Coal seams were first discovered in the Burragorang Valley in the 1800's and the coal properties were found to be some of the highest quality coal in the country at the time.
Mining of coal in the Burragorang Valley in the early days was many used for personnel reasons, that being heating and cooking. A local blacksmith in Picton by the name of Isaac Sant did use the coal in his black Smith Shop.
It wasn't until the late1800's early 1900's that the first coal samples were sent for commercial use and testing.
The first large scale commercial mining commenced in 1932 when Jack Clinton and his 2 sons William and Ernest Clinton started a mine called Nattai Bulli, the mine operated for 60 years closing in 1992.
Another 8 mines where opened and operated under different companies in the same area with the last mine closing in 2001.
At a time in history the Burragorang Valley supplied the coal that powered Sydney and was used in many other businesses and industry's.
The townships of Camden, Picton, Tahmoor, Oakdale, Narellan, Campbelltown, and The Oaks prospered because of the The Valley mines and so did local business.
Sydney would not be what it is today without the Collieries of the Burragorang Valley. The was a special bond and spirt that set this area apart and the men that mined these seams should never be forgotten.
This video is not to be used for commercial purposes.
Produced by Jeff Brown @ King Brown Productions
Credits
Members of the Burragorang Mineworkers, Truckies and Associated Industries Facebook page
Wollondilly Heritage Centre & Museum
Clutha, S&M Fox, Clintons, & Contractors Facebook page
Camden Museum & Museum Macarthur
Trade & Investment NSW
Australian Railway Historical Society, New South Wales Division.
The Clinton Family - The Dunbier Family
Tahmoor Colliery - Ray Hampton Christison
Julie Gowans - Gary Martin
Robert Dunk - Phillip Hughes - Raymond Coulter
Don Gale - Allan English - Shane Chiddy
Col Shepard - Bret Shepard - Horsley Family
Allan Kohler - Harry Jay - Marlane Fairfax
Helen N Malc Campbell - Sandy Toovey
Michael Carr - Julie Ann Gowans - Alf Hadock
Kaye and Bruce Brown - Ron Smith - Graham Brown