Historic mine location, and site of a small modern open cut, and modern exploration. Also historically known as Martins and Conrans. Headframe was once over the main shaft. Shaft claimed to be 320 feet deep. When inspected 1906, the shaft was collapsing, and likely gone now with the modern open cut. Another three shafts are mentioned on the lease, and an historic open cut. Active 1879-1902 producing 4198 oz Au.

In 1879, Martins is mentioned as South Frampton, likely later combined into the main Frampton lease. The Frampton United Company is noted at the site in 1884, but a lack of water was limiting production. They established a chlorination plant and reverberatory furnaces to roast the ore, however the plant closed in 1891. The Conran Gold Mining Company took over the Frampton mine in 1891, with limited subsequent mining. The Marodian Gold Mining Company came and went across 1903-1904. By 1918, the mine was employing four men, with a ten head battery erected 1923, and tramlines installed between the mine and battery in 1924. Mining ceased in 1928. T.H. Smith took out some ore in 1941, with it being sent to Chillagoe to be processed. Incomplete records 1879-1941 the mine produced 8776 oz Au. The complex nature of the ore limited production with the technology of the time.

The two small open pits at the site relate to Pacific Gold Mines NL who mined the neighbouring Never Never deposit in 1997, and Norton Goldfields 2004-2005 who mined both Never Never, and Framptons.

Martins Reef is noted on the ridge summit, consisting of numerous gold hosting leaders. Honeycombed quartz with gold values higher near the surface, and lost altogether below 200 feet. The reef also contained hematite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite and galena in shoots between greyish mullock between hard granite walls. Calcite patches.

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

References