mining

The multiple gold locations of Queensland that were spread far and wide across the state have certainly and importantly contributed to the economy of Australia. Ranging from Queensland’s far north towards the southern regions, these gold-bearing zones form some of the better-known goldfields of the nation. There were also many lesser-known goldfields that marked their own significant contributions in the past, but which have now been long forgotten. There still exist several gold locations that most prospectors might have not even come across to nor ever heard of. New discoveries of gold continued to occur in Queensland, particularly in 1986, when the precious yellow metal was found in Kidston Town in the Shire of Etheridge; and, in the Mt. Leyshon near Charters Towers, where gold deposits have been sporadically reworked. Source: raregoldnuggets.com/?p=529

A rocker box (also known as a cradle) is a gold mining implement for separating alluvial placer gold from sand and gravel which was used in placer mining in the 19th century. It consists of a high-sided box, which is open on one end and on top,[1] and was placed on rockers. Rockers are usually homemade and display a variety of designs. A favorite design consists essentially of a combination washing box and screen, a canvas or carpet apron under the screen, a short sluice with two or more riffles, and rockers under the sluice. The bottom of the washing box consists of sheet metal with holes about 1/2 inch in diameter punched in it, or a l/2-inch-mesh screen can be used. Dimensions shown are satisfactory but variations are possible. The bottom of the rocker should be made of a single wide, smooth board, which will greatly facilitate cleanups. The materials for building a rocker cost only a few dollars, depending mainly on the source of lumber. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocker_box

7 March 1968 was a Thursday ...

Easiest to see and follow the line of the disused railway using Google Satellite 3D - maps.app.goo.gl/JghBqiu9ZiX1iLGM9

The Silvermines line was a short branch of 1¼ miles, off the Ballybrophy – Killonan line, at Silvermines Jct, between Nenagh and Birdhill. It opened in 1966 to serve a barytes mine. The mine and branch closed in 1993.

thewandererphotos.smugmug.com/ForgottenRailways/Silvermin...

youtu.be/L63o4poXAWQ?si=st_ed-tsPK0Kg4rm

via Fred Dean

Silvermines Junction (MP 35-1/4), the start of the short spur to the mines