Bendigo had rich gold bearing quartz reefs and more gold was found between 1850 and 1900 than anywhere else in the world combined at that time. Deep shafts were sunk with at least 140 shafts exceeding 300 metres in depth, 67 exceeded 600 metres, and 11 were over 1,000 metres deep and represents the largest concentration of deep shafts anywhere in the world. Quartz mining on Victoria Hill was the world's richest and deepest reef field and by 1861, Victoria Hill had yielded at least 35,000 Kg in gold. A lot of mining was also conducted on the surface as well.
Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2 @ ISO 200, 35mm f8, 1/2000 sec
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The end of a mined seam of quartz. Maybe it opens out and is full of gold just beyond the surface? who knows?
Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2 @ ISO 200, 35mm f8, 1/800 sec
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These above ground diggings were all hewn by hand and the most basic of digging equipment like hand picks.
Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2 @ ISO 200, 35mm f8, 1/80 sec
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The remains of part of an automated quartz crushing battery
I love the images they are great. I never new what was in my own backyard. It pays to have a look. Thanks
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