Worthing Mine and its Historic Enginehouse

The Worthing Mine near Hallett Cove. 20 km southwest of the cite of Adelaide, belongs to Aus- tralia's first mining era, which took place in South Australia between 1841 and 1851 (Figure 1). Oper- ations began in 1849 only six years after the com- mencement of metal mining in Australia at Glen Osmond. Although not as historically significant as Glen Osmond (1841), or the much larger copper mines of Kapunda (1844) or Burra (1845) its importance lies with its Cornish enginehouse and chimney. The Worthing enginehouse, built in 1851-1852 is the oldest remaining in Australia and certainly the most significant relic of Australia's first mining era. Six other stone enginehouses were built during that period: at Kapunda in 1848 and 1850: at Burra in 1849, 1850 and 1851; and at Tungkillo in 1849. All of these houses have long since dis- appeared although the foundations of one (Kapunda, 1850) still remain. The significance of the Worthing site is enhanced by its magnificant environmental setting in the bare, steep valley of Field River. Currently (1986) the Worthing Mine is the only site within the City of Marion which is on the Register of State Heritage Items. The site is also included in the Classified List of the National Trust of South Australia and on the Register of the National Estate.