Beaconsfield Gold Mine, Tasmania
From Engineering Heritage Australia
Underground mining began in 1878.
With the reef located in an underground aquifer, mining required ever-increasing pumping capacity as the workings followed the reef down. Eventually three Hathorn Davey steam pumping engines and Cornish pit work were installed in two shafts 450 metres deep, the largest and most extensive pumping plant in the world.
The mine supported a thriving town until the mine became uneconomic and closed in 1914.
Good times returned in 1999 when the mine re-opened and production resumed, using electric pumps.
The current owner, BCD Resources, closed the mine on the 25th June 2012.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Historic Engineering Marker (HEM) |
| Award Date | December 2005 |
| Nomination Document | Nomination document |
