The Chillagoe Smelters site is an excellent demonstration of the technology of mineral (copper, silver, lead and gold) smelting at the turn of the 20th century. An up-to-date plant was assembled and then modified repeatedly between 1901 and 1911 to meet local conditions. The physical remains at the Chillagoe Smelters preserve important evidence of historic smelting processes that are rare today.
Safety at the smelters
The Chillagoe Smelters is an historical, industrial site that includes pits, tanks and contaminants. The site is a restricted access area and entry is prohibited. The area is unstable and contains asbestos and other toxic contaminants. Serious injury or death could result from entering these areas. For your safety, a restricted access area has been declared over the site.
- Observe the site from the viewing area. Do not enter the restricted access area.
- Never remove historical relics.
From the car park and viewing point, three chimneys can be seen. From left to right they are the pre-treatment chimney, powerhouse chimney with the octagonal section, and the main smelter chimney on top of the hill.
More information: www.npsr.qld.gov.au
