Miners at Tallawang
Discovery of the magnetite deposit at Tallawang was made during the Gulgong gold rush in 1886, but the absence of precious metal mineralisation meant that the deposit was largely ignored until 1901.
Magnetite was first mined at Tallawang in 1901 in the Northern Pit by Australian Iron and Steel for use in iron production at Lithgow. From 1901 to 1928, ore was transported to Lithgow by rail where it was used for blast furnace feed. A total of 510,000 tonnes of ore was mined for this purpose. Mining at Tallawang then ceased with closure of the Lithgow smelter.
The pit was then selectively mined during World War II. Minimal quantities of the magnetite produced and used in manufacture of radio equipment.
From 1951 to 1955 Australian Magnetite Pty Ltd mined 5,926 tonnes of ore before mining operations again lapsed. Mining leases subsequently taken out by Elcom Collieries in 1962 passed through several hands until 1985 when Garmark Pty Ltd obtained the leases...
Progressive rehabilitation at the site has occurred since the 1990s. ... Mining ceased in March 2016, with processing continuing through to May 2016.
Source: Tallawang Magnetite Mine (PDF)
Miners at Tallawang
Miners at Tallawang
NEWS ITEMS
1910 - [Tram and Railway]
Work at the Tallawang iron mines proceeds apace. The tramline from the mine to the railway will be ready as soon as the line is opened to Dunedoo. Ore will be despatched to Lithgow smelters as soon as the trains run.
Source: Gulgong Champion, September 17, 1910.
1918 - Accidents at the Iron Mine - Three in One Week
Ther was a series of accidents at and near the Tallewang iron mine last week, resulting in two broken limbs and a severe wound being sustained by the victims.
While working on one of the walls of the quarries William Doyle slipped and fell on to a heap of iron ore seven feet below where he was working and rolled anogher eleven feet. He sustained a deep cut in his left leg which needed 14 stitches.
Another employee, "Bunny" Cross was taking a horse to water when the animal was frightened by a dog. He was thrown off and receieved a broken leg.
On Thursday night, George Gaudry, 12 year old son of Mr and Mrs G Gaudry, fell and broke his right arm.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, July 2, 1918
1919 - The Tallawang Iron Mines - Closed Down
The reason for this step is because of the large amount of iron ore on hand in the Eskbank works. We understand that operations will not be resumed for some considerable time. Over fifty men have been thrown out of work, The pay sheet at the mines averages well over £200 a week
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, February 25, 1919
Mr H J Plunkett, teacher at Tallawang Iron Mine School is resigning from the Education Department and is going to Sydney to live when the Easter vacation commences. His father and two sisters served in the war - the father being 57 years old and served for three years abroad with the A.M.C. He tried to get into the infantry but his age was against him.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, March 25, 1919
1934 - [Honours]
An ex-Gulgongite, Mr Martin Farrow, was included in the New Year's list of Commonwealth honours. Mr Farrow many years ago was employed at Gulgong by the Railways department. He is a son of Mr and Mrs G Farrow, formerly of Gulgong, where Mr Farrow was the manager of the Tallewang Iron Mines. Mr Farrow, on whom the CBE has been conferred, is the president of the Limbless Soldiers Association of NSW.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, January 14, 1934.
1952 - Old Iron Mine at Tallawang
The old iron mine at Tallawang is to be worked shortly by Australian Magnetite Pty. Ltd. The mine, which holds a large quantity of water, is to be pumped out, after which iron ore will be mined and crushed on the spot. The ore will then be ground in a factory to be established near the town. The magnetite in the ore will be despatched away to be used in the process of washing coal. Production is expected to commence within three months and local labour is to be employed. Mr. Peter Kelly, who is staying at the Commercial Hotel, has been appointed local manager for the company...
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 10 Jan 1952 Page 16 The arrival of some big units of machinery for in stallation at the old iron mine at Tallawang for the Australian. Magnetite Co., caused great interest last week as the huge trailer lorries wended their way through the town.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 14 Feb 1952 Page 17
An application for supply of electricity to plant to be erected at Gulgong for production of ground magnetite, a material used in the process of coal washing, was submitted to a meeting of Ulan County Council by Australian Magnetite Pty. Ltd...
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 14 Feb 1952 Page 17
1952 - TENDERS - Australian Magnetite Pty. Ltd.
TENDERS are invited for CARTAGE of CRUSHED MAGNETITE from the Company's ore bins, Tallawang to treatment works at Gulgong.
Details of contract may be obtained from the undersigned.
Tenders close at 5 p.m., APRIL 22, 1952.
P. KELLY, Manager
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 10 Apr 1952 Page 10
Ulan County' Council's electricity supply has been connected to the Australian Magnetite Co's premises near the town, where the crushing and screening of iron, ore from, the old mine at Tallawang is reaching the production stage.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 26 Jun 1952 Page 16
Mr. Peter Kelly, who has been manager of the Australian Magnetite Co's mine at Tallawang and the mill in Gulgong for some time, is to leave for Ardlethan shortly. Mr. W. Hall, late of the N.S.W. Mining Co. at Lithgow, has arrived in the town and will succeed Mr. Kelly, who is a popular member of the Bowling Club.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 3 Jun 1954 Page 11 1954 - Presentations to Mr. Peter Kelly
Mr. Peter Kelly, who was manager of the Australian Magnetite Co's. mine at Tallawang and the mill near Gulgong for 2½ years, was farewelled by some 10 employees of the company last Saturday afternoon.
Mr. T. Amies was invited to preside and to make a presentation to Mr. Kelly, of a Parker fountain pen and pencil in case. In doing so, he referred to the high esteem in which Mr. Kelly was held not only by his staff, but by citizens of the town, particularly members of the Bowling Club.
His remarks were supported by several speakers, all of whom paid tribute to Mr. Kelly's sterling qualities. Opportunity was taken by a staff member, Mr. Westy Dunn, to accord a welcome to Mr. Kelly's successor, Mr. W. Hall, formerly of Lithgow. Later, Mr. Kelly was the, recipient of a presentation from Bowling Club members. Mr. Kelly took his departure next day for Ardlethan, where his home is.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 24 Jun 1954 Page 10
Tallawang Iron Mine
1962
Water hole, 1963
Water hole, 1963
The Tallawang iron ore has been proved, in working, to be one of the richest in Australia
Source: Mudgee Guardian, February 5, 2016
