Tasmania's Mining History

Storeys Creek

The Storeys Creek mine, north of Avoca, has been one of the major producers of tungsten in Tasmania. The mine is situated on the west bank of Storey Creek which was originally worked for alluvial tin in the early 1880s. Veins were being worked from about 1892 but only on a small scale, with only tribute work being carried out from 1901 to the start of the first World War, when tungsten became of strategic importance.

By 1928, about 35 tons of ore were being treated daily but the mine closed later that year because of a general drop in metal prices. A little work was carried out, again on a tribute basis, until the Storeys Creek Tin Mining N.L. took over in 1937. This company worked the mine until the 1970s(?).

The invoice shown below was issued in 1927 to the Storeys Creek Tin Mining Co Ltd for the supply of a quantity of pink-wick mining candles. It's interesting to note the telephone number on the invoice - possibly Launceston 3?

Mining Candles Invoice

Invoice for Pink Wick Mining Candles to the Storeys Creek Tin Mine Co (1927)