19th-century gold mining, Australia
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19th-century gold mining, Australia
19th-century gold mining, Australia. Artwork of Chinese workers excavating and washing gold ores at a gold mine in Australia. The worker in the foreground is using a device called a cradle (berceau) to wash ores containing gold. The rocks, sands and gravel from the excavations are placed in the upper box, which has a perforated base. Water is poured over the rocks to carry the lighter rocks and specks of gold to the lower level. This lower level is an inclined plane, covered in a blanket. The device is rocked using the lever, and the lighter waste gravel exits at right, while the gold collects at the other end of the device. Artwork from Mines and Miners (L. Simonin, 1868)
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Media ID 6468033
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1883 Australia Australian Chinese Cradle Gold History Of Science Mine Miner Miners Mines And Miners Mining Oriental Simonin Washin G Worker Workers Berceau False Coloured Panning Rocker
EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork captures the essence of 19th-century gold mining in Australia, specifically highlighting the significant role played by Chinese workers. The illustration showcases a group of industrious individuals excavating and washing gold ores at a bustling Australian gold mine. In the foreground, an Asian male worker can be seen skillfully operating a cradle (berceau), a device designed to extract gold from rocks, sands, and gravel. The process involves placing these materials into the upper box of the cradle with its perforated base. Water is then poured over them, allowing it to carry lighter rocks and specks of precious gold down to the lower level. This inclined plane covered in a blanket serves as the collection point for this valuable mineral. By rocking the device using a lever, waste gravel exits on one end while pure gold collects on the other. This historical artwork not only highlights technological advancements in mining during that era but also sheds light on cultural diversity within Australia's mining industry. It pays homage to hardworking miners who dedicated their lives to extracting this coveted metal from deep within Australian soil. Originally featured in "Mines and Miners" by L. Simonin in 1868, this vibrant illustration offers us a glimpse into an important chapter of Australia's rich history – one that shaped both its industrial development and multicultural fabric.
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