The former Lake George Mine at Captains Flat is on the market for $650,000-$700,000. Photo: Supplied by Belle Property Queanbeyan.
Would you live at the site of a former mine?
History buffs, mine enthusiasts and renovation experts have all been vying for the chance to own the former Lake George Mine, about 35km from Canberra, according to Belle Property Queanbeyan agent Dominic Johns.
‘Mikulov’ at 5 Old Mines Road, Captains Flat, used to be one of the largest mines for base metals in NSW – if not Australia – and includes a rustic, four-bedroom homestead.
The homestead has barely been touched since its working days and inside are the original mine office, workshops, laboratories and smelting room.
Outside, there are shafts visible from the surface and unique historic relics once used for storing, processing, loading and transporting metals.
The mine operated for 70 years from 1892, producing lead, zinc, copper, pyrite, silver and gold.
All of the workings of the mine were underground, with the lowest levels reached being 619 metres.
The site was closed in 1962 due to the depletion of economic grade ore.
Mr Johns said the mining site had been rehabilitated by the NSW Government and that while the shafts are visible, they have been blocked and can no longer be accessed.
Extensive rehabilitation works have also been carried out since the mine closed to manage erosion, improve safety and control tailings pollution from the site.
There would be no responsibility on the owner to carry out additional rehabilitation works, but there is the opportunity to work with the NSW Government if they wanted to.
The government has a keen interest in remediating disused mine sites in the state and put aside almost $108 million to do so in its latest budget.
Mr Johns said the four giant concrete silos outside and smelting room inside the house are heritage listed, but the owner is free to renovate the rest of the property.
The existing owner lives in Canberra and used the rehabilitated mine site as a weekend getaway with plenty of places to ride his motorbike.
With 91.5 acres of native bushland and unique historical landscapes in the backyard, there is plenty of opportunity for bushwalkers, bike riders and horse riders.
The property is listed for $650,000-$700,000 and Mr Johns said he received an offer on the first weekend it hit the market.
To arrange an inspection of 5 Old Mines Road in Captains Flat, call Dominic Johns on 0481 211 767.
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