The Mines of South Australia, Including Also an Account of the Smelting Works in that Colony
Together with a Brief Description of the Country, and Incidents of Travel in the Bush

In this 1863 publication, mining expert John Baptist Austin (1827–96) gives a detailed account of the South Australian mining industry.

J. B. Austin (Author)

9781108057615, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 May 2013

116 pages, 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 0.7 cm, 0.16 kg

The British journalist and mining expert John Baptist Austin (1827–96) moved to Adelaide as a young man with his family. During the 1850s he became closely involved in the South Australian mining industry and the gold rush in Victoria. Austin was rewarded for his outstanding expertise and became secretary of several corporations, including the Adelaide and West Kanmantoo mining companies. His extensive knowledge is reflected in this work, first published in 1863. Offering a first-hand account of South Australian mining culture, it contains a great many descriptions of individual mines along with details of the everyday life of the miners. The book also provides insight into the region's Cornish mining heritage: many mines were named 'Wheal', family names such as 'Rodda' are mentioned, and direct comparisons of the mineralogy and the regulations for mineral prospecting are made.

List of subscribers
Preface
Introductory
The mines
Mineral regulations
Railway to the northern mines
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Australasian & Pacific history [HBJM]