Regional History

Gold was first discovered in the Tumbarumba Region in 1855, with approximately 3.7 tonnes of gold production recorded between 1858 and 1954. There are, however, no official records of gold production between 1855 and 1874, suggesting that early production figures are likely to be understated.

Alluvial gold was found in the Maragle area, prompting a gold rush after the discovery was widely reported in Australian newspapers. Alluvial mining commenced in Maragle, Maragle Back Creek and Reedy Creeks.

The “New” Maragle Goldfield was discovered, located within the Company’s EL9449 tenement. Annual reports from the NSW Department of Mines from 1876 to 1883 describe both alluvial and hard rock mining in this goldfield. Earlier records between 1859 to 1876 are however absent.

The NSW Department of Mines records for Pilot Reef cover three claims and note approximately 1,831 ounces of gold were processed from 2,662 tonnes of ore, averaging 38 g/t Au. The annual report of 1882 does not mention the Pilot Mine but does note a general decrease in production due to drought and the need for better machinery with the main claims abandoned.

Several exploration companies have explored the area targeting tin and gold mineralisation, however no systematic modern exploration has been undertaken across the Pilot Project, and no modern exploration drilling has been completed to date.

Right Resources began obtaining tenure in the Tumbarumba Region, and since grant, has systematically explored the region with modern technology.