Historical information

The Napoleon (BML) gold mine (1932) was located beside 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)

Significance

Significant to mining history of Bendigo.

Physical description

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 positione, the third stamper is being lowered onto the final foundation. In immediate foreground, 'boxing' is erected for future concrete pours.