Page 13 - AHATA

A9
LOCAL Friday 5 September 2025

The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and its history

(Oranjestad)—The Bushiri-
bana Gold Mill Ruins is one
of the most visited places by
tourists on the island, as it
lies along the northern coast
line near the mini pool and
on the way to the Natural
Bridge. Despite its seemingly
plain appearance, this ruin
represents one of the most
important histories of the is-
land: The Aruban Gold Rush.

Built in 1872 by English com-
pany Aruba Island Gold Min- was enough to motivate a among the locals who start- search parties. next step was melting the
ing Company Ltd, the gold further search, and the as- ed searching for more gold. Over the years, concession- gold and letting it attach
mill at Bushiribana was con- signment was discontinued About 25 pounds worth was holding had seen different to quicksilver in order to
structed in the area where by Printz himself. found. companies from around obtain pure gold. All these
most gold was found by the world, all of which used processes were done at the
locals. The story of gold on It wasn’t until 100 years lat- At the same time, the Aru- primitive methods to dig Bushiribana Gold Mill.
Aruba actually dates back er, in 1824, when a young ban government took im- and carve out gold from
to 1725, when a first explo- boy found a lump of gold mediate actions, and in- the rocks. Aruba Island The gold mill itself had a
ration for gold on the island while out herding his father’s formed Curacao that gold Gold Mining Company Ltd. short life-span: only 10 years
was commissioned by the sheep. His father took it to was found. At first, everyone was no different, but used in service, but its structure re-
Dutch West India Company. a local merchant who then could look for gold, as long a unique method that in- mained relatively solid till this
Under the leadership of Mr. sold the lump for $70. Un- as they sold it to the govern- volved grinding the rocks day, and is now a historical
Paulus Printz, a three-year beknownst to the boy and ment. However, after some and letting the dust be remnant.q
search was conducted on his father, they quite literally time, the government de- blown away by the strong
Aruba, to no avail. Though struck gold, and as word got cided to implement stricter northeast wind, leaving Sources: Etnia Nativa & gold-
they found some gold, it out, a gold fever spread rules and banned local clumps of gold behind. The mineranch.com.

Aruba to me: Michele and Carlo Pascetta

ORANJESTAD — You are back and we tional purposes without compensation.
would like to portrait you! By inviting
you to send us your favorite vacation Last but not least: check out our web-
picture while enjoying our Happy Is- site, Instagram and Facebook page!
land. Thank you for supporting our free news-
paper, we strive to make you a happy
Complete the sentence: Aruba to me is reader every day again.
……. Send your picture with that text (in-
cluding your name and where you are For today we received a lovely mes-
from) to: news@arubatoday.com and sage from Michele and Carlo Pascetta
we will publish your vacation memory. from East Brunswick, NJ
Isn’t that a special way to keep your
best moments alive? Please do note: He wrote to us saying: “Aruba to me is
By submitting photos, text or any other the perfect paradise to celebrate our
materials, you give permission to The 48th wedding anniversary!”
Aruba Today Newspaper, Caribbean
Speed Printers and any of its affiliated Thank you for sending us this wonderful
companies to use said materials, as message sharing what Aruba means to
well as names, likeness, etc. for promo- you with us and our readers!q