This photograph depicts a reef mine in Beechworth. Reef mining, or quartz reef mining, was common in 19th Century Victoria. This gold mining technique requires mine shafts to be sunk into underground quartz reefs, with horizontal tunnels dug from the original shaft at differing levels to find the gold-bearing rock. The quartz would then be hoisted to the surface, which would then be pounded to access the gold in its metallic state. Gold was discovered in Beechworth in February 1852, at Spring Creek. Within 11 months of that discovery, over 8000 hopeful prospectors quickly descended on this region, transforming it into a thriving, wealthy township. Reef mining and hydraulic sluicing were gold mining techniques used in this region in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This photograph interestingly contains dogs alongside the miners. While dogs have been recorded as deterrents to thieves in the Victorian goldfields, these dogs appear as companions to these men.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. It also shows a location where reef mining was undertaken which provides insight into the impact on the environment at a time when it was done. Although quartz is one of the most common minerals found in the earth's crust, it does not always contain gold. Those reefs that do are rare and highly sought after by prospectors. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to gold mining which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.Sepia coloured rectangular photograph printed on gloss photographic paper. Obverse: Reverse: United Shire of Beechworth/ Shire Secretary/ Reef Mining, Beechworth./ 6167.abeechworth, burke museum, gold, gold mining, gold rush, victorian gold rush, reef mining, quartz, companion dog, horse and cart

Mr. Randle - Mining Scene. Male with gold pan is Scarsi.stawell

Coates men mining at Mafeking George, Thomas and Samuel Coates.stawell

Mr. Randle - Mining Scene with man about to descend shaft.stawell

panorama Early Mining Scene The Reefs from Big Hill 1866Two individual frames and one low quality panorama of 1866 panorama stawell, mining

Mining Scene from Big Hill towards St Patricks Churchstawell mining

Telford Mining activity Slab shed and work area in Bushland c1902stawell gold

Mining Scene from Big Hill towards St Patricks Churchstawell mining

The Ballarat Mining Board moved a motion to start Australia's first school of Mines at Ballarat. This document shows the resolutions of the Mining Board, and make reference to the Ballarat School of Mines Trustees, Redmond Barry, Rivett Henry Bland and Somerville Livingston Learmonth. The constution was adopted on 25 January 1870.The Ballarat School of Mines is Australia's first School of Mines. This handwritten documents sets down the initital constitution of the school, including corrections and additions. Seven large blue pieces of paper with handwriting relating to the setting up of the Ballarat School of Mines. Appendix A is an outline of the constitution of the proposed school. Proposed subjects are also included.ballarat school of mines, redmond barry, rivett henry bland, harrie wood, somerville livingston learmonth, judge-rogers, john alexander mcpherson, james mcculloch, professor mccoy, legal

Scene from Big Hill Area overlooking Stawell showing mining areastawell

Trifold invitation. On front cover is gold coloured image of rock strata. Written underneath: 'The Objective, to bring gold back to Bendigo'. On bottom of front page 'Bendigo Mining' with poppet head logo. Inside on first page: Your invitation- Peter McCarthy, Chairman Bendigo Mining Limited and Doug Buerger, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, request the pleasure of your company for the official opening of Bendigo's Mine at the kangaroo Flat site by Hon Steve Bracks, Premier of Victoria, on Friday 20 October, 2006. Colour photos of a gold pour, underground mining and a miner, on other pages of invitation. environment, kangaroo flat, goldmining, , environmental impact, exploration, mining, bendigo mining, doug buerger, peter mccarthy

Mining Scene with Workmen standing in front of tin shed with simple poppet head in background.stawell mining

Stawell from Big Hill looking west with Main Street visible and with mining in foreground 1872stawell

Sloane's & Scotchman Mining Co Employees 20 October 1913. Joe Litts front row with hammer.Group of mine workers, some with lunch containers in front of weatherboard mine buildings.stawell mining

Laminated poster advertising the Mt Lyell Mining and Railway Company Limited Centennial Celebrations taking place in Queenstown 26th to 29th March 1993 'Mt Lyell A Century in Copper'.mt lyell, mining, centennial, copper 100 year

Certificate issued for the registration of the New Garibaldi Gold Mining Company by the Court of Mines Ballarat. This was published in the Government Gazette , 13 March 1866 and in the Ballarat Star newspaper on 12 March 1866. These items were submitted to the Court of Mines and the registration certificate issued on 15 March 1866. It was under the Mining Companies Limited Liability Act 1864 (Frasers Act)Yellowing paper (vellum), hand written in black inkDate:15 March 1866 Certificate No: 2/66 Stamp of Court of Mines Ballarat Signed by the Clerk of the Court of Minescourt of mines ballarat, new garibaldi gold mining company, frasers act, certificate, mining

Stawell Gold Mines Pty Ltd. - Stawell Joint Venture. Mining Plaque (Opened 1984) & Equipment 1995stawell mining

Mining Scene between Fisher Street and Patrick Streets - includes Wimmera Battery 1880 later trotting trackstawell

Mr. Randle - Mining Scene. Three men and a boy with mine shaft. Man with large hat is Mr Randle.stawell

Laminated poster advertising events associated with the Mt Lyell Mining and Railway Company Limited Centennial Celebrations taking place from Friday 26th March to Monday 29th March 1993.mt lyell, mining, centennial,

Christmas Card with Photos of Stawell from Big Hill showing Mining 1872 & Stawell 1972 from same location View overlooking Main Street. St Matthews Church spire at centre of image.stawell

Typed letter on Mount Morgan Gold-mining Company, Limited Letterhead relating to staffmember W. Gildard who worked in the Electrical Department at Mount Morgan. The letter is signed by Norman F. White..1) I hereby certify the Bearer Mr W. Gildard has been under my supervision this last two years and six months in Electric Light Dept Mount Morgan G.M.Co. Ltd While under me he was quick steady and industrious also possessed good mechanical ideas. He has been switch board and Dynamo attendant worked on outside circuits series are Lighting Mine Lighting under Ground Electric Bells and Telephone work. He has had experience also on our new plant turbo generators Stationary Motors and Electric Locomotives Electric Tramway Work over head wiring and ground return you will also find him most obliging and willing. Leaving of his own accord. Frank McFarlane A.G.E.E. Electric Foreman Mount Morgan G.M. Co. Ltd march 21st 1907ballarat school of mines, mount morgan gold-mining company, mount morgan, norman f. white, electricity, w. gildard, letterhead

Soft brown covered book of 45 pages about East Gippsland mining and development. Includes map of Gippsland East, Lakes Entrance. Includes Lakes Entrance, Metung, Beng Worden, Bairnsdale, Longford, Torquay.gippsland east, gippsland, geology, mining, mines department, geo. brown, e.j. hogan