Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - Napoleon Reef Gold Mine Battery Site, 1936
The Napoleon (BML) gold mine (1932) was located near McDougall Road, Golden Gully, between Martin and Hattam Street. It had a depth of 921 feet. It was one of the latest and most lavish of Bendigo's mines. Plant and equipment were electrically driven. The four-compartment shaft, extra large by goldfield's standards, measured 17 feet 6 inches by 5 feet 2 inches and was cement lined below 900 feet instead of being red gum boxed as was the usual practice. The workshop was equipped to carry out all repairs for the equally lavish BML mines on the Nell Gwynne and Carshalton reefs. (The Gold Mines of Bendigo, Book 2, Arthur Victor Palmer)
'Napoleon BML Mines No Liability have issued a report for the fortnight ended September 5, where it states that the development scheme has been formulated and necessary equipment is being ordered. The Napoleon main shaft, (about 1700 feet south of the old Napoleon shaft) will be a four compartment shaft (17ft 6 inches by ft 2 inches inside the timber). aLevels will be opened at approximately 100 ft vertical intervals and cross-cuts extended approximately 125 ft each side of centre country to explore a cross-section across the anticline opposite to the shaft.
At every fifth level, main drives will be extended north to connect with the old Napoleon shaft and south approximately 1800 ft. At the latter point, another cross-section of the anticline will be explored by rising and cross-cutting. The old Napoleon will be unwatered and on the 500ft and 1000 ft levels main drives will be driven to connect with main levels from the Napoleon main shaft to the south as well as being driven north 1800 ft where another cross-section of the anticline will be explored. Cross-sections further north and south may be developed as desired and also at intermediate points if necessary. Clearing and grading of the main shaft site are now in progress and the erection of the office and store building is proceeding. The design of engine room, change house and machine shops is now in hand and erection will proceed as soon as working plans and specifications are prepared.'
The main shaft has been commenced at 3ft and advanced 10 ft. to 13 ft.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10975478?searchTerm=napoleon%20bml (The Argus, 8th. September 1934, 'Mining' page 18) Significant to mining history of Bendigo.Black and white photograph of a stamper head being lowered into position on the battery site of the Napoleon Reef Gold Mine. A wooden gantry supports the battery head as it being lowered. Three large concrete foundations are visible in immediate background, two of which have stampers already in position, the third stamper is being lowered onto the final foundation. In immediate foreground, 'boxing' is erected for future concrete pours.
napoleon gold mine, napoleon reef gold mine