DENICULL CREEK GOLD MINING SITE
ROCKY POINT ROAD DENICULL CREEK, ARARAT RURAL CITY
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Statement of Significance
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DENICULL CREEK GOLD MINING SITE - History
Mining commenced in the Ararat region in 1854 and the site probably dates around this time.
It is possible that both European and Chinese miners were engaged in high level auriferous drift mining at the site during the second half of the 19th century.
DENICULL CREEK GOLD MINING SITE - Interpretation of Site
The mining site at Denicull Creek probably relates to alluvial mining for gold during the second half of the 19th century. The suite of features present suggest that the miners were working a high level auriferous drift. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the site is located 5-10m above the nearby watercourse.
The narrow square shafts were possibly drift shafts dug to test the extent of auriferous gravel. Washdirt was probably extracted from the pits. The races and dams would have been used to provide water to sluice or wash the gravel. The races below the dam and along the western section of the site may have been tail races, used to drain water and tailings from the mining activities. The small mullock dumps are probably tailing mounds from the shafts and pits.
There is some suggestion that the cylindrical, northern-most shaft was dug by Chinese miners. Property owner, Mr Darren House, recounted a story that Chinese miners dug round shafts because they believed evil spirits would lurk in the corners of square shafts.
Heritage Inventory Description
DENICULL CREEK GOLD MINING SITE - Heritage Inventory Description
The mining site at Denicull Creek consists of several shafts and pits, mullock dumps, two small dams and earthen races. The site probably relates to alluvial mining for gold during the second half of the 19th century. The suite of features present suggest that the miners were working a high level auriferous drift.
The site represents an alluvial gold mine that is largely intact and in a fair state of preservation. It has significance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of 19th century high level auriferous drift mining.
There is some suggestion that the features at the site derive from both European and Chinese mining activities. If this interpretation is valid, the preservation of evidence of these culturally-distinct mining practises at the site is significant.
Two square shafts, one round shaft, three small and one medium sized pits, two earthen races, two dams and numerous mullock dumps. (see site card)
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DENICULL CREEK GOLD MINING SITEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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