Page 24 - ATA

A15
LOCAL Tuesday 30 July 2019

Yes! Aruba had its own gold rush Episode XXVIII

mined at Cero Plat and in its surroundings. This due to the First World War the materials required
smelting works was in use for only ten years, but for the purification of the ores could no longer
its construction was so solid, that ruins thereof at be had. During the 92 years since the discovery
the North coast are still quite impressive. A next of gold in 1824, 2962.50 pounds of gold have
concession-holder, Aruba Gold Concessions been exported.
Ltd., worked principally in the center of the is-
land and had a smelting works built at Balashi An attempt made in 1946 to resume gold-min-
in 1899, of which not only crumbling walls, but ing in a modern way, proved however not to
even kettles and ovens are still left. be profitable. Yet there still is gold in the Aruba`s
soil, even though you would have to be very
A last attempt lucky to find some on your excursions on the is-
In 1916 gold-mining in Aruba had to be ceased; land. q

Pic.4. How gold is found in quartzdiorite

Continued from Page 14

Another system was to dilute the clay with wa-
ter in large vessels, so that the gold sank to the
bottom. When commercial firms came in 1854,
machinery was imported, among which crush-
ing mills.

Smelting Works
In 1872 the Aruba Island Gold Mining Company
Ltd. Built a large smelting works at Bushiribana
on the North coast, for the ore that was being Pic.5. Map of the island showing gold mining zones.