Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Gold Prospecting Location around Kalgoorlie-Boulder
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In 1893, prospectors Patrick Hannan, Tom Flanagan, and Dan Shea discovered 100 ounces of gold near their camp, sparking the famous Kalgoorlie gold rush. The town became the heart of the Golden Mile, known as the richest square mile in the world.
Today, Kalgoorlie-Boulder remains Australia's premier gold mining center, home to the Super Pit, one of the largest open-cut mines on Earth. The region continues to attract prospectors seeking their fortune in the rich red earth of the goldfields.
Gold was officially discovered on June 10, 1893, when Patrick 'Paddy' Hannan and his companions made their legendary find near Mount Charlotte. The State Government officially named the town Kalgoorlie on September 4, 1894, with the name derived from the Aboriginal word 'galgurli' or 'karlkurla'.
Will Brookman and Sam Pearce's subsequent discovery of rich ore bodies in Boulder secured the region's future. By the late 1890s, the Golden Mile had become the world's richest gold mining area, producing millions of ounces of gold.
The city has survived multiple boom and bust cycles over its 130-year history. Modern mining operations continue to extract gold from both underground mines and the massive Super Pit, which is visible from space.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder has produced over 60 million ounces of gold since its discovery, making it one of the world's most prolific goldfields. The city's grand architecture, including the Town Hall and numerous heritage hotels, reflects the wealth generated during the gold rush era.
Common Questions
When was gold first discovered in Kalgoorlie? ▼
Gold was discovered on June 10, 1893, by prospectors Patrick 'Paddy' Hannan, Tom Flanagan, and Dan Shea. They found 100 ounces of gold nuggets near their camp at Mount Charlotte, sparking one of Australia's greatest gold rushes.
What is the Golden Mile? ▼
The Golden Mile is a region between Kalgoorlie and Boulder that became known as the richest square mile in the world. It has produced over 60 million ounces of gold since the 1890s and continues to be actively mined today.
Can amateur prospectors still find gold in Kalgoorlie? ▼
Yes, the Kalgoorlie region remains highly prospective for amateur gold prospectors. Many areas of unreserved Crown land are open to recreational prospecting with a Miner's Right. Detectorists regularly find nuggets in the surrounding goldfields.
How large is the Super Pit? ▼
The Super Pit is one of Australia's largest open-cut gold mines, measuring approximately 3.5 kilometers long, 1.5 kilometers wide, and over 600 meters deep. It's so large it can be seen from space and produces hundreds of thousands of ounces of gold annually.