A correction re the Queenstown, Tasmania, memorial
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325818)
Rockingham, Australia
June 22, 2018 2:35am CST
I really need to lift my game. I wrote about a sculpture in Queenstown and thought it commemorated the death of three men in 2013. However further research tells me it is in honour of 42 miners who died in October 1912 when fire broke out more than 200 metres below the surface.
The bronze four-metre high sculpture depicts a flame with a rock pick which was the tool used during that time. The metal ‘strings’ also give the impression of a lyre as many in the company were of Irish descent.
Mining first began in the area of Queenstown in south-west Tasmania in 1882 when gold was detected. However attention turned to mining the large supplies of copper. By 1893 the Mount Lyell Bonanza had produced over 850 tons of high grade copper and silver ore.
In 1914 the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company built its own hydro-electric power scheme. From 1928 improvements in refinery methods resulted in copper that was 99.8% pure. From 1934 to 1972, 47 million tons of copper ore were produced.
However for various reasons, the refinery closed in 1964 and the smelters in 1969. Depressed copper prices and other problems saw mining stopped in 1993. An Indian company, Twin Star Holdings, now owns the mine but I wasn’t able to find out how many are employed there.
I’ve deleted the first discussion and I believe that no-one will lose any monies they might have earned from commenting or responding. I’m sorry for the error.
13 people like this
11 responses
@AKRao24 (27424)
• India
22 Jun 18
So nice of you to correct your self and re-posting the detailed discussion dear friend! I am impressed! The sculpture looks good which was built in the memory of 42 miners who lost their lives in the mine! Thanks for the relevant details ! Stay blessed! Have a great time!
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
22 Jun 18
That is pretty decent to delete the post with wrong information. I am glad you found out what the significance of the memorial was really about.It makes it even more interesting now. It is a well thought out memorial.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325818)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Jun 18
Because we're not 'settled' at home, I guess I've been rushing things a bit and 'assuming' too much. Not checking my facts.
@changjiangzhibin89 (16533)
• China
22 Jun 18
I have missed your post you mentioned.I learn so much from this post.The bronze sculpture vividly tolds people what happened then.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325818)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Jun 18
I'm glad you missed it. I originally thought the memorial was for the three men who were killed more recently. The names of the 42 men are all around the base but when I came to write up the post I forgot about that. If I'd remembered I'd have known it wasn't just for the three.
1 person likes this
@caopaopao (12395)
• China
22 Jun 18
Thank you for sharing, dear friend. Let us have a better understanding of the statue.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325818)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Jun 18
@sunrisefan This is the second recently. I think I'm getting old(er).
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
22 Jun 18
@JudyEv You don't have to be embarrassed. Everybody commits errors at times :)
1 person likes this
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
22 Jun 18
I didn't read the discussions, glad you have deleted the post earlier and corrected it.
This picture is so beautiful. I love it!
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (62164)
• United States
24 Jun 18
It doesn’t matter whether you’re in eastern Kentucky or western Tasmania, mining is a dangerous job.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
22 Jun 18
Best that you made the appropriate corrections.
1 person likes this