User:Training22/Charters Towers Venus Gold Battery

Charters Towers Venus Gold Battery is a stamp mill in Charters Towers in North Queensland, Australia. The battery was established in 1872 by Mr E.H.T Plant. The Venus Gold Battery in its heyday was a mill, later becoming a State Battery in 1919.

With Charters Towers in the height of the gold rush, it was evident that more crushing facilities were required to save time, effort and expenses. The Venus Gold Battery changed hands many times, with government control eventually occuring in 1919. Between 1872 and 1980 the Venus Battery saw approximately 15.5 t of gold processed through its facilities. There were approximatly 25 reducing mills and 70 cyanide works at work that were able to treat ore and tailings. The Venus Gold Battery was the only mill to survive after the gold rush days came to an end, and was serviced by smaller miners.

After a over a century of operation the Venus Gold Battery closed its doors in 1973. It now remains the largest surviving battery relic in Australia and oldest in Queensland. Guided tours of the Venus Battery take place on a daily basis, offering both visitors and locals a chance to relive the past of this unique city through this historic icon.