Champion quartz lode

Coronation of ‘The Emperor of Gold Fields’

The Champion quartz lode system was one of the richest and free milling gold quartz lodes in the world. (In free milling ore, gold is recovered by simple processes due to its richness) The Champion lode during the initial stages of modern mining has yielded more than 160gms of Gold/tonne of ore! This finding at Mysore mine in 1884 changed the scene on the field and galvanized the activities of other soring companies on K.G.F. The entire field became a beehive of activities and many new companies were started. The Champion (Hero) or the main lode was the life line of Kolar Gold Field and K.G.F became the first organized and scientific Gold-Mining Industry in India! Several incline shafts were sunk to intersect the lode at different places from the surface. The dip or the inclination of the lode was westerly. Captain Plummer became the real Champion of K.G.F mines. “Had the Mysore mine been abandoned as desired by many share holders, Kolar Gold Fields instead of becoming one of the world’s greatest producers of Gold would in all probability been numbered among its failures and there wouldn’t have been a place called K.G.F,” was the view of many learned men. With the start of an active mining industry in K.G.F, many other gold bearing areas of India with similar geological nature were thoroughly investigated. The re-discovery of this rich champion lode laid the foundation for the beginning of the world famous Kolar Gold Mines. The ambition of John Warren was fulfilled! Though there were many founding fathers of K.G.F mines who invested so heavily in establishing this world famous industry, several of them were lost in the whirlwind of failures. It was here that the name ‘John Taylor’ needs special praise; he stood all the challenges in his endeavour and emerged ‘The Victor’. Hence, he is still surviving by his name with the adoration John Taylor-’The Great’—‘The Founder of K.G.F Mines’

A Gift to the Founder! Pleasing to record: The founder of this famous Goldmining industry on his retirement as chairman of the mining board in 1902 was presented a cup made of 50 ounces of gold extracted from Mysore mine on which was engraved:   ‘THIS CUP WAS PRESENTED TO JOHN TAYLOR III Esq. M.I.C.E’ The Godfather of Kolar Gold Mines had his guest house at Mysore mine opposite Edgar’s shaft—a palatial building in K.G.F. After retirement as chairman of the Mysore Gold Mining Co., John Taylor served the board of directors of all the mining companies on our field till he passed away in 1920. Also, it was he who founded this world famous Gold town.