1960
1930

1940

“The continual drop in gold production after 1940 was due to the effect of the War. From 1942, restrictions on gold mining still further caused a drop in production. Many mines ceased operations, and only those larger operators producing metals vital to the war effort, in association with gold were able to contribute appreciably to the annual gold production of the State.

Of the total production of gold recorded during the years 1939-1945 inclusive, 71,418 oz. of gold were won by dredges mainly from the Wellington and Gulgong districts.

The most notable production for the period was that from the Cobar field, where 295,961 oz. of gold were produced, mainly by the three mines under the control of New Occidental Gold Mines N.L. . With the exceptions mentioned above, the bulk of the gold produced was won by a large number of small mines, sluicing plants, tailings, retreatment plants, prospectors and fossickers.

Left: Mines Department Annual Report 1940. Images and content presented here from this report reproduced courtesy of NSW Trade & Resources, Minerals & Energy

GOLD SUMMARY FROM THE REPORT

“Adelong Division. Total production amounted to 1,258 oz valued at approximately £11,505 during the period. The Gibraltar Gold Mine continued production from 1939 to 1943. The Golden Valley dredge was moved to a new site during 1939, when 463 oz. of gold were produced. In 1940 the dredge had to work in poor ground with very low production. In 1941, 35,000 cu. yd. of material were treated for a recovery of 1:-56 oz. gold. Operations ceased in 1942 owing to the difficulty of obtaining labour and supplies on account of the war.

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