Nicol Goldfield

Statement of Significance

The Nicol Goldfield is associated with the early gold mining industry of the Roebourne region, and is part of a larger story of gold mining in Western Australia in the late 1800s. The site is associated with the development of the region as a result of the mining industry and the continued richness of the region with regard to a range of mineral resources. It is representative of both surface and shaft mining.

Physical Description

The site is located within an area of one square mile, located outside the Pilbara Goldfield. It lies adjacent to the highway and site elements are visible from the road.

The workings consisted of shallow pits in auriferous quartz veins. The principal mine is approximately 20 m deep and is an open cut mine. Adjacent to the mine are remains of machinery
related to ore crushing.

The fields are extensively worked and large mounds of mined earth characterise the site today.

History

Early in 1890 gold was found on a small river called the Nicol, about 14 miles west of Roebourne, by some men engaged in sinking post holes for a fence. The gold occurred near the surface and was, at first, easily and cheaply obtained. However, later on, when the lead was traced down into the flat, more work had to be done to gain it. This small patch of country (gold-bearing) is so little above the sea-level that no deep sinking was possible owing to the vast volumes of water encountered, but it was considered highly probable the deep ground carried gold. No further work was undertaken while several old diggers lived on the site.

This area was proclaimed the Nicol Goldfield. Encompassing the areas known as Upper and Lower Nicol Goldfields (and alternative spellings) the goldfield was cancelled and proclaimed incorporated into the West Pilbara Goldfield on 1 November 1895.

Copper was also recorded in the vicinity.

Mining activities continue to the present. Late twentieth century activities saw in frastructure at the site around an artificial earth mound. Today gold prospectors are still active and locate gold at the site.

Archaeology

There is some potential for archaeological remains associated with the mining activities to exist within the Nicol Goldfields. Archaeological remains may comprise surface finds and subsurface remains within the collapsed shaft. There is over a century of relics of mining related activities distributed across the field.

Integrity/Authenticity

Unknown

Condition

Unknown

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.