Record of the Mines of South Australia (4th edition).
Brown H.Y.L. 1908

This publication is a detailed compilation of authentic early history mining operations in South Australia published in 1908. The first compilation which can be regarded as an authentic history of mining operations in South Australia is contained in the Royal South Australian Almanack for 1848, published by John Stephens, Hindley Street, Adelaide. The editor in his preface says, Altogether the Almanack for 1848 will form a compendious history of the present condition of South Australia; and as the information communicated has been collected from authentic sources, where such was practicable, it may safely be relied upon as substantially correct. The section is headed Mines and Mining Companies in South Australia. It has evidently been prepared with much care, and is written in a general spirit of breezy optimism which, although refreshingly cheerful, argues in some respects a certain lack of expert knowledge on the part of the compiler. It is very interesting, not only from the actual mining information it gives, but also from the association of the honored name.s of the first enterprising mining adventurers of South Australia. Regarding the various mines noted, the sanguine expectations entertained were in some cases, more than realised, in others they turned out failures, and in others again the ground still remains undeveloped. The old record is here republished in full (except the forms of share certificate), and the later information concerning the various mines will be found in proper order throughout the book.