Cattlin Gold/Copper Mine

Statement of Significance

1899-1919 and 1960-1970 railway spur from Ravensthorpe. Pegged by Mr Clarence Cattlin December 1899
who formed a syndicate with brothers Waiter and William Kingsmill to work the mine. Little is known of
how successful their venture was, but in 1905 an option on the mine was taken out by Chas Kaufman, who
was trained as a mining engineer at Freiburg, Germany.
Kaufman, a well known mining figure in Western Australia arrived in Ravensthorpe in 1894 as a
representative of the West Australian Exploring & Finance Corp Ltd and London & Glove Finance
Corporation Ltd. By 1896 he was already responsible for capital to the value of 1.55 million pounds in
mining areas such as Kalgoorlie and the Murchiuson. It was in 1903 that Kaufman became aware of the copper
potential in the Ravensthorpe area. After taking the option on the Mt Cattlin Mine, he was instrumental in the
formation in January 1906 of the Phillips River Gold and Copper Co Ltd. Through tins venture, Kaufman
proposed to develop the copper-mining and smelter industry ai Ravensthorpe to an extent where it might rival
the goldmining industry. It was his intention to equip the mines with the most up to date appliances and plant.
However, a slump in copper prices and a disagreement with a new company director saw him sell his
substantial interests in the company by April 1909. 1903-1920 the Cattlin Mine produced 5,849.93 ounces of
fine gold. The mine goes to a depth of U50fl. Copper was also produced, especially during the 1960-1970
period. Timber frame and corrugated iron shed donated and removed to Ravensthorpe Museum.

Physical Description

The mine headframe of the Cattlun Mine is still in tact. A lot of old mining equipment is still lying around.

Condition

Disused

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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