Kerosene Mine, Hartley Vale

Scarce engraving of the entrance to the kerosene mine at Hartley Vale.

Oil shale was discovered at Hartley Vale as early as 1824 by Rene Primevere Lesson, a French surgeon and naturalist. A private village was established in 1866 by the Hartley Kerosene & Paraffine Co. (established in 1865) and oil distillation began in 1866 with 27 retorts. An incline and tramway were built in 1869 designed by the Australian engineer, Norman Selfe. From 1871 the works were operated by the NSW Shale & Oil Co. Ltd and 20 horizontal retorts were added in 1880.

References:
Ferguson, J. A. Bibliography of Australia Volumes 1-8, Canberra 1976 : 11791.

Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID: 805798
State Library New South Wales: Call Numbers: DSM/Q338/L
State Library Victoria: RARELT 609 L99
State Library South Australia: 338.09944