In the 1840's South Australia was languishing in the economic doldrums. Fortunately, sheep grazier Francis Dutton stumbled over some moss colored stones. An assay of the rocks (which took over 2 years to complete since they had to be sent to the UK) determined the find to of the highest grade of copper ore found any where in the world. Dutton and his partner quickly bought up the land and Kapunda, Australia's first mining town, was born.
Mining dominated the town for more than 30 years, and it is said that the million pounds worth of copper it produced saved South Australia from bankruptcy. When the mine closed in 1877, the town became the center for a thriving pastoral industry.
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Kapunda is a fascinating town; rich in mining history. A nice post.
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Hi Maya, I found the history behind the mining town of Kapunda very interesting. Great photo. Thanks so much for sharing.
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