Mining and Geology

Observer’s Book of Geology – I.O. Evans

A 1968 edition of this manual in geology which serves as a great introduction for all players not just young ones.

The celebrated series is now an area for collectors. There is an Australian based equivalent of which we normally have a copy [take a look] … this edition whilst general is based around UK geology.

Published by Warne etc., London. Pocket sized, hardback, good jacket, 272 pages, illustrated throughout in black and white and some very nice colour illustrations, particularly the mineral examples. A very good copy.

Welshman, Evans was fellow of the Royal Geological Society where they know their rocks.

Geological work of surprising substance

$20.00

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In the Shadows of Murchison – Aspects of Rosebery’s 100 Years 1893-1993- Geof Jay [The story of the great Rosebery Mine in Tasmania and the Rosebery Community]

A substantial high-quality item, self published by the author we hope Pasminco gave him some help. The many illustrations from photographs, geological maps, mine layout’s etc are so good.

Folio size, 152 pages, perfect bound soft cover but with a jacket for protection. A fine copy of a now scarce item.

For those not familiar with Rosebery and the mine the scale of the operation and the depth of history will be a real surprise. From the discovery of the ore body by Tom McDonald in the late 19thC through massive development in the early 20thC and the later modernisation of the mine and processing we get a complete picture of one hundred years of continuous operation. Still going strong today – it is a big mountain, and it seems full of valuable resource. And the town itself has seen some characters and has a community spirit bar none.

Important mining record for which we must applaud Geof Jay

$75.00

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Fraser’s Gold Mine, Western Australia – Magic Lantern Slide – by Newton & Co 1913

An original magic lantern slide showing Fraser’s Gold Mine, Western Australia, by Newton & Co, London. This formed part of a set on Australasia sold in 1913.

Fraser’s Gold Mine is south-west of Southern Cross in Western Australia. Gold was mined here from 1886, discovered by Hugh Fraser. It was the first large scale gold mine in the Eastern Goldfields region if not the colony. Fraser’s Gold Mining Company was floated in 1889, Hugh Fraser given half the shares. Things did not initially go well and further capital was required – Hugh Fraser refused the request and he had control. He was eventually persuaded but not without receiving concessions, security, seat on the Board etc – sound familiar. He died penniless seemingly.

The balance of the history is equally interesting but too long for here. The mining activities were eventually brought together in a “big pit” and was inactive in the St Barbara portfolio. May be the operation sold to Hanking and then on to another Chinese operator – not sure … any help received with thanks

Newton & Co were formed in 1858. In the period 1912-1925 they had premises in Covent Garden.

Standard size circa 3.5 inches or 8cm by 8cm.

Good image of the historically important Fraser’s Gold Mine.

$80.00

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Botryoidal Goethite – Yaraka Queensland

The mineral Goethite or iron oxy-hydroxide here in a nice botryoidal (resembling grapes) crystal form.

Found in the Yaraka Boulder Opal Field 100km east of Blackhall, Queensland. Last count remote Yaraka had an official population of 20 – they all get along.

Small fist sized weighing 350 gm.

Good lustre to the botryoidal form

$35.00

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Mining Medal – Centenary of The Deep Navigation Coal Mine – 1979.

The Deep Navigation Colliery was a major underground mine at Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales. It was the deepest of all South Wales cola mines. It produced high quality “steam coal” which powered the Mauretania and the Lusitania in successful Blue Riband attempts for the fastest Atlantic crossing.

Opened in 1879 after much effort sinking shafts, many lives were lost. Throughout its life it suffered from huge amounts of water ingress and massive pumps were used constantly to keep it manageable. The quality of the coal ensured its profitability until the early 1990’s when the geology became more challenging and it was closed and the area reclaimed as public sports fields.

This medal was given to each miner in the workforce in 1979 at the 100-year anniversary of the mine opening – so about 500-600 were likely struck. A fine example, gilt finished, haunched miner figures to both sides – one an early 19thC miner with mandrel and Davey lamp, the other a modern miner with safety helmet vs cloth cap. 40 mm diameter fine condition, high relief 25 gm.

Scarce Coal Mining Commemorative

$60.00

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The Geology of the Broken Hill District – E.C. Andrews – 1922 – along with the Supplement of 1923.

Memoir No 8 of The Geological Survey of New South Wales – probably the most important and certainly the most comprehensive / voluminous.

Large thick quarto (25cn x 32cm) xx, 432 pages, 124 plates, numerous maps, plans and diagrams.

Light ageing to the original heavy boards, very clean inside a super copy of a now scarce item, rarely together with the Supplementary item, quarto, same dimensions, 28 pages and nine excellent coloured plates of mineral specimens.

The principal work produced by William Gullick, Government Printer, Sydney – the Supplement by Alfred Kent also appointed Government Printer – maybe a specialist in the colour plates.

A heavy item and an Overseas postage supplement may be required – please enquire we can be helpful.

Ernest Clayton Andrews (1870-1948) another legend from the “golden era” of Australian geology – disciple of Edgeworth David. Had a tough upbringing but still managed to get to Sydney University to study mathematics. It was there he met Edgeworth David. Taught but continued to study chemistry and geology. Presented his first geological paper in 1898 on the Bathurst region. Did much work on coral reefs [using Agassiz material]. This work and the later Mineral Industry of New South Wales [1928] are considered epics. Highly praised and prized – Lyell Medal London Royal Geological Society. His entry in the official Australian Dictionary of Biography well worth the read.

Important substantial geological work together with its supplement.

$790.00

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Observer’s Book of Geology – I.O. Evans

In the Shadows of Murchison – Aspects of Rosebery’s 100 Years 1893-1993- Geof Jay [The story of the great Rosebery Mine in Tasmania and the Rosebery Community]

Fraser’s Gold Mine, Western Australia – Magic Lantern Slide – by Newton & Co 1913

Botryoidal Goethite – Yaraka Queensland

Mining Medal – Centenary of The Deep Navigation Coal Mine – 1979.

The Geology of the Broken Hill District – E.C. Andrews – 1922 – along with the Supplement of 1923.

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