Central Deborah Gold Mine facts for kids
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The Central Deborah Gold Mine is a really cool old gold mine in Bendigo, Australia. Today, it's a popular place where people can visit and learn about gold mining. It's so important that it was added to the Victorian Heritage Register in 1999, which means it's a special historical site.
Contents
A Golden Past
The Central Deborah Gold Mine first opened in 1939. This was during a time when gold mining was becoming popular again in the 1930s. Miners extended an old shaft that was already 108 feet deep, adding new machines to help them dig for gold.
Mining During Wartime
This mine was one of the last gold mines to open in the Bendigo area. It was also one of the few that kept working during World War II. After the war, around 1945-1946, the mine got even bigger. More parts were added, and new equipment arrived. During the 1940s, the mine reached its deepest point, which was about 412 meters (that's over 1,350 feet!).
The Mine Closes
The Central Deborah Gold Mine stopped operating in November 1954. During its time, it produced a lot of gold – about 29,865 ounces! Just two weeks later, the North Deborah Mine also closed. This marked the end of gold mining in Bendigo for a long time.
From Mine to Museum
In 1986, the Central Deborah Gold Mine reopened, but this time as a place for tourists! The shaft was made wider so that bigger lifts could take visitors underground.
Preserving History
A local group called the Bendigo Trust helped save and fix up the mine. This group also worked to restore the city's old tram system. Thanks to their efforts, the mine still has its original buildings. You can also see many of the old tools and machines that miners used back then.
How to Visit
You can easily get to the Central Deborah Gold Mine using the Bendigo Tramways. The Violet Street tram stop is right there! The tram route connects the mine to other fun places like Lake Weeroona and the Bendigo Joss House Temple. The mine is at the very end of the tram line, making it a perfect starting or ending point for your adventure.
