After the discovery of the champion quartz lode system on the eastern zone of Mysore mine field in 1884, the mining industry developed rapidly length and depth wise throughout K.G.F. India was placed on ‘The Gold Map’ of the World. Thus the start of a modern mining in K.G.F marked the dawn of Goldmining industry in India. This was a regular Reef type lode which was free from many geological complexities as against, the western zone irregular Vein type occurrences. White quartz reefs within the host Amphibolite rock mass form matrix for gold which vary in length from a few metres to few kilometers; its thickness vary from fraction of a metre to 6 metres.
John Taylor & sons—the founder of Mysore Gold mining Company Limited, with their unmatched technical expertise made further new discoveries of high grade ores. This was an encouragement and the whole industry prospered along a strike length of 10 miles south-north. Fourteen lodes were known of which the main ones were: The Champion lode, Mundy’s lode, Mc.Taggart east lode, Mc.Taggart west lode and Oriental lode. Mundy’s and Champion lode run on the eastern side of the field which are gold quartz lodes; whereas, Mc.Taggart and Oriental lodes are gold bearing sulphide veins and run at the western zone under the field. These western lodes include in it an alternate gold quartz layers and layers containing 10% sulphide veins in it. The other small lodes are: The Muskam lode, new Sulphide lode, new Quartz lode, new Graphite Sulphide Quartz lode, Vyvyan lode, Lawrence lode, Wolf’s lode, Beresford lode, Kempinkote lode, West lode and South main lode. All these lodes run sub-parallel to each other and occur at intervals of 200—600 feet across the north-south strike.
The Mining Companies
A modern ‘Gold Boom’ in India occurred during 1880-1900. By 1880, as many as 11 companies were floated in K.G.F and sophisticated approaches were sought to reach the success of underground mining. They were:
The total capital of all the 11 companies at that time was £35, 00,000. By the end of 1885, Mysore mine alone yielded 6000 ounces of gold valued at £24000. In the year 1886, the first dividend of 20% was paid to its share-holders on a total capital of £150000. The initial output of Gold at that time was 16,325 ounces valued at Rs.8,88,606/—In that year, the Mysore Government received the first royalty from Mysore Gold Mining Company of Messrs. John Taylor & sons. The company paid Rs.33,368/—being the first royalty. The total royalty paid by all the companies went on increasing year by year; in 1895, it was Rs.7.33 lakhs and in 1935, it was 9.80 lakhs.
Before 1900, the largest land holder on the field was the Colar Concessionaires. The Gold Fields of Mysore Limited held more than 8360 acres of land. They operated Yerrakonda block, South block, East Indian block, East Ooregum block, Victoria block, Eastern Emperor block, Ajjapalli block, North western reef block, Concessionaires block, Oriental block, Golconda block, West Balaghat block and Road block. Many of the companies that prospered later also bought lands from the Gold Fields of Mysore Limited.
Names of the companies, their land holdings on K.G.F and beyond its north as on 1899.
Different companies operated different blocks at different times. Some times, individual companies have operated more than one block. Neighbouring powerful companies, during the course of times have swallowed their weaker ones. E.g. At the south end, Colar Central block was taken over by Ooregum Company after 1893, one more Colar Central block and Indian Consolidated Gold Co., was taken over by Kempinkote Gold Co. Nine reef mines was taken over by Balaghat Company. Most of the companies did not have serious attention on exploration. Mining of generally low grade ore discouraged those prospectors from further operations resulting in abandoning their ventures prematurely. Many companies were passed on to John Taylor & sons.
The New Kempinkote Gold Field Limited worked few blocks for some years; but was not that successful as their neighbours. In their fourteenth Extra-ordinary General Meeting held on 19-12-1916 it passed a resolution for the complete halting of their operations and liquidation of the company. Gold Fields of Mysore & General Exploration was liquidated in the year 1925. Oorgaum mine in 1919 joined hands with two of the other companies on K.G.F and formed a syndicate called ‘Indian Mines Development Syndicate Limited’ with a capital of £20000 for prospecting and mining in the provinces of Burmah. At different times, the Road block mine, Nine reefs mine, Tank block mine were all amalgamated with Nundydroog mine. Still later, many companies were liquidated for some reasons and the number shrinked to just five in 1930. They were:
Finally, mining operations were confined on a narrow belt of six to seven miles in length and around 1½ mile in width. In 1932, Balaghat mine was closed and was sold to Nundydroog Company. Ooregum mine was amalgamated with Champion reef mine on 1st October1953 leaving only the Mysore Goldmining Company Ltd., The Champion Reefs Goldmining Company of India Ltd., and the Nundydroog Company Ltd. These companies which were incorporated in London during the years 1880, 1889 and 1880 respectively were nationalized in 1956. Thus, The Mysore mine, The Champion reef mine and The Nundydroog mine lasted till 2001 under Bharat Gold Mines Limited.
Incline and the Vertical Shafts:
Many shafts were sunk on the entire field and almost all the shafts sunk during the inception of the industry were incline in angle (on the eastern side on surface). This is because, the Champion lode is inclined westward at an angle of 50¡ near the surface and the shafts were to follow the reef angle. These lodes almost become vertical as it reaches deeper levels. Shafts at the western zone were all vertical and were sunk at later stages keeping in mind the economy (easy hoisting to surface).
Each mine had its main vertical shafts with which the other shafts of those mines had underground communications through tunnels and drives. Each mine also had underground communications with other mines so that, one can enter a shaft any-where and emerge out at another shaft. These main vertical shafts were called ‘Principal Shafts’ for they acted as arteries (communicating shafts) and were useful at times of emergencies like accidents. Hence these shafts were equipped fully to meet any kind of exigencies arising out during rock bursts, fire accidents etc. Accordingly:
Edgar’s shaft of Mysore mine, Gifford’s shaft of Champion reef mine, Bullen’s shaft of Ooregum mine and Henry’s shaft of Nundydroog mine were the designated principal shafts.
When a shaft become defunct on ceasing of operations, they were used for other non-productive purposes like airing or ventilating the underground of other shafts, pumping of water or as an up-cast through which wasted underground air, noxious gases, dust and vapours were allowed to escape to surface. They were also used by workers during emergency situations to climb to surface through ladder ways. Shafts were named after the directors of the board, technical personalities and mine superintendents or after some share holders of the company.
Shafts or ‘The Golden Wells’ through which Gold ore was extracted in K.G.F. John Warren’s first sinking attempt 1803—location uncertain, (probably, the later day Lavelle’s shaft near the present Roger’s camp to the east of Mysore mine)
SHAFTS OF MYSORE MINE
Distances and locations are rough and subject to correction (List incomplete) The large quantity of Gold worth £25000 extracted by the Indian Consolidated Gold Company between 1877 and 1880 must have acted as an indicator for John Taylor to opt a land (Mysore mine) immediately close to the Colar block. His wisdom always prevailed and wonders began to happen fast.
1. Maarikuppam Trial pit (Maarcoopam as pronounced by Europeans)-1880, sunk by Capt. Roger for John Taylor & sons firm, the first shaft in the form of a pit, lies around 200 ft west of driver’s line/Black smiths line and around 100 ft south of Crocker’s shaft,
2. Taylor’s shaft—(John Taylor Esq.)1881, the first full-fledged shaft sunk by Capt. Roger with well planned head gears, lies 50 ft north of Mysore mine mill complex’s eastern end and 270 ft west of Plummers shaft and 290 ft west of Crocker’s shaft, fenced off and no longer used since 1923,
3. Hale’s shaft—450 ft south of Hancocks shaft-1881 and closed before 1900, re-opened in 1948 and closed,
4. Roger’s shaft (perhaps the Maarikuppam trial pit)
5. Scovell’s shaft (beneath tailing dump)
6. Webb’s shaft (Orlando Webb Esq.) beneath tailing dump. Sl. Nos. 1 to 6 were sunk between 1880 and 1883,
7. Plummer’s shaft (Capt.B.D.Plummer)—by Capt. Plummer in 1884. It lies around 320 ft to the east of Mysore mine mill complex. Champion lode, the life line of K.G.F mines was discovered in this shaft at 173 ft depth. To its 450 ft north is Crocker’s shaft. Closed in 1960s.
8. William’s shaft (William Bell Davies)-260 ft west of Plummer’s shaft towards Mc.Taggart’s Incline,
9. Blair’s shaft (John Hunter Blair)—485 ft south of William’s shaft towards Mc.Taggarts inclines
10. Mc.Taggart’s Incline shaft (Capt. W. Bell McTaggart)—(Irubadhaangeni or 20th shaft) lies 500 ft south of Blair’s and 1200 south of Mysore mine mill complex.
11. Crocker’s shaft (Isaac Crocker)—1894 and service from 1897 closed down in 1995—lies 340 ft east of Mysore mine mill complex, 460 ft north of Plummer’s shaft and 100 ft north of Maarikuppam trial pit—A primordial shaft in many ways according to many a mining experts
12. Robert’s shaft (Robert Taylor Esq.) 400 ft north of Crocker’s shaft, worked even in 1948.
13. New Incline shaft-880 ft Robert Taylor Esq. South east of Mc.Taggarts Incline
14. Schaw’s incline shaft (Archibald S.Schaw)-540 ft south west of Mc.Taggart Incline and in between Shepard’s and Mc.Taggart incline shafts; fenced off in 1923,
15. Schaw’s vertical shaft-
16. Shepard’s shaft—southern boundary of Mysore mine, 180 ft south west of Schaw’s shaft, 50 ft south of Incline compressor just behind a bungalow at the corner of the tailing dump and east of Maarikuppam railway line end. 180 ft south of Shepard’s shaft is Mysore mine’s southern boundary,
17. Tennant’s shaft-1893, Sl Nos. 8,9,10,12,14,16,and 17 completed before 1887,
18. Plummer’s I shaft—50 ft north of Plummer’s II in Kolar camp,
19. Plummer’s II shaft—100 ft east of south block line, 150 ft north of Kolar camp,
20 ft west of K.G.F—Kamasamudram road, opposite to Toll gate site and Brick Industry site now vanished. Plummer’s II presently serves water needs of the locals. 20. Rowse’s shaft—(W.H.Rowse Esq) Service commenced in 1893 lies 100 ft south of colonel line, 100 ft east of Railway line and 350 ft west of Crocker’s shaft,
21. Ribbles Dale’s shaft—(Right Hon. Lord Ribbles Dale) Service commenced in 1893 was called Periya Geni since it was the deepest in Mysore mine lies just behind Dr.Ambedkar marriage hall, 50 ft east of dispensary and 1150 ft north west of Rowse’s shaft,
22. Glen’s shaft (Rt.Hon. Lord Glenconner)—1893, just 200 ft south of Good shepherd’s church, 950 ft north of Rowse’s shaft and 1060 ft south of Hancock’s shaft,
23. Airshaft—300 ft west of Maarikuppam police station,
24. Air shaft—In between Taylor’s and Crocker’s shaft
25. Tennant’s shaft—(Sir Charles Tennant. Bart) 1893, around 1000 ft east of SP’s office and 1150 ft north of Hancock’s shaft,
26. Henty’s shaft-1893, just 100 ft south east of Tennant’s shaft, The closing seal of this shaft was broken in 2005 (total depth 180 ft)
27. Hancock’s shaft (Richard Hancock)—1905 and service commenced in 1917, opposite Maarikuppam police station,
28. Edgar’s shaft—(Edgar Taylor Esq.) 1897, Main artery of Mysore mine, adored as the crown of all the Gold mines’ in India and a show piece on the K.G.F mine field. Electric winder installed in 1927,
29. Mc.Taggart’s Vertical shaft or New shaft Geni (Capt. W. Bell McTaggart)—sinking commenced in 1912 and service started in 1917, the only shaft in India with Guided ropes for lift movements, lies west of Sait line,
30. Pilot’s shaft-1929 lies 500 ft west of Roger’s camp cemetery, 200 ft east of tailing dump and 300 ft south of the Incinerator—closed in 1942,
31. Magazine area shaft—lies west of Sait line and R.D.Block just near the Mysore mine magazine,
32. East prospect shaft,
33. 2East prospect shaft,
34. Schaw’s pump shaft,
35. West prospect I shaft-west of smith road Bungalows,
36. West prospect II shaft-west of smith road Bungalows,
37. Gilbert’s shaft-1893, northern boundary of Mysore mine, 880 ft north of Mysore mine’s Tennant’s shaft and 300 ft south east of Champion reef Railway station.
Sl. Nos. 36 and 37 were the final shafts sunk in Mysore mine and were closed in 1980s. Some of the shafts, the location of which are not given lies beneath the Mysore mine cyanide dumps.
SHAFTS OF CHAMPION REEFS MINES
1. Dalyell’s shaft-1894, southern boundary of champion reefs, 200 ft north of Gilbert’s shaft of Mysore mine, straight opposite champion reef Railway station booking counter,
2. Garland’s shaft—(John Garland Esq) 1894, opposite champion reef Railway station to its north end and 375 ft north of Dalyell’s shaft,
3. Garland New Incline (No.1 Air shaft)-1904—around 300 feet to the north of Garland’s shaft,
4. No.2Air shaft-150 ft South-west of Garland new incline shaft (west of Coston block)
5. Glen’s shaft (Rt.Hon. Lord Glenconner)—1894 lies around 960 ft north of Garland’s shaft and 100 ft east of champion reef work shop,
6. East Exploration shaft north of the water tank opposite to Lakshmi talkies towards B block.
7. Ribbles Dale’s shaft—around 300 ft north of workshop; 340 ft north of Glen’s shaft; and adjoining west of the road passing from work shop through Top line.
8. Trial shaft—360 ft north-east of Ribbles Dale’s shaft now lies below the cyanide tailing dumps.
9. Carmichael’s shaft (Sir James M.Carmichael Bart)—1894, lies 300 ft north of RibblesDale’s shaft (one of the deepest in champion reef mine)
10. Carmichael’s Incline 180 ft south of old Carmichael’s shaft
11. Rowe’s shaft (James Rowe)—1894 lies 700 ft north of Carmichael’s shaft (once northern boundary of champion reef mine),
12. Tennant’s shaft (Sir Charles Tennant Bart)—lies 1516 ft east of Gifford’s shaft and 80 feet west of Krishnarajendra main road, this shaft was named after Charles Tennant one of the original concession holders of mine leases.
13. Gifford’s shaft (Henry J. Gifford)—was operated by one of technically wonderful giant conical drum winders of the world. This shaft was named after Henry. G.Gifford, the then superintendent of champion reef mine located 516 ft west of Tennant’s shaft. This shaft was a Pride of India’s under ground mines for being once the deepest mine of the world (11500ft) .
14. Tennant’s Incline shaft—180 ft south west of tenant shaft,
15. Empress Shaft, in the Eastern Emperor block,
16. Muskam shaft also called Dunky (Donkey) shaft, lies to the south east of Champion reef cemetery and 200 ft west of KSRTC bus depot.
17. Eastern Emperor Shaft in the Eastern Emperor block
18. No.1 Water shaft in Eastern Emperor block,-around 200ft to the west of Andersonpet-Robertsonpet Road near Andersonpet
19. No.3 Water shaft in the Eastern Emperor block.
SHAFTS OF OORGAUM MINE
1. Air shaft-southern boundary of Oorgaum mine. Lies around 300ft to the east of Top line the closing seal of which was broken in 2006. West of S.T.block and 100 ft south of Taylor’s shaft,
2. Taylor’s shaft—(John Taylor Esq.) 100ft north of Air shaft. East of Top line and west of S.T.block, amidst tailing dump and was near Air shaft to the east of which was a mill in 1902.
3. Circular shaft-west of government transformer station (KPTCL),
4. Oakley’s shaft (A.S.B.Oakley Esq.)—100ft east of Railway line. 300 ft south west of Oorgaum mill site and near Top line. It was operated through 4 wheels.
5. Wallroth’s shaft (C.H.Wallroth Esq)—880 ft north of Taylor’s shaft, 1100 ft north east of Oakley’s shaft 275 ft south of Main shaft and 230 ft north east of mill site,
6. Munday’s shaft (John Munday)—800 ft north of Wallroth’s shaft,
7. Old Main shaft—275 ft north of Wallroth’s and few feet east of Ration office,
8. Air shaft-180 ft north of Main shaft,
9. South Nullah shaft—East of hockey ground and 450 ft north of Main shaft and 480 feet south of Low’s shaft,
10. Old Battery shaft-East of Hockey ground and 540 feet north of Main shaft and 90 feet north of South Nullah shaft,
11. North Battery shaft—630 feet north of main shaft and 60 feet north of Old Battery shaft and 335 feet south of Low’s shaft, (In 1910 Sl, Nos 8 and 9 had reached 100 feet depth,
12. Low’s shaft (Malcolm Low)—South of Mehra’s school and 920 feet north of main shaft and 620 feet south of Probyn’s shaft,
13. Bullen’s shaft (R.H.P. Bullen)—At the junction of the road leading to mother of mine’s shrine, around 200 feet south of Oorgaum post office.
https://goo.gl/maps/fRE3C6uP6vRxxNdNA
14. Trial shaft No.1 shaft—south of Oorgaum government guest house,
15. Air Shaft-around 200ft to the east of Dist.Armed Reserve Police parade ground.
16. No.2 shaft—few metres southwest of mother of mine’s shrine,
17. No.3 shaft—a few metres north of Bullen’s shaft and opposite to Oorgaum post office and around 50 feet to the west of the main road,
18. Water shaft-Near the Engineering College and around 1000 feet to the west of Oorgaum dairy was also called Soosai’s water shaft,
19. Water shaft around 500 feet to the south of St. Thiruvalluvar’s statue,
20. Old shaft—between Probyn’s and Low’s shaft,
21. Probyn’s shaft (William George Probyn Esq)—northern boundary of Oorgaum mines lies 620 feet north of Low’s shaft and 40 feet to the east of Bethel’s church contiguous with Dr. Ambedkar road, opposite Oorgaum Railway station. The present church building was the compressor house of Probyn’s shaft.
SHAFTS OF NUNDYDROOG MINE
1.Webb’s shaft (Orlando Webb Esq).-Southern boundary of Nundydroog mine lies opposite to Oorgaum Railway station just behind the row of shops on the main road, 60 feet to its north is the Taylor’s shaft,
2. Taylor’s shaft—(John Taylor Esq.) Opposite Oorgaum Railway station 60 feet north of Webb’s shaft,(BGML Tamil Sangam building.
Co-ordinates: 12.9551972222, 78.2615212475 https://goo.gl/maps/1FTJ1648chSqeTaFA
3. Air shaft 60 feet west of Webb’s shaft
4. Mc.Taggart’s shaft-1000 feet west of Ashoka Nagar circle, contiguous with cyanide dump.
5. Main shaft-just behind (east of) Infant Jesus shrine and around 300feet north of Oorgaum Railway station,
Co-ordinates:12°57’24.5″N 78°15’38.3″E https://goo.gl/maps/9aMe8mBy2pRxM1T27
6. Richard’s shaft (Charles H.Richard)—north of Nundydroog mill office and 200 feet south of Plummer’s road,
7. Kennedy’s shaft (J. Shaw Kennedy Esq)—few metres west of Kennedy’s line Railway gate,
Co-ordinates:12.9622694444, 78.2612027778 https://goo.gl/maps/xe2zkabWxotvcmwh6
8. North shaft—200 feet east of Kennedy’s shaft,
Co-ordinates:12.9619201055, 78.2615734457 https://goo.gl/maps/StAw1EjwpHxU5b93A
9. Walker’s shaft (J.K. Walker)—2400 feet north of Richard’s shaft, north of Kennedy’s shaft and south of Coromandel shaft,
10. Henry’s shaft (Henry C. Taylor Esq)—near five lights circle, sinking started in 1914 and service commenced in 1924—sunk entirely by hand jumpers despite availability of pneumatic rock drills,
11. New Trial shaft—just nearer to Henry’s shaft. This shaft was started by Gold fields of Mysore and General exploration co. (GFM &GE)
12. To the west of New Trial shaft there were around 5 Trial trenches,
13. Old Trial shaft.
SHAFTS OF COROMANDEL, ORIENTAL, BALAGHAT, ROAD BLOCK AND NINE REEF MINES
1.Coromandel shaft-270ft to the west of Railway track to the west of Kennedy’s line.
2. Tennant’s shaft (Sir Charles Tennant. Bart)—just behind Coromandel Railway station,
3. Prospect shaft—375 feet south east of Coromandel post office or 210 feet south west of Railway line (closing seal broken in 2006)
4. Henry’s shaft-240 feet to the south of junction of Boccai and Loop road or 600 feet 45¡ south west of Coromandel post office.
5. Trial shaft—240 feet to the west of Boccai road and 300ft to the south of the mill near Tank block line.
6. East shaft—240 feet to the south of St.Sebastian church behind Coromandel railway station.
7. Air shaft-300 feet to the south east of east shaft or 480feet to the south of St.Sebastian School behind Coromandel Railway station.
8. Taylor’s shaft—(John Taylor Esq.) 1000 feet north of Coromandel Railway station,
Co-Ordinates:12.9647758327, 78.2589446041 https://goo.gl/maps/Yq8ZePbVajz2FCRm7
9. Vyvyan’s shaft (J.A.Vyvyan Rowe)—250 feet north of Bennett’s shaft.
10. Ogle’s shaft—640 feet to the east of Taylor’s shaft,
11. Bennett’s shaft—1380 feet north of south shaft or 45¡ north-west of Richard’s shaft. To the northern side of Vyvyan’s shaft and Bangarapet—Bethamangalam road there are around 12 Trial trenches,
12. South Engine shaft—630 ft north-east (45¡) of Tennant’s shaft 360 feet south of Ogle’s shaft,
13. South shaft—960 feet north of Taylor’s shaft.
14. Richards’ shaft-720 feet 45¡ north east of south shaft,
15. Haines’ shaft (Field Marshal Sir Frederick P. Haines’)—480 feet north of Ogle’s shaft,
16. Temple shaft—north of new prospect shaft and north east of Vyvyan’s shaft (Krishnarajapuram block),
17. New Prospect shaft—2100 feet north east of Richard’s shaft,
18. Eastern shaft—500 feet north east of Central shaft,
19. Central shaft—4000 feet north of Richard’s shaft,
20. East Prospect shaft,
21. Old South shaft-1100 feet north of Taylor’s shaft,
22. Tennant’s shaft (Sir Charles Tennant. Bart)—(covered with waste black rock)
23. Bridge shaft—Opposite Gangai Amman temple just by the side of the main road and south of ARTOs office, served the water needs of the locals (Henry’s line)
Co-Ordinates: 12.966448, 78.252487 https://goo.gl/maps/pQ1CddXnEJzd5A2i7
24. Tent shaft—800 feet north of Bridge shaft
25. South shaft—Near Toll gate (Dr. Ambedkar high school entrance) by the side of the road connecting coromandel Railway station and Krishnarajendra road,
26. Old Golconda shaft—100 feet south of South shaft (near Toll gate)
27. Middle shaft—In between south shaft and New Golconda shaft,
28. New Golconda shaft—2000 feet north of Toll gate
29. Hodgson’s shaft—(H. Percival Hodgson) 1400 feet north of New Golconda shaft,
30. Baynard’s shaft—400ft north of Hodgson’s shaft,
31. Main shaft-120 feet north of Baynard’s shaft.
32. Morrison’s shaft (R.G.K. Morrison)—200 feet north of Main shaft, commenced in 1884 and closed in 1902, re-opened later and closed.
33. Henty’s shaft-300ft north of Morrison’s, commenced in 1887 and closed in 1890,
34. Moir’s shaft—few feet north of Henty’s shaft,
35. Trial shaft-1000 north of another Trial shaft, Around 800 feet upwards from south shaft on the main road and further 800 feet south from there lies No.11 Trial trench, further around 600 feet south from there lies five Trial trenches which fall with in factory compound.
36. Wolf’s shaft—3500 feet south east of Banyan tree (temple) behind R&D of BEML.
37. Trial shaft-2500 feet south east of Banyan tree (temple) behind R&D of BEML.
38. Oriental shaft-Near Nundydroog ration office,
39. No.1 and 2 shaft of Nundydroog mine commenced in 1898 and closed in 1902,
40. Lavelle’s or No.1 shaft—700 feet north of south shaft,
41. Hill’s shaft800 feet north of south shaft, To the east of south shaft and Hill’s shaft there were around 10 Trial trenches,
42. Trial shaft No.7—800 feet north of Hill’s shaft, or 5000ft west of Vyvyan’s shaft,
43. North shaft-800 feet north of No.7 shaft,
44. No. 2 shaft No.3 shafts of Road block were started in 1898 and closed in 1902,
45. Pilot shaft,
46. Plummer’s shaft,
47. Mc.Taggart’s east shaft,
48. Mc.Taggart’s west shaft,
49. Prospect shaft
50. Ulagamadhi shaft—far west of DGMS office (Ajjapalli block) There were more than 20 trial trenches in the Golconda block, 14 in Balaghat block and 6 in Road block during 1892 operated by Gold Fields of Mysore Company.
51. Road shaft-110 feet north of Vyvyan’s shaft,
52. East shaft—2000 ft north of Vyvyan’s shaft,
53. No.1 shaft-2900 ft West of Vyvyan’s shaft
54. No.2 shaft—1000 ft north of No1 shaft,
55. New Shaft-450ft east of No2 shaft.
56. Old South shaft-1000ft north of Taylor shaft.
SHAFTS BEYOND SOUTH OF MYSORE MINE
Shaft Nos 1 to 11. Before John Taylor & sons, around 10 shafts in Kolar Camp area were worked by the Indian Consolidated Gold Co., (an Australian Company) from 1878 during which time the first permanent human settlement on K.G.F took place. Shaft No.5 is located 1500 ft south of Plummer’s shaft II, 300 ft west of main road and 100 ft east of the dyke,
1. Under lay shaft-Kempinkote block in Kolar camp, 50 ft east of the road (at the junction of Hancocks road (Lakshmi saagaram road) and Kamasamudram road,
2. Main shaft-Kolar camp, 200 ft north of underlay shaft,
3. New shaft—Kolar camp—to the west of the main shaft and the road and 100 ft south of Plummer’s shaft II,
4. Mysore Water shaft—far west of Kolar camp and around 2 kms south of Mc.Taggart’s vertical shaft on Eacham malai (Dates hill to the west of Mysore mine)
5. Beresford’s shaft (Maj.Gen.G.De.La Poer Beresford)—near Bisanattam with old building ruins (between Virupakshipuram and Betarayana halli),
6. Yerrakonda shaft—far west of Beresford shaft. (Yerrakonda block),
7. Trial shaft—near Beresford shaft,
8 to 18—Around 11 shaft sinking in South block lease (forest area),
19. Grey’s shaft
20. New shaft,
21. Fitz Maurice’s shaft
22.Harvey’s shaft-200ft 40¡ north east of Taylor’s shaft in the Mysore Reef block near Tirumalahalli, or 4 furlongs south of North shaft,
23. North shaft—4 furlongs north of Harvey’s shaft—Mysore Reef block
24. Cock burn’s shaft-300ft south-east of North shaft—and 200ft 40¡ north east of Harvey shaft in Mysore Reef block,
25. Low’s shaft—Mysore Reef block
26.Taylor’s shaft—500 ft north of Old military camp (kutti suvar) and 2 kms south of Kolar camp and 1000ft east of the new RC church near sisters’ cemetery—Mysore Reef block.
27. Engine shaft,-150ft east of Taylor’s shaft
28. Darlington’s shaft-Mysore Reef block
29. Cowburn’s shaft—Mysore Reef block
30. South prospect shaft (1926)
All these shafts except Warren’s sinking were tried between Kolar Camp and Bisanattam which were early attempts by various independent companies. These shafts were closed prior to the year1900 since Champion lode occur there as small lenses of low grade ores. There is a large strike of barren rock under the ground between Kolar camp and Bisanattam. Beyond Bisanattam the other prospective mines were Chigargunta and Mallappakonda of Andhra Pradesh.
Bisanattam Mines
SHAFTS OF SOUTH EAST GOLD COMPANY LTD
The location of this mine was the Simon’s block covering on and around the present Roger’s camp area. This company was started in 1886 and work was commenced on 3-1-1887 to prospect the eastern lode of K.G.F. Maj.Gen.George De La Poer Beresford was the chairman of this company. This mine covered the areas from the incinerator of Mysore mine, Roger’s Camp, Pandaaram line, Krishnagiri line, Surapalli and some areas at the vicinity of Maarikuppam village. Until 1890, their consulting engineers were M/s. Bewick & Moreing, London. Probably the Lavelle’s shaft of South East Gold Co., Ltd. must be the one which Michael Lavelle tried when he was the exclusive concession holder of the entire land in 1870s. Also, this location is believed to be the spot where, John Warren sank a shaft in 1802! This shaft lies to the southern extremities of that company, roughly 1000 feet north of Pilot shaft of Mysore mine. Capt. Roger was their first manager until it was managed by John Taylor & sons in 1890. This mine was later merged with Mysore mine. South East Gold Co. Ltd. was planned mainly to explore the extensive old workings left by the native miners and to go below the points where it was left due to flooding or other causes which they were unable to cope-up for want of technology.
Many machinery were erected on this mine and functioned until it was liquidated. One Stamp mill, two Wheeler pans, one Amalgamator with settlers, four true vanners, Compressors, Pumps, Haulage trams etc. were installed. During the time of Roger, a few tents for dwelling, a brick building for engines and motors, a mill house, a boiler house, 3 concrete tanks for storing water to the mills, a settling tank, a brick house for mill man’s office, a set of 6 brick houses with tiled roof, kitchen and bath rooms for Eurasian employees were put up. A good office building was also built. Bullock whims were replaced with steam locomotives in 1889 for haulage both on surface and underground. Exact locations of the shafts worked by them could not be given here as no other records are available on this mine.
Following were the shafts worked by this company:
1. Lavelle’s shaft—This shaft was originally sunk by Michael Lavelle during 1870s and re-started later. It lies at around 1000 feet north of the incinerator and Pilot’s shaft of Mysore mine, few hundred feet west of Roger’s camp and east of Eurasian block.
2. Roger’s shaft (Capt. John. M. Roger) (later renamed main shaft)
3. William’s shaft,
4. Raynar’s shaft,
5. Thomas shaft
6. Beresford’s shaft,
7. Walter’s shaft, (west lode)
8. Davey’s shaft,
9. Stephen’s shaft,
10. Downing’s shaft,
11. Prospect shaft and
12. End North shaft.
Gold-bars Shipped to London: Since its inception until 1914, the gold produced at K.G.F mines was shifted to London and three well known firms there sold the metal on behalf of the mining companies. These firms before selling the gold assayed and refined it. Gold was sold at approximately £3.17s.9d per standard ounce which was equal to Rs.21-3-0 per tola. This price was fixed under the Banks Charter of 1844 which was in force till 1914. This means, the price of gold was the same for 70 years and remained unchanged; whereas, the cost of production was varied. At the outbreak of First World War, an agreement was entered into between the mining companies and the Bank of England for sale of gold with certain terms: Gold to be deposited at the Bombay (Mumbai) mint to the order of the Bank of England and. the Bank to pay the companies in sterling on the basis of £3 17s 9d. per standard ounce.
Important Dates
Mysore Mine
1902—Ribblesdale’s shaft reached 2660 ft, Tennant’s 1450 ft and Edgar’s 800ft.
1905-Ribblesdale’s shaft became the deepest in Mysore mine and was called ‘Periyageni’—meaning: Big shaft. Arthur Gifford became the superintendent. 1 European and 7 Indians were killed and 3 injured in a blasting accident on December 24.
1906—One Tank built near Ribblesdale’s shaft (opp.Mysore mine dispensary) which later was converted to a swimming pool.
1908—Mysore mine modern mill with 210 Elephant stamps commenced operation in October. The 100 HP motor which was operating part of the mill was transferred from Mysore mine Tennant’s shaft compressor.
A two stage Walker’s compressor was erected at Mc Taggart’s Incline shaft driven by 350HP Sandy croft motor.
A high-tension Air pipe line connecting compressors and all the shafts of Mysore mine was laid.
Punjabi watchmen’s line consisting one double and 25 single rooms with attached bath rooms, kitchens and latrines constructed.
The capacity of the Mill’s service tank (the big tank) was increased by 275000 gallons.
Greater portion of wooden frame works in the picking floor (stone-breaker) was completed. Erection of stone breakers in the new picking floor completed.
Foundation for Electric tram over-bridge near Maarikuppam Railway station commenced.
1909-Important alterations and modifications made to the new picking floor (stone breaker) near Rowse’s shaft with most modern equipments. Edgar’s shaft and picking floor was connected with a Metre Gauge Railway line for Electric Locomotive. A new siding was constructed from Maarikuppam Railway station to the picking floor by the Madras Railways which was also connected with Edgar’s shaft for transportation of coal, timber and machinery.
Tram line between Rowse’s shaft and picking floor erected.
Ribblesdale’s compressor (No.4 compressor) was electrically driven from the new masonry building (presently Dr.B.R.Ambedkar memorial marriage hall)
Foundation laid for the Incinerator (the tallest building to the west of Roger’s camp cemetery)
Decision on sinking McTaggart’s vertical shaft made.
1910—The over-bridge near Maarikuppam Railway station was completed by the Madras & Southern Mahratta Railways.
1912—McTaggart’s vertical shaft reached 105ft. Carpenters shop constructed.
1913—42 men died (6 Italians, 2 Europeans and 34 natives) in an accident due to clutch failure at Edgar’s shaft.
1914-R.H.P.Bullen appointed superintendent. The Masonry Bridge near Hancock’s shaft built.
1916-A disastrous fire broke out at Gilbert’s shaft on 22 march which took several weeks to extinguish. This accident completely damaged the 1290ft level up to surface resulting in disorganization of whole work. The underground was also filled with gas. The collar of the shaft and the shaft itself was downed for 100ft leaving a large open cavity.
1 Italian and 2 natives were killed despite a gallant fight by the rescue team. It took many days to recover the bodies of the dead; some two months were spent for its preparedness.
Mysore mine magazine to the west of Sait line built.
1917—A very serious rock-burst occurred in April at McTaggart’s vertical shaft which brought down 30 tonnes of rocks. It carried away 7 iron rings provided for protection of men along with all the logging planks. One Italian and other 30 were there at the site. 3 men were killed on the spot and 2 died of injuries; all others were slightly injured. The officers and other rescue-men fought gallantly at great personal risk to rescue the trapped; several large loose stones were hanging in the shaft.
1918—There were many calamities like rock bursts, fires and over-winding of engine twice at Edgar’s shaft. Several rock bursts occurred in and around Ribblesdale’s shaft with heavy loss of life and extensive damage to materials. The neighbour-hood became very bad.
1920-Two double bungalows with out-houses built near McTaggart’s vertical shaft (The last two bungalows near Mysore mine High School)
One night school building was built in Driver’s line.
Only one steam engine was retained for transportation of coal and timber.
1921—Two temples-one at Post office block (Sri Kannabhiran Sannadhi) and the other at Scavengers’ line were built. The former was already in existence as a small shed.
A brick building for a shop at R.D block built.
Two blocks of 5 brick huts each were built near the incinerator at Roger’s camp.
One block of brick-huts (10 houses of special design with arched roof built near Ribblesdale’s compressor.
1922-William Pritchard appointed superintendent.
McTaggart’s vertical shaft was put into full operation.
1923—Hoisting operations at Tennant’s shaft stopped.
Whole haulage system was electrified in Mysore mine. Two gigantic fans installed at Edgar’s shaft 51 level to force air to required parts.
1942-A severe rock burst shook the mine with little life loss and a considerable damage to the main Edgar’s shaft. Works at the deep stations of the mine was suspended for three and a half months.
Champion reef mine
1895—Garland’s shaft reached 940ft. A borehole 73ft deep to the west of champion reef with pumping facility was sunk. A 300 ft Railway siding was laid from Champion reef Railway station to workshop. There were 9520ft of tram lines in the mine.
1897—On 11-9-1897 while ascending Trial shaft, some body created panic among contracted workers and in the melee 52 native workers lost their lives.-Reasons not recorded.
1898—The bridge near champion reef store house, over the Railways was built.
1900—First electrically lighted shafts were Glen and Tennant (electricity from Generators)
Wheelers’ pan and settler methods were discarded and cyanide processes introduced in gold separation. Two tanks a few feet to the west of Carmichael shaft were built.
1902—A two storey bungalow built for 20 millmen (behind the present William Richard’s school)
1904—A third double storey bungalow (10) houses built (near Gifford’s shaft)
1906—Henry Gifford appointed superintendent.
1907—Circular shaft completed. Champion reef Post-office building built. Two large storage tanks (Champion reef Water works-Meter house) were built by the Mysore government with a total capacity of 2million gallons for storing Bethamangalam waters.
1908—Champion reef post office building extended.
1910-Garland shaft electrified, Glen’s shaft fenced off as it was no longer in use.
1915—Gifford’s shaft sinking was completed and service commenced in October.
1916—On 14-2-1916 a series of violent rock bursts shook the field commencing from mid night to 6am, but fortunately on old workings. Two blasters died. During the following months, rock bursts in the lower levels again became frequent resulting in fatal accidents.
1917—Gifford’s shaft put into full operation for hoisting quartz and men. At times of need the whole output of the mine could be dealt-with here.
1919-A total of 1323 rock bursts occurred, of which 353 were of high magnitude and 132 were very heavy.
1932—Owing to increasing depths, Gifford’s shaft was equipped with electric winder.
1939—The large wonderful cooling plant near Gifford’s shaft was commissioned.
Oorgaum mine
1900—Erection of Oakley’s shaft and its infrastructures-reached a depth of 547ft
Foundation laid for construction of Oorgaum new mill. Oakley’s engine house built,3 masonry tanks with cement plastering were built for oil reservoirs.
1901-New mill almost complete.
1902-New mill completed, 84ft high steel headgear from surface completed at Oakleys shaft. 11 huts of Punjabi line were built. Bullen’s shaft sinking was commenced.
1903-An over bridge connecting new mill and Bullen’s shaft was constructed across the main road for tram movement.
1904-Bullen’s shaft reached 991ft.
1905—An old church building near Bullen’s shaft was converted to quarters for Italians sinking the shaft.
1906—The Railway bridge connecting Bullen’s shaft and the new mill near Oakley’s shaft was constructed. One room was built at the Oorgaum post office to serve the telegraph section. Bullen’s shaft headgear completed.
1907-This New vertical shaft was named the Bullen’s shaft
1909-two rooms each added to the Italian marrieds’ quarters.
Oorgaum post office building altered.
1911-By the carelessness of Bullen’s shaft winding driver who allowed the loose drum to run away whilst un-clutching to change levels, heavy damage was caused to cage engine and therefore the engine room was sufficiently heightened.
A block of 5 houses for local employees were built between Oakley’s shaft and the southern boundary i.e. few feet to the south of Top line.
A butcher’s shop was provided on the northern boundary behind Oorgaum Railway station. Around 16 miles to the north of Oorgaum formed Manighatta block on which a shaft was commenced by Colar Concessionaires Syndicate and wooden headgear were erected on 17-6-1911.
1912-Due to ventilation and water problems Manighatta (village) operation was abandoned, more over there was no worthy discoveries of gold at that location.
1914-Bullen was offered the post of Superintendent by Mysore mine.
1921-A severe rock burst devastated Oakley’s and Bullen’s shafts on 24-3-1921 in which 17 workers died and 8 were rescued.
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Reference: 1.Memoirs of The Geological Survey of India Volume – XXXIII
KGF ARCHIVES 