Central Harts Range Map PDF (381.3 KB)

Discoveries

• muscovite
• biotite
• garnet
• rutile
• cassiterite

Ruby-coloured muscovite, and, to a lesser degree, biotite, are common on the dumps. This mine was regarded in 1955 to have produced some of the best quality mica in the Harts Range. Red garnets can be found in the quartz and feldspar, and some garnets can be found loose on the slopes around the mine. Large garnets up to 2 cm occur in some of the biotite schist material from the upper mines, but these are not as well formed as the smaller garnets, or as transparent.

The quartz-feldspar intergrowth has a graphic texture and is stained with pyrolusite dendrites. Cassiterite has been reported to occur in the wall rocks of this mine, and rutile has been observed in some of the pegmatites surrounding the mine. However, such minerals are rare.

The shafts are dangerous and have been closed, but the mullock heaps are extensive.

Access to Mount Palmer Area and Rex Mine

Fossickers wishing to access the Mount Palmer area are advised that the track to the area passes through Spotted Tiger Bore (Pwetyalaneme) Aboriginal Land. The traditional owners do not require fossickers to apply for permits to enter Aboriginal Land. They do however request that fossickers observe the normal courtesies and check with the Atitjere Council office (next to the community store) before proceeding to the area.

Conditions of access to the Mount Palmer area may be subject to change. Fossickers are advised to check with the Community Office before proceeding.

From the Community, travel west along the Plenty Highway, then along the track to the Harts Range Racecourse. Veer right at 5.4 km (near the racecourse) and follow the track to Spotted Tiger Bore. From there follow the signs to the Mount Palmer track. Again as a matter of courtesy, if the manager of the Spotted Tiger Campground is on site, let him/her know of your presence and intended activities.

From the campground, follow the track for 4 km to a point where the track forks; the left fork leads 1 km to the Rex Mine, while the right fork leads 1.5 km to the Disputed Camp, which is the limit of vehicle access. From the Disputed Camp, walk approximately 200 m up the south (left) bank of the nearby creek until pointers indicating the walking track to the Spotted Dog and Disputed Mines are located. From the Disputed Mine, it is possible to climb to Mount Palmer and smaller mines on its slopes. The very enthusiastic walker may continue by following the old Burma Road (now closed to vehicular traffic because of its dangerous condition) and, from it, visit the Billy Hughes and Oolgarinna Mines on the western slopes of the main range.

Driving Tips

Tracks are recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles only.

The old Burma road has been closed to traffic by the Police.