And the Almanda Mine.

Copper ore was discovered here in 1850. a shaft was sunk to 9 metres and the mine named Wheal Maria. A small quantity of ore was removed but the shaft was soon abandoned. In 1862, the mine was reworked under the new name Wheal Mary Anne and a shaft sunk to 27 metres on the eastern side of the property. A few dray loads of ore were removed but the mine was abandoned again by 1865.

In 1868, William Ey, a German assayer, recognised that the ore was rich in silver and soon after the Almanda Silver Mining Association was formed. This led to a rush for mineral claims along Scott Creek and several other mining companies were formed.

Work commenced in mid-1868 and a primitive crushing and concentrating plant was installed. This proved inadequate and a more powerful plant was erected in 1869. Operations proved uneconomic and ceased by 1870 after producing about 10,000 ounces (310 Kg) of silver.

The mine was reworked periodically between 1877 and 1887. Detailed exploration including diamond drilling was conducted by the S.A. Department of Mines between 1968 and 1972.

THE TRAIL.

The mine is now located in Scott Creek Conservation Park, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. More about the park can be found here http://homepages.picknowl.com.au/peters/introduction.htm

More photos to come later in the year..