GAMBETTA MINE SITE
410 DRY GULLY ROAD OMEO, EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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GAMBETTA MINE SITE - History
A series of late nineteenth century mines were operated along the hillsides of Dry Gully. Among them, the Gambetta and Polar Star mines. Mullock heaps, shafts, earthworks and evidence of building platforms remain from these mines. Further down the same gully was the State Battery. The Gambetta Mine was floated by entrepreneurs from Ballarat operating sporadically commencing about in 1882 and still operating in 1911, with the later venture restarted under the name “New Gambetta G.M. Co. N.L. The Polar Star mine operated for a similar period. A battery was erected on Dry Gully near the Gambetta Reef in 1882, under the name “Omeo Pioneer Quartz Crushing Machine” funded by local miners and farmers with T Easton one of the directors. It was described as: …a battery of five heads of stampers, with the usual accessories, and is to be worked by a 10-horse power steam engine, manufactured by Messrs. Rushton and Proctor, Lincoln, England. Though second-hand, it appears to be in good order. When erected, it is estimated that the total cost will amount to nearly £6000. A few years later the battery changed hands: The future of mining in Omeo is beginning to look a little brighter. A gentleman from Sydney, Mr Constable, has purchased the engine and two head battery at Dry Gully, also the Surprise lease and Southern Cross claim. The Gambetta and Polar Star mines were located on the hillside above Dry Gully, south of the road. The Battery site was located on the junction of Dry Gully and a small branch creek. At least two water races ran to the site, with a small dam located nearby, presumably to supply water to the steam engine. Evidence of a track running down the gully from the Polar Star and Gambetta Mines, probably relates to transport of ore to the battery. A track which runs south east from the battery site was probably the original access route.GAMBETTA MINE SITE - Interpretation of Site
The site features mullock heaps, shafts, earthworks and evidence of building platforms remain from the Gambetta Mines which operated from approximately 1882 to 1911. At least two water races ran to the site, with a small dam located nearby, presumably to supply water to the steam engine. Evidence of a track running down the gully from the Polar Star and Gambetta Mines, probably relates to transport of ore to the battery. As discussed above, a track which runs south east from the battery site was probably the original access route. The place is currently on privately owned land.
Heritage Inventory Description
GAMBETTA MINE SITE - Heritage Inventory Description
This site is located where the existing VHI/VHR map of the Gambetta/ State Battery is placed (VHI H8423-0004). There are interesting remains related to the mine, so a new site card for this is warranted. At this site location, mullock heaps, shafts, earthworks and evidence of building platforms remain from the Gambetta Mines.
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