Lithgow Blast Furnace
In 1875 a blast furnace was erected at Lithgow to produce pig iron.
However, operations became unprofitable and the furnace was pulled down. William Sandford leased the works in 1886 and made a profitable business re-rolling rails for mining purposes and re-heating and rolling scrap iron.
He later formed a company which erected a modern blast furnace and steel furnaces, made additions to the rolling mills, and cast its first pig iron in April 1907. However, due to financial difficulties the works closed in December, but was almost immediately taken over by G&C Hoskins Ltd.
Hoskins upgraded and extended the works and amongst other things, produced steel rails, structural steel, and pig iron.
This is the site of the blast furnace and auxiliary plant erected by William Sandford in 1906-7 and extended by the Hoskins Company in 1913. It served the Lithgow iron and steel industry until 1928, was the first continuously economic producer of Australian steel and made possible the establishment of other steel producing centres at Newcastle and Port Kembla.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | National Engineering Landmark (NEL) |
| Award Date | October 1992 |
| Heritage Significance | The site contains the ruins of the first steel producing plant in Australia. |
| Nomination Document | Not Available. |
| Supporting Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet | Not Available. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel | None Installed. |
