Moina, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MoinaTasmania |
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 Moina
Location in Tasmania
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| Population | 31 (2016 census) |
| Location | 278 km (173 mi) NW of Hobart |
| LGA(s) | Kentish Council |
| State electorate(s) | Lyons |
| Federal Division(s) | Lyons |
Moina is a small town in Tasmania, Australia. It is located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) inland from Devonport. Moina became famous for a short "gold rush" in the late 1800s.
Later, it became home to one of Tasmania's biggest mines for minerals like tungsten and bismuth. People have been exploring for minerals in the Moina area since the 1890s. The town's name might come from a tiny creature called a crustacean that lives in Tasmanian waters.
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Mining History in Moina
Moina has a rich history of mining. Early explorers like James Smith looked for minerals along the Forth River around 1859.
Gold and Other Discoveries
In 1892, Malcolm Campbell found the Mount Bell gold mine near Moina. Soon after, about 100 men were working there, hoping to find gold.
The Shepherd and Murphy mine, also known as the S & M or Moina Tungsten-Tin mine, was very important. It produced most of the tin, tungsten, and bismuth from the Moina area. Tungsten is a strong metal used in things like light bulbs and tools. Bismuth is used in medicines and cosmetics.
This mine operated on and off between 1893 and 1957. During this time, miners dug up large amounts of these valuable minerals.
Moina Post Office
The Moina Post Office opened on January 1, 1910. It helped people send letters and packages. The post office served the community for many years before closing in 1958.
Gateway to Cradle Mountain
Moina is often called the "last service town" before you reach the famous Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain is a beautiful national park and a popular spot for hiking and nature lovers. It is about a twenty-minute drive south from Moina.
Lake Gairdner and Hydro Power
Just northwest of Moina, you'll find Lake Gairdner. This lake is part of the Mersey-Forth Hydro Electric Scheme. This scheme uses water to create electricity.
Lake Gairdner supplies water to the Wilmot Power Station. This power station is located near Lake Cethana. It started operating in 1971 and uses a special turbine to generate power.
