Richmond Mine and Battery, historic site in Queensland, Australia

Richmond Mine and Battery is a heritage-listed gold mine site 10 kilometres east of Croydon, about 1 kilometre north of the Gulf Developmental Road. The Richmond reef outcrops on a hill capped with desert sandstone, striking nearly north to south and dipping east at 35 degrees. The present battery was erected in 1913, with stamps and shed from the Highland Mary mine and a mill engine from the local foundry Stuart and McKenzies; 1913 is inscribed on the concrete footings.

The Richmond reef was worked from 1886 to about 1916, yielding 21,324 ounces of gold from 6,615 tons of ore between 1886 and 1907. The mine closed after 1907 when repairs to the winding machinery and vertical boiler proved unaffordable. Work resumed as Richmond Amalgamated from 1912 to 1916, producing 3,696 ounces from 883 tons. The present battery was erected in 1913 with a Queensland Government loan; its stamps and shed came from the Highland Mary mine and its mill engine from local foundry Stuart and McKenzies.

The site is open and dry with scattered stones and metal parts spread across the land, so allow time to explore the different areas at a slow pace. Wear sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and you will navigate around old foundations, shaft openings, and machinery remains.

The mill shed held a five-stamp battery with a self feeder, amalgamating table, berdan pan, two Wilfley concentrating tables and a pump drawing water from a dam behind the site. The 1913 battery's stamps and shed were moved from Croydon's Highland Mary mine, and the year 1913 is cast into the concrete footings.