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Mining Heritage

Australia’s Mining Heritage

Mining was our first primary industrial activity and therefore has a unique place in the development of Australia’s economic social and cultural identity.  Mining has also made an impact on the natural and built environments including settlement patterns and transport systems.  The widespread abundancy of minerals found and exploited within Australia during the last 150 years has left a significant array of heritage items which form an important and legitimate part of the nation’s heritage.  The Australian Mining History Association is actively involved in the identification, documentation and conservation of Australia’s mining heritage to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the contribution and history of Australian mining.

What is Mining Heritage
Mining heritage is extensive and manifested in many ways.  On one hand it is the tangible elements associated with the physical environment of mines such as workings, buildings, relics, records, etc.  On the other hand, mining heritage embodies human experiences, social customs and lifestyles associated with past mining.

Records of mining company operations are generally large and varied, and include such things as annual reports, correspondence, working plans and photographs.  Other historic records associated with mining activity are those compiled by Government mining departments relating to inspections, leases, etc.  Photographs and sketches of mining operations form another group of contemporary records, which are usually part of numerous official collections, where there are usually adequate conservation practices.

Mining sites contain the physical evidence of mining and processing activity.  This includes mine workings which may be underground or open cut, surface dumps, slag heaps, railway systems and surface structures.  Structures may be associated with obvious mining activities such as pumping, winding and mineral processing, or for administration and housing of employees.  Remaining relics range from small items such as picks etc. to large boilers and engines.

The physical evidence of mining also includes the infrastructure which supported the operation such as settlements and transport networks.  This is particularly significant in Australia where many mines are located in remote areas and have had a direct influence on the establishment of towns and transport systems.

Mining settlements contain evidence which illustrates the lives of the people who were directly involved in mining activity.  These settlements are part of mining heritage and just as important as the industrial remains which should not be isolated from the social context in which the mining operation took place.

Why Conserve Mining Heritage
Mining heritage represents a record of part of our cultural and technological history.  Sufficient evidence must be kept to provide insights into the technical and human aspects of mining.  This will allow present and future generations to learn from personal experience how much mining owes to human commitment and endeavour.

Mining heritage provides the opportunity for a wide range of educational experiences for schools, tertiary institutions and the public.  Mining sites can be developed for the appreciation and enlightenment of future generations.  Such sites also offer, of course, the possibility of increased public awareness and respect for the mining industry, its processes and people, its history and heritage.

Mining heritage can play an important role in cultural tourism which contributes to the local economy.  Heritage conservation provides the visitor with authentic evidence and              experiences of how former generations lived and worked.

Mining Heritage Sites

These pages aim to provide a complete index to all public mining heritage sites in Australia.  These include museums and interpretive centres, underground mine tours, and interpretive walk and drive trails.  To access the information which is presented on a State basis , click on the links below.

New South Wales (and ACT)   
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
New Zealand

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Related Mining Heritage Groups

• AusIMM Heritage Committee
  The Heritage Committee of the AusIMM aims to foster knowledge about the heritage of the minerals industry among members and the public and to identify and encourage conservation of significant sites, documents and objects.  A better knowledge of past achievements can be a source of pride and motivation for members.