White Feather Main Reefs Mine, Kanowna Goldfield, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Shire, Western Australia, Australiai

Regional Level Types
White Feather Main Reefs Mine	Mine
Kanowna Goldfield	Ore Field
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Shire	Shire
Western Australia	State
Australia	Country

This mine was the mainstay of Kanowna in the late 1890's. It employed about 150 men.

The White Feather Main Reef Company was formed in 1894 with 150 000 pounds capital, and operated the mine until early 1906. It initially took over 48 acres, with a further 2 acres shortly after for buildings. To mid 1898 the mine had produced 7143 tonnes of ore for 8361 ounces of gold, averaging 17 dwt.

The company was reconstructed in 1898. N.W. Harper was mine manager from 1895 to 1903. By 1900 the leases covered 96 acres, and had paid 35 000 pounds in dividends. The mine had a 20 head battery and 7 cyanide vats. By 1904 it is reported the mine had produced about 90 000 ounces of gold from 100 000 tonnes of ore.

October 1898, a miner called Schewan died from a fall of earth in the underground workings.

December 1898, John Keating died when a cage fell to the bottom of the shaft. The inquest found the company at fault for not taking proper safeguards. It had introduced a hand rod attached to the clutch lever which had prevented the engine driver from seeing if the clutch was in its proper position. There was no requirement for the company to make any changes, the finding merely a recommendation. This had further tragic consequences six months later.

In July 1899, four men were injured, when a cage fell to the bottom of the shaft. One, F. Osmetti subsequently died. The inquest blamed the men for entering the shaft before the engine driver was at his post. The other men were John Taylor, D.E. Edgar, H. Sardini.

Early 1902, Andrew Henry Hansen died after falling into hot liquid at the feed tank, while trying to fix a pipe.

August 1904, the company had installed a ladder between the 6th and 7th level, so workers could climb out without using the cage. Fourteen men fell when the ladder gave way. Charles Matthews, Joseph Mitchell, George Loughlin and Charles Laut received severe injuries, the rest minor.

November 1904, Charles Adolph fell down the shaft whilst underground, and was killed. There was some criticism the area was not lighted, and no order had been made by the Inspector of Mines, who had recently toured the workings.

Tributer Duncan McEnroe fell down the shaft and was killed in 1909.

Late 1905, the lower levels were allowed to flood. The company explored for oxide ore in the northern portion of its leases. This was unsuccessful and the company folded in January 1906. Tributers continued for a few years in the upper levels.

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