SIMMONS REEF GOLD MINING AREA
SIMMONS REEF ROAD BLACKWOOD, MOORABOOL SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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SIMMONS REEF GOLD MINING AREA - History
Simmons Reef was discovered in 1855 and intensively mined for gold until the 1870s. The area contained a series of mines, including the Imperial Co., Simmons Reef Quartz Mine Co. , Crown Co., Cornish Co., Williams Co., Kohinoor Shaft, and numerous unnamed shafts along the western side of Simmons Reef Road (Hitchcock 2007:5-9). These mining companies operated using a variety of methods including open cuts, shafts, adits, and processed the excavated material using steam powered batteries, a series of water races and waterwheels. Water races extended from the open cut at the top of the hill (close to St. Erth) north to the Crown dam and Simmons Reef reservoir along the Lerderderg River (Hitchcock 2007:23, 41 , Blackwood Race Map). Many inexperienced miners attempted quartz mining where ever a blow of quartz was discovered. Parties were formed and a paddock sunk, but as a general rule no gold was found and many miners lost valuable time and money. Many early mines were abandoned due to lack of capital (Buckingham 1970:17). More experienced quartz miners with capital were able to dig deeper to reach the gold at Simmons Reef at 250 ft (Buckingham 1970:17).
SIMMONS REEF GOLD MINING AREA - Interpretation of Site
The site dates to between 1855-1880, representing a variety of gold mining activities associated with alluvial and reef mining undertaken along Simmons Reef. This area may contain evidence of early alluvial mining undertaken by individuals and later large scale reef mining undertaken by numerous companies. These features also relate to larger more intact registered historical sites within the immediate area, attesting to the intense use to the area for gold mining.
SIMMONS REEF GOLD MINING AREA - Archaeological Significance
Archaeological remains associated with mining structures such as batteries, poppet heads, boilers and possible habitation sites may occur, although the research value of archaeological remains is considered low due to the widespread occurrence of this site type within Victoria.
Heritage Inventory Description
SIMMONS REEF GOLD MINING AREA - Heritage Inventory Description
The site consists of a series of small pits/adits, and water races extending adjacent to Simmons Reef Road into the hillside.
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EASTER MONDAY MILLVictorian Heritage Inventory
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POVEY'S GRAVEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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SIMMONS REEFVictorian Heritage Inventory
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