Wilgie Mia facts for kids
Wilgie Mia, also known as Thuwarri Thaa (which means ‘red ochre hole’), is a very old ochre mine. It is located in the Weld Range area of Western Australia. People have been using this mine for an incredibly long time – between 27,000 and 40,000 years! During this time, miners dug out about 14,000 cubic metres (490,000 cu ft) of ochre and rock. Because of its long history, some people believe Wilgie Mia is the oldest mine in the world that is still being used today.
The Ancient Mine
Wilgie Mia is the biggest and deepest historical Aboriginal ochre mine in Australia. You can find it on a hillside in the Weld Range, not far from the town of Cue. Miners dug down about 20 metres into the ground. They used scaffolds (like temporary platforms) to reach the ochre deep inside. The opening of the mine is about 30 metres wide. When archaeologists studied the site, they found tools and equipment that people used to get the ochre.
Wilgie Mia and the land around it are very important and sacred to the Wajarri Yamatji people and their neighbours. They have a special creation story about the red ochre at Wilgie Mia. The story says that the red ochre was formed from the blood of a red kangaroo, named Marlu, who died there long ago.
What Was Wilgie Mia Ochre Used For?
Ochre has always been a very important material in Australia's history. Wilgie Mia produced large amounts of both red and yellow pigments. The ochre from this mine is special because it comes in many different colours and lasts a very long time. This is because of the natural clays and iron-rich materials like haematite found in the ochre.
Scientists have studied the ochre from Wilgie Mia. They found that it was used all over Western Australia. People used Wilgie Mia ochre to create amazing rock art and other paintings in many parts of Australia.
Recent Times at Wilgie Mia
Between the 1940s and the 1970s, some Aboriginal miners were temporarily moved away by European miners. However, the mine still produces ochre today. It is sold as a commercial pigment (a material used for colour). Aboriginal miners also continue to dig for ochre. They use it for important ceremonies, art, and traditional healing practices.
In 2011, Wilgie Mia was added to the Australian National Heritage List. This list includes places that are very important to Australia's history and culture. Then, in 2018, the Wajarri Yamatji people gained native title over the site. This means they have special rights and ownership of their traditional land.
