Historical information

This photograph depicts mining operations (in particular, hydrolic sluicing) at Three Mile Mine, Barramutha, during the later periods of mining, 1920s-1950s. Three Mile Mine was a major site of mining activity sating back to the 1850s, although was often not as prosperous as other sites such as those situated on the Woolshed Valley. Many miners would leave Three Mile Mine for better prospects on other claims. The main, most successful 'rush' at Three Mile Mine occurred during and immediately following September 1855. This photograph, however, depicts a much later period.

Significance

The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray a miner at a sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image, and its related images, it important for its historical significant of labour and mining extraction used for gold during the latter gold rushes in the 1900s. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to gold mining in the region which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.

Physical description

A black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper

Inscriptions & markings

reverse:
7597.4 /
copied from original on loan from Webb (Qld) /
Donated Nov 2009 /
Baarmutha Three Mile Mine 1920-1950 /
Owned by Plain Bros then Parkinsons /
John Weir or Jack Cox /
Sluicing /