This riveting first-hand recollection of a Ballarat miner in 1858 describes a series of local mining accidents – including several miraculous escapes.
His story was published in several newspapers, and it demonstrates just how common these accidents were on the goldfields, with a single miner able to recall so many incidents from his time so far at the diggings.
I’ve always found this recollection to be absolutely fascinating, so I’d like to share it with you here in full.
You can read about more mining accidents in the Victorian Goldfields here: https://www.goldfieldsguide.com.au/blog/81/buried-alive
The underground images used in this video were kindly provided by @The Victorian Historical Mine Shaft Chasers Inc., a team of professionals who abseil down into Victoria’s historical mines to survey our long-forgotten underground. Their explorations and discoveries are documented and published on YouTube and social media, providing us with a unique glimpse into Victoria’s rich mining history.
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I absolutely loved these! My grandfather was a prospector here in Arizona, southwestern USA, between WWI and WWII. I was far too young when he passed to remember any good stories. But I do remember him explaining how a carbide lamp works, and that in a pinch you can spit on it but peeing in the reservoir works better… Especially if it's a long walk back to your water source.
Great research & editing
Thank you
Thanks for your research. I feel like these are unsung hero stories .
These stories are incredible. The luck of some of these fellas. I'd never set foot in a bloody shaft ever again after surviving one of these. I'd love to see more of these. They deserve to go viral.