Vulcan Mine

Vulcan Mine is a heritage-listed tin mine in Queensland's Mareeba Mining District featuring a steel headframe at its original location. The site contains brick foundations and underground water storage systems built during the 1890s.

Italian woodcutters and miners discovered the tin deposit in September 1888, leading to the creation of Vulcan Tin Mining Company Limited in December 1890. Operations grew to become one of Australia's largest tin mining ventures of its time.

The site shows how Italian immigrants shaped mining methods and community life in the Mareeba region during the late 1800s. Their influence remains visible in the buildings and stories connected to this place.

The site offers insights into early Australian mining techniques through its well-preserved original structures. Visitors should expect uneven ground and be prepared for exposure to heritage buildings that show their age.

The mine was Australia's deepest tin operation with one of the largest remaining pre-World War I headframes still standing on original foundations. This engineering landmark shows the technical skill needed for mining in an era of extreme challenges.

Location: Queensland

GPS coordinates: -17.42660,145.19620

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:00