Leadville Mine is located approximately 15km east of Dunedoo in Central West NSW.
Silver ore was first discovered in Leadville in 1887 and the mine opened in 1888. A smelter was erected in 1892-1893 and treated 15,000 tonnes of ore, which yielded 29,203 oz of silver and 1,539 tonnes of lead.
Mining and mineral processing continued intermittently at Leadville until the mine closed in 1957.
The 50-hectare Crown land parcel and mine site has remained largely unrehabilitated since operations ceased. Testing found elevated levels of lead across areas of the site, particularly in the northern area.
Ongoing issues included exposed unrehabilitated mine dumps with elevated heavy metals, including lead, arsenic and manganese which are the primary contaminants of concern.
Leadville (Mount Stewart) mine main engine shaft in 1892
Remediation project
Remediation has been completed to help improve safety and reduce impacts on the surrounding environment from past mining activity.
The work involved:
- excavating areas of contaminated soil, which was backfilled with clean material sourced onsite
- fencing
- drainage improvements to control surface water and improve the longevity of the remediation work
- revegetation of final landforms, including residual contamination areas.
The project was carried out considering the site’s heritage values guided by a construction environment management plan, which included dust and water monitoring.
The project has been delivered by the NSW Government as part of its Legacy Mines Program, which aims to reduce risks to the community through remediation of historic and abandoned mines to improve public safety and the environment.
NSW Government agencies working together on the project include Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Crown Lands, NSW Health and the Environmental Protection Authority, as well as Warrumbungle Shire Council.
Frequently asked questions
How was the construction work managed?
Remediation work was carried out safely and with strict adherence to environmental management measures.
Work was guided by a construction environment management plan with the objective to improve the environment and ensure public safety at the site and in the surrounding community.
Dust and water monitoring was carried out throughout construction.
Did the project remove all the contamination?
The most significantly contaminated material has been addressed by the works, however residual contamination will remain. This has been fenced to minimise potential exposure.
Have the site heritage features been preserved?
Leadville Mine is a Registered Historic Site and a place of Local Heritage Significance in the Warrumbungle Local Environment Plan 2013.
Work was carried out considering the heritage values of the site, guided by an unexpected finds protocol and overseen by an experienced and independent cultural heritage expert. Archival recording was completed in late 2022 to document heritage features and examples of the locality’s mining history has been retained where possible.