Union Mine Site
Welcome to the Union Mine Site located on the Ballarat to Maryborough Road a few kilometers from Talbot and Dunach.
This site is typical of many mining sites in the region. It highlights the significant gold history of the larger Ballarat and Maryborough Gold mining regions.
Mining commenced at this site in 1865 where tunnelling company successfully dug though the basaltic layers of rock and into the Mt Greenock Deep Lead. After the discovery of this deep lead, several mining companies began sinking shafts to exploit the deep lead for gold. The Huffnung Company was the largest company to attempt mining here however was not able to fully exploit the deep lead as it was not able to secure capital to fund adequate pumps to drain the mines of water. The problem with water flooding mines was common place and was the cause of several mining accidents. The best known in this area was the Australasian Mine Disaster at the Australasia No. 2 Mine near Creswick (there is also a good geocache there and is well worth the visit).
After several years of not being able to mine successfully in this spot another company called Union and Nichcolls Freehold joined into the operations and as able to erect a steam-powered pumping machine that was able drain the mines. Eventually in 1869 the mine bottomed out at 150 feet deep and mining along the deep lead was able to be carried out. The three companies on this site continued mining until the early 1880's with a total gold production of 1,120kg of gold.
As you enter this site there is a gate. Please make sure that you close the gate behind you as sometimes sheep graze in this area.
Please Park at the obvious car parking area and walk the last 50 meters to the GZ. At the GZ you will have amazing views of Mt Grenoch, Mt Glasgow to the north and north east. To the south west you will see the Waubra Wind Farm and Mt Beckworth which are all places that are worth visiting. Also read the information board as it has a display about the mine as well as some information about Major Mitchel and his discoveries in this area.
Cache is 200mL container with room for small swaps. FTF Prize included.