The Union Hill Gold Mine in Maldon features a roadside lookout area which overlooks the mining operations at the mine below.
The sturdy viewing platform is accessed via a short but steep set of stairs then a quick stroll down a gravel track. This lookout point offers excellent views of the current mine operations at the Union Hill Gold Mine in Maldon.
Gold was first discovered on this site in 1854. By the turn of the century when the first phase of mining ended, some 250,000 ounces of gold had been recovered from this site, mainly from underground workings by numerous individuals, associations and companies.
The workings you see before you are as a result of open cut mining between 1988 and 1992 to recover low grade portions of the main reef and surrounding quartz veinlets. In total, 2.5 million tonnes of rock was mined, including 1 million tonnes of ore which was treated at Porcupine Flat (some 3 kilometres away to the east). This yielded 55,000 ounces of gold, valued in excess of $25 million.
Alliance Gold Mines NL began operations on this site in 1994 in search of new underground ore resources. A decline with a 3 metre by 3 metre profile has been driven at a downward gradient of 1 in 7 northward from the far end of the open cut to access the quartz reefs below the present hill surface.
This viewing platform, funded by Alliance Gold Mines NL, was officially opened by Mr Mostyn Thompson, Chairman of Commissioners of the Mt Alexander Shire on 12 December 1995.
PROSPECTORS AND MINERS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA
Established in 1980, the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria is a voluntary body created to protect the rights and opportunities of those who wish to prospect, fossick or mine in the State of Victoria, Australia.
You can support the PMAV in their fight to uphold these rights by
becoming a member. You'll also gain access to exclusive publications, field days, prospecting tips, discounts and competitions.
BBQ
Maldon
Follow us on Facebook