moculta (phosphate) ..
340
Moller and Rankine (c).
Monarch (c)...........
Monarch's Head (c).....
84
Monazite ..............
302
Montacute (c,g) .....
...15, 84, 248
Montague's Nevada (5-1)
182
Monte Christo (g) ....
Monster Lode (c) ...
84
Moolooloo (c) .....
" South (c) ..
Moonta Mine (c).
140
56 Central (c).
.........
81
Gully (9) ..............
204
66 Hill (g) ..
205
Mooroo (c) ......
84
Moorowie (c) .....
84
Moorahnoo (c) ...
Moore's Claim (g) .
240
Moore Bros. (3-1) ..
182
Moonlight (g) ....
255
Moppa Goldfield.
248
Hill (9) ..........
249
Mortlock's Mine (c).. ............
160
Morialta (3-1) .......
182
(g) ....
249
Morphett's (c) ...
160
77
Mottram's (C)...
249
Mosley's (c) ...:
97
Mountain of Light (c)
129
Mount Arden (c)
Bold (c) ....
85
Burr (c) ....
86
Bayley (c) ..
Carrie (8-1)..
Chambers (c) ..
84
Page.
Mount Coppin (c) ....
87
Cultalga (C,g) ...
153
Craig (g) ..
Charles (g) .. ........
Deception (c)....
Desire (c) .......
Distant (s-l) ......
Dutton Range (g) ....
Emily (c)............
Euro ...............
Fitton (0,8-1, and zinc).
6 South (c) ......
" Consolidated (c) ..
Frederick (8-1) ......
Griffith (c)......
Gunson (c) ..........
91
Grainger (g) ......
250
Jagged (iron)..
332
James (5-2)...
Kintore (g) ....
.. 253
Liverpool (c).....
Lofty Syndicate (c)
" Park (S-1)...
Lyell (c) ....
Lyall (3-1)...
Malvern (s-l).. ....
McDonnell (c and bismuth)
Mary (C)....
Mulga (C)......
Monster (g) ........
251
Magnificent (g) ...
253
Nor’-West (c) .......
• Osmond (5-2).............
Ogilvie (9, c, cobalt, nickel, and
arsenic)...........
253
Ogilvie West (9, c, s-l, nickel,
and bismuth) ......
253
Perseverance (c)......
94
Pangæus (9) ........... 233
Pleasant Diggings (1)..
" Reefing Syndicate (g) 277
Remarkable (c) ...
14,94
Rhine (8-1).
185
Rose (c) ...
95
Rugged (C) .......
" Roebuck (8-1)
195
Rufus (g)..............
253
Stuart (c) ...........
96
Serle locality (S-1) ....
........
185
Sienna (g and ochre)
66
Torrens (9)
280
Venture (9) ...
254
66 Victoria (g) ....
254
Moule's Claim (c) ......
100
Muldoon's Claim (7)..
Murninnie (c and bismuth) ..
Mutooroo (c) ..........
West (c) .........
West Extended (c)
66 Consuls (c) .......
Munjibbie (c) ....
Mulga Hill (c) ...
99
Musgrave (c) ..
Muldanippa (3-1)....
195
Myponga (9)
254
Nackara Proprietary (C)..... · 100
Reward (g) .........
248
......
280
84
84
.........
95
56
282
254
96
0
0
...
............
..........
(g)...
93
....................
160
66
184
66
255
-
INDEX.
379
255
101
...........
101
....................
..
328
Page.
185
106
106
106
107
131
314
314
256
233
268
107
332
353
360
107
109
342
166
0
Olary (8-2) .......
Oladdie, sec. 25 (c) ..
56 " 45 (c) ...
56 " 159 (c)
Old Noll's Mine (c) ......
O'Loughlin Syndicate (r).
Olsen's No. 1 (9) ........
o No. 2 (g) .......
Ona Tree Hill (7) ......
Onkaparinga River Diggings (g).
Sar. 5539 (9)
os Copper Mine (c)
Oodlawirra (iron)
(asbestos) ......
Opal ...........
Oraldana (c) ............
Oratunga (c) ........
Oratan Rock (nitrates).
Orroroo (s-l) .........
Oulnina Tower (9) ......
Outalpa Mine (g) ....
Proprietary (1) ....
1
56
196
320
........
256
224
56 Year (c) ....
102
210
...............
.................
..........
111
...........
....
...37, 264
.
Page.
Nalyappa (c) ..
101
Nantawarra (g)....
Napperby Tarcoola (3)
296
Napoleon (c) ..
Naza Baza (g).
284
...............
Neata's (c) .......
101
Nectar (g) .....
....241, 243
Nepowie (c) ..
101
Nest Egg (9) ..
Nevada (c) ...
101, 146
" (s-l)....
185
New Ajax (g) .....
196
Burra Burra (c)
102
66 Eclipse (9) ...
328
" Era (g) .......
328
" " South (g) .....
328
Enterprise (g) ..
Hecla (c) ......
169
Milo (9) .....
322
Mount Ogilvie (c, g) ......
28
Rush (g) .....
233
" Republic (g).
281
• Venture (g)....
328
" Year's Gift (c) ......
102
o Eve (9)
263
Neylon's (c).........
106
Nelson and Williams' (c) ....
106
Nichol's Nob (c, g)
28
Nicholas Lease (9)..
256
Nickel Mining Co. ...
354
Niltibury (c).....
64
Nildottie (c) ......
102
Nillinghoo Goldfield
256
Nilpena (c)........
102
Nitschke Mine (c)
103
Nitrates ......
...341, 342
Noarlunga (3) ....
" . (coal)....
347
104
No Gammon Reef (3)
...241, 243
Nonpareil (S-1) ....
195
North and South (7)
323
" Britain (c) ....
160
" East Moonta (c) ....
104
66 - Matta (c) ....
105
66 - Syndicate (g)
324
65 Gladstone (8-1)..
195
Kapunda (c) ..
15
Nairne () ....
256
Poona (C) ......
104
" Para River (0) ....
256
Rhine (c).....
104
" Warrakilla (9) .......
233
“ Western Prospecting Associa
tion (g) ......::
....296, 309
Nor-West Prospecting Co. (g) ......... 256
Normanville (coal) .....
347
Northern Monarch (c) .......... 50, 104
Nuccaleena (c) ......
105
Nuggety Gully (g) ....
204
Ochre ........
355
O'Donnell's (c) ......
130
O'Donohgue's Castle (c)
108
0.G. Lode (3-1).
175
0.K. (c) .....
.................. 109
Olary (c) ............
......
250
Nob (c) ....:
......
Padmore & Co. (g)..
Para (c) ........
16
Paramatta (c) ...
Parabarana (c)...
109
Parara (c) ..............
111
Paratoo (c) ........
113
Para Wirra, Hundred of ...
257
“ Prospecting Syndicate (9). 262
Paralana (C,9).
Paringa (C) .....
11+
Partridge's Prospect (sl) .....
186
Parkhills (c) ....... .........
84
Parson's Fin! (g) ......
267
Parliamentary Claims (7)..
329
Papineau Rocks ....
268
Patawarta (c) ...........
95
Patsy's Springs (s-?)......
186
Paull's Consolidated (c)....
116
" North Extended (c)
118
Pearson's Claim (g)
265
Peelbox's Claim (c) .......
119
Penrhyn (g)........
281
Peralilla (iron).....
Pernatty Lagoon (c)
332
.....
..
.........
119
Perseverance (5-1)...
187
Peter's Hill (5-7)..
187
Pfitzner's Claim (c)
100
Phillips' Mine (-))...
187
Philip's United (g) ..
262
Phenix (g) .......
229
" Reef (9) ......
208
Phosphates ...........
334
Pidinga (lignite) .......
348
Pimponda (9) ..........
265
Pine Point (iron and fireclay)
119
6s Phillips') (c) ..
119
5 Hut (c) .....
160
Pindelpana (c) ........
120
Pinnacles (Mount Fitton) (c). ...... 118
" (Yudnamutana) (c) ..
118
Pioneer (Callington) (9) .....
265
" (Earea Dam) (g) ........ 309
" Glenloth) (g)
..312, 313
Poona (c) .................
...... 120
Poonawurta (c).............
.... 16
.............
Nuggety Guil2::......
40
380
INDEX.
..
......
265
...............
189
233
348
78
282
................
127
Page.
Poor Man's Gully (g) ...
233
" Hill (g) .........
233
Port Lincoln (c) ......
113
" Syndicate (g) ...... 309
Port Adelaide Syndicate (g)...... 282
Port Augusta Coal Prospecting Syndi.
cate (Uno) .......
348
Potter's Claims (g) ....
241
Preamimma (c and arsenic) ......
121
Princess Royal (c) ....
16, 122
Prince Alfred (c) ..
121
“ Albert (c) .....
160
66 " (S-2)...
187
" Taccoola (g) ..
296
.............
Putt's Claim (g)
240
66 Well (g) ....
Queen Bee (c,g) ......
123
" (9)..........
.......
" Victoria Extended (9) .... 263
Quorn Comstock (3-1)
187
* (manganese) ........
352
Ramsay's Show (c)
123
Rapid Bay (c, .s-l)...
155
Ravensberg (g) .....
266
Rawnsley's Bluff (c)
123
Reachel Lease (c)
125
Recompense (g) ......
Red Bluff (c) ........
150
6 Hill (c) ........
123
« « Lead (g) ........
204
" " (g) ............
208
• Oxide (c) .............
125
Reedy Creek (c, g) ......
9, 70
Reynolds, Hundred of, sec. 1904 (c) .. 124
183 (c)..
Rhineberg (S-1) ....
g (S-1) ....................
Rhine Valley (s-l)..
187
" Villa (coal) ..................
348
Rhondda (c)...
123
Rhynie (c) .......
123
Richardson's, W., Claim (c)
125
Ridge (g) .........
329
Riley's (c) ...........
151
Rischbeith's Well (g) ......
......... 266
Riversedge (C, 3-1).....
River Murray (phosphate)...
Robertstown (8-1) ...............
187
Robertson's (c) ..........
100
Roberts & Co. (Mannahill) (9) ......239, 240
Robinson's (c) ......
125
Rocky River (9) .......
. 266
Rodert's Claim (9)....
234
Roper (g) ........
210
Rosman & Co. (g) .......
........... 209
Royal Mining Co. (c) ...
125
Mine (c) ............
Keyneton (S-1)
Mint (8-1)...
Blackbird (g) ......
Charlie (g).
May (9)...
56 George (9) :....::
Royston Roberts’ Leases
Rufus (8-4) .....
188
Rutile .........
....................
356
Ryan's (c) ........................
125
Page.
S.A. Broken Hill (9, 8-1)...........189, 323
S.A. Copper Corporation (C).
129
Saltia (c) ........
125
Sailor's Gully (g) ......
234
" (asbestos) ..
353
Salt ........
357
Sawmill Gully (g) ...
234
Scott's Creek (c) ....
126
" (8-1)....
.............. 188
66 Claims (c) .....
128
Reef (g) .....
66
(manganese)
Schmidt's (c) ......:
125
Schubert's Section (9)
267
Scotchman (g) ...
267
Sebastopol (9) ...
268
Sellick's Hill (3-1) ...
56
(9) ........
268
Shale Deposit, Encounter Bay
Sheaoak Log (c)...
160
Shepherd's (g) ......
268
Silverina (c) ......
Sir Dominick (c) ...........
126
Sir Jenkin Coles's Property (c)
132
Simmons' Claims (c) ..
129
Lead (g).
204
Gully (g) ....
234
Simms and Bradley (c) ..
133
Sims' Rush (g) .......
204
Slaty Rock (c) ...
127
Sliding Rock (c).....
Smith's Olary (c)....
40
56 Claims (g)...
239
" Proprietary (g) ......
271
324
Smithfield (g) ...
Snug Cove (8-1) ...
189
Sod Hut (c) ....
160
South Australian (manganese).
352
Creek (c) .....
131
66
Devon (c) ............
133
« Doora (c)........
133
East Doora (c).
133
Kapunda (c) ..
133
Moonta (c) ...
133
Crystal (g)....
Echunga (g) ..
268
Kanappa (g) .........
268
66 Lake Tin Mine .......
310
Spanish American (g) ........
246
Spike Gully (g) ..
204
Spring Creek (c) ...
133
Springfield (8-1)..
195
Stainbank (c) ....
134
Standard (S-2) .....
195
Stanley (c)...... ................... 134
Stars and Stripes (9).
269
Stone's Claim (c) ............
129
Stirling Reef (g)..........
235
St. John, Kapunda (phosphate)
339
St. Patrick (g and ochre) ......
282
Strathalbyn Mines (C, 8-1) .....
185
Steatite ...........
355
Sunny South (g) ..........
235
Sullivan's Claims (g) ..... .......... 248
Sutherland's (Earea Dam)..
310
Sweet Nell (c) ..............
132

66
(9)....
263
124
187
66
266
234
235
7, 187
338
-
East (9)
................
204
0
I
66
(g) :
267
INDEX.
0
0
0
0
SS
Hill (g) ::::
204
......
Page.
Vanadium .....
362
Vesey's Claim (c) ... ..........
138
Victoria Gold Mine ..
17, 318
(c) ......
160
.........
(Barossa) (g)..
209
66 Sailor's Gully) (9) ...... 236
Tower (g) ...
320
Victor George (9)......
236
...........
Victory (c)......
138
Vickery's Claims (c)
139
Vienna (9) .......
273
Virginia (g) .......
323
Vocavocana (c) ......
139
Vulcan (c) ........
139
......................
1
Blocks (9)...
.......
0
0
0
...........,
284
......
S
1
(coal)
...........
...........
Page.
Talisker (S-1)
189
Taltabooka (g) .......
269
Talunga, Hundred of...
269
Goldfields Development Co.
(g) .......
278
Ochre Mine ..
282
Various Sections
283
Mine (g)...........
284
Tarcoola
284
286
Consols (g) ......
297
Enterprise (g) ... 297, 307
Gem (g) ......
306
Main Reef (g) ...
. 298
North (9, s-l)..
298
Proprietary (g) .. .299, 307
South (g) ....
301
United (g) ...
301
66 Victory (g) ......
302
66 West (g) ........
306
Tasmanian Copper Co.
136
Taylor's Claim (g) ..
321
Teatree (c) .......
136
Gully (g) .... ........ 269
349
Teetulpa Goldfield :
315
Reefs (g) ...
317
Terowie (Goode and Price) (c) .... 136
Three Blocks (8-1).
190
Tiddy Widdy (c) ... ..............
136
Tin Discovery, Earea Dam ....
310
Tieca (g) .............
263
Tippin's (Cuttlefish Bay) (g)...
269
Tolmer's Hill (g)......
302
Tourmaline ........
360
Torrens River (g) ..........
317
66
Mine (c) ........
160
Tower Hill (c) ......
137
Towitta (5-1).........
195
Trengoff (g) ...
317
Trenowden's Claim (c)........
137
Tresevean Mining Co. (c) ........ 136
Trevue (g).
........ 318
Trinity (c) ...
136
« South (c)..
137
Trinkaleena (s-2).....
190
Triumph (g) .......
269
Trojan (g) .......
244
Truro (c) .......
.......................
136
Try Again (g) ...
263
Tumby (c) ......
136
"(manganese)
352
Tungkillo (c, g) ....
Turnerton (c) ........
Two Brothers (c) .......
“ Franks (c) ........
“ Speck Gully (g) .....
" in the Bush (g) .......
..........
144
310
.......
............
Wade's (g) ......
319
Wadnaminga Goldfield ..
319
Wagner's Reef (g) ....
er..........
Wakefield (c) .......
18
Wallace's Gully (g) ...
324
Wallaroo and Moonta (c)
139
66 Beach Mine (c).......
144
us Hundred of, sec. 661 (c)
144
u Central (c) ..........
29
. United (g).
325
Walloway (5-2).....
166
Walter-Outalpa (g) ....
..........
324
Walter's Well (c) .....
..101, 146
Walton Hill (c)
......
103
Walparuta (c) ...
Wandilta (c) ......
144
Warburton (9) .........
Warden (c,g) ......
325
Warner's (Mount Fitton) (c).... J51
Warrakilla (g) ...............
236
South (g) .........
236
56 Extended (g) .....
236
Broken Hill (g) ......
236
Warra Warra (c) ...
.......
144
Warrioota (c) ....
145
" (5-).......
166
Warrigal (g) ........
* East (g) ....
...304, 306
Warrenben Oil Claims
349
Waterfall Gully (g)
....... 325
Watervale (S-1)
191
fit ben 66 (a) ...............
325
Waterhouse's Claims (c) .......
247
Waterloo (g) .......
325
Watson's (S-1) ........ ......
191
Wattle Blossom (g) .....
236
Watts' Gully (g) ......
264
" Sugar Loaf (mangnaese).
Waukaloo (c) ...............
160
Waukaringa (g) ......... .......
196
locality (8-1) ....
191
Weedna (c) .....
146
Welcome (c) ...
147
Wegner's (9)...
284
191
Wepowie and Niltibury (5-7)
.....
Werner's (c) .......
239
West Alma (g) ...
325
...........
" Doora (c)..... ............
147
56 Waukaringa (g) .......
326
Western River (5-2)..
191
Westward Ho (g) ........... ....244, 247
Wheal Austin (c) ...... ........ 147
...303, 306
......,
................
..........
352
.......
6
Ukaparinga (c) ........
Ulooloo Goldfield ..
................
137
318
137
" Copper Mine
Umberatana (c)..
Union Jack (g)...
Uncle Tom (8-0)
Uraidla (g) .........
Uroonda (c)...
137
318
191
..............
209
125
382
INDEX.
.........
.........
.............
......
194
........
160
..
...............
349
149
..........
Page.
Wheal Acraman (c)...
160
Alfred (c).......
..........
160
Augusta Lode (3-1) .......
177
Bassett (c) ... ............
147
Besley (c) .......
147
Butler (c) .......
147
Barton (c) ..
160
..............
Bessie (c) ..
.............
160
Coglin (S-1)..
............. 191
Devon (c)... ..........
148
Ellen (sl) ......:
191
Fortune (Green's Plains) (c) 148
" (Mount Barker) (c) 148
Friendship (c)..
148
Frost (c)... ........... .. 148
Francis (g)... ............
209
Gawler (s-l)..
...........
18, 176
Gleeson (c)...
............ 149
Goyder (c) ..
Gold (C).....
119
Grainger (S-1)
197
Hancock (c):
149
Humby (c).... .............
149
Hughes (c) ......
.............
Harmony (c) ....
160
Issett (c) ..... ..............
James (c) .....
149
Margaret (5-1).........
188
Mary (5-1).......
192
Maria (Almanda) (c, s-l).....149, 163
" (Yudnamutana) (c) ....
149
Mixter (C)..
Rose (s-?) ...
192
Sarah (Bundaleer) (c) .
150
Stuart (C)..
150
Susan (c)......
150
Turner (c) ...
150
Tyrell (s-1) ......
193
............... 193
" Virgin (c) ......
...............
" Watkins (5-1) .....
175
" William (c) ......
160
Wheelbarrow Range (5-2)
193
White Ants (c) .....
151
66 Lead (c) ..........
151
66 66 (g) .........
204
6 Virgin (C) ....... ........
43
White's Lovely Gully (g)
211
Whitford's (c)....
153
Whyte Park (C)..
Wickham Hills (g)... .......
325
Wicklow Hut (3-2)..
193
Page.
Wilgena Associated (g) ...........304, 306
Enterprise (Tarcoula) (9) .... 305
(Earea Dam) (g).. 307
Wilkawat (C) ......................
101
Williams (c) ........
154
" Glenloth (Glen Markie) (g) 313, 314
Williamstown (g) .....
209
(mica)
356
Willigun Hill (c) ........
151
Willouran (c) .......
152
Willow Syndicate (c) ..
160
“ Creek (c).
161
Willowie Forest (manganese)
352
Wilpena (5-1) ....
193
........
Winkler's (S-1).. ...................
194
Windittie (c)...
152
Windlass Hill (g) ..
...228, 236
Winning Hope (s-l)
Winnininnie (g)..
325
Wiperaminga (c) ...
152
Wirrawilka (c) ...
102, 152
Wirrapowie (c) .....
152
Wirrabara (coal) ...
Wirrialpa (5-1)...
194
Woman in White (c, 9).
Wombat (c) ....
154
Wonna (9)..........
221
Wonga Wonga (c) ...
161
Woodside Mines...... ..........
326
" Gold Mining Co.
329
Consolidated Syndicate 329
Woodhouse Estate (g)....
325
Woodlamulka (c) .......
154
Worthing (C).............
154
Worturpa (McLeish's) (c)
155
329
Wyacca (c) ...................... 154
Yalpoodnie (c) ...
155
Yattagolinga (c, 3-1) ...
155
Yelda (c) ...................
155
...............
155
Yootoomookina (c) .......
157
Yorke's Peninsula Copper Mine ...... 19
Yorke Valley (c) .......
157
Young Australian (Para Wirra) (g)... 263
“ (Talunga) (g) ..... 284
6. Queen (g) .....
. 263
Young's Cobalt .....
153
99
(9).
150
.........
ot
ig)...
160
Yelta (c) ............
.
151
354
Yudnamutana (c) .... .......157, 330
...............

131°
141
1330
139°
135
137
NORTHERN TERRITORY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
QUE ENS LA N D
The Cocin
MANN
TOMKINSON RANCES
RANGES
Marryat
ANTHONY
RA
munaa
MUSCRAVE RANGES
The Agnese
The Stevenson
HADO
THE DEERING HILLS
A BACOT RA
The Dramente
EMERY RA
ntina
The Hamilton
ABEL RA
LEVERARD RA
Alberga
The Treuer
Creek
Goyder's Lagn
The Wooldridge
BIRKSGATE RA.
AUSTRALIA
hallakoopan
Oodnadale
L. Howitt
The
he Warowton
Cober's
Algebuckina
"Innarpincka
Zora
DENISON
xogowe
L.EYRI
(North)
L. Hope
Anna Ck
Per Clayton
OL. Flor
L. Gregory
OL. Florence
Strangways Sp
BLEYRE « South) yton
L. Harry
Marree
S1 Phillipson
1. Bjanche
Blanche
STUARTS RO
TUARY'S BANCES
Margare
Stuart's ck
TURRET RA
N
Thambets'
WILLOUR
Xrome
L. Callabonna
R
OOLDEA RANGE
Farina
PA
SUDHURST
-YUDNAMUTANA
E
Lyndhurst
'MTOCILY
Depot C# Leigh's CK
T
WAR BURTON RA.
NULLARBOR
PLAIN
L. Labyrinth
Tarcoola.
Younghusband
Hanson
cdiac SLIDING ROCK
Beltana
LAKE
FROME
Harris
TH WALES
TORREN
S
Hart
- Blinman
adina C
E
nd
1. Windabout
M! GUNSON
Pernatty Lag
L.Everard
core Rive
Pasmore
W
of Great Australia
stralian Bight
GAIRDNER
Eucla
Mead of Grdo
CHACÉS NA
BRUIOR
L Dutton
L. Macfaplane
Suces
L.Acramant, o
Fowler's Bay
Yardea
Denial Bay
Hawker
SILVERTON
BROKEN
HILL 1321
TEETULPA
Mingary Cockburn.
Quorn WAUKARINCA . KING'S BLUFF
Carrieton MANNA HILL
MUTOORO
Olary NEW LUXEMBURG
Pt Augusta
Manna Hill
Sunta •WADNAMINCA
MT CRAINGER
AWLER
ANCES
Smoky Bay 31
Streaky Bay
L. Gilles
Flinders
VDERS
Podla Wind
NEW
Venus Bay
Anxious Bay
pt Broughton
FLINDERS 1
Franklin
Har
Eyre's Peninsula
Petersburg X Martina
pt Pirie
Laura
Gladstone TPULOOLOO
Hallett
shoe
Brinkworth
Kporinga
Wallaroo
tadina
Moonta
Balaklava
IR Wakefield
Kapunda
Roseworthy
Cawler
Hall's Bay
Morgan
Coffin's Ba
A
Renmark
Tumby Bay
SPENCERS
Blanchetown
eninsula
ST VINCENT
pt Lincoln
Avoid Bay
Corny pt
МАР
ADELAIDEX I wood
dithburgh Echang'a..
Mannum
Sleaford Bay
Narne
Murray Bridge
OF
•
C. Spencer
1
Pinnaroo
Yi Wellington
ALEXANDRINA
Backstairs Passage
Investigator's Strait
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Victor Har
S3
(Westernk.
C.Borda
3 L ALBERT
oyanet Ry
KANGAROO ID
C Willoughby
Encounter Bad
The colored portions shew the approximate areas
occupied by metal bearing rocks.
TO ACCOMPANY THE MINING RECORDS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Coorong
Border Town
Wolseley
Lacepede Bay Kingston
C. Jaffa
Guichen Bay
Robe
Nanacoorte
H. Y. L. BROWN,
Penbla
Government Geologist.
Scale
20 30 40 50 60 70
Miles 1050 10
80 90 100 Miles
Railway Lines shewn thus ---
Telegraph Lines ----do.---------
Beachport
Rivoli Bay
C.Banks
Gambierton
C Northumber
umberland
129°
131*
133°
135°
137°
1399
14-1
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE, ADELAIDE A Vaughan, Photo lithographer

UNIVERSITY 1
OF MICHIGAN
HU
11
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3 9015 07643 9978
DATE DUE

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