Mining in 19th-century Queensland was fraught with danger and few stories illustrate the peril better than that of Frank Blackmore who met a tragic fate at the Publican’s Purse mine in December 1888.

At the Publican’s Purse mine near Northcote in North Queensland, Frank Blackmore was setting charges of dynamite, a dangerous yet routine task for miners seeking fortune in the rugged Queensland outback. The mine, like many in the region, demanded both skill and courage from those who toiled beneath the earth.

That fateful day as Blackmore carefully placed and ignited the fuse, he noticed a box of gold specimens nearby. With only moments to spare, he reached for the box, an instinctive act that would prove catastrophic. The explosion that followed was sudden and violent, tearing through the confined space with immense force. The blast severed one of his arms and inflicted deep, grievous wounds, leaving him clinging to life in the darkness of the mine.

The Publican’s Purse mine was part of the Hodgkinson Goldfield, which covered approximately 2,000 square miles along the valley of the Hodgkinson River. Proclaimed on 15 June 1876, the field was known for its rich reefs, with major mining hubs at Kingsborough, Thornborough, and Northcote (Readings in North Queensland History, Vol 2, p.171).

Determined to save their mate, fourteen of his fellow miners sprang into action. They fashioned a makeshift stretcher from whatever materials they could find and began the harrowing journey to Herberton Hospital, knowing that every moment counted. The wet season had transformed the landscape into a treacherous obstacle course of thick mud, rising floodwaters and unyielding terrain.

Braving torrential rain, swollen rivers and rugged terrain, Blackmore’s comrades carried him over 80 kilometres in a desperate bid to save his life. The conditions were brutal, waist-deep in floodwaters they trudged through thick mud, scaling steep ridges and crossing the Walsh River multiple times. To cross the flooded river, the miners had to lift Blackmore on their shoulders, keeping his stretcher above water. Two men, Billy Freeman and George Jackson, preceded the group to boil water and fill bottles to keep Blackmore warm.

At Planted Tree Crossing, the stretcher bearers were met by forty miners from Watsonville, who, recognising the urgency of the situation, took over the journey. They carried Blackmore to Borghero’s Hotel in Watsonville before continuing to Herberton Hospital. Despite the extraordinary effort and determination of his rescuers, Blackmore succumbed to his injuries shortly after reaching medical care on 22 December 1888 (Cairns Post, 1 May 1936; Townsville Daily Bulletin, 29 May 1954).

Frank Blackmore’s story is just one of many. The Miners Memorial in Herberton lists over a century of miners who lost their lives in Queensland’s mineral fields, reflecting the immense human cost of early mining operations.

The memorial, located at the Herberton Visitor Information Centre on Jacks Street, records the names of those who perished in mining accidents between 1882 and 1994. The information has been sourced from the Queensland Department of Mines and Energy’s metalliferous and quarrying records (excluding coal mining). It serves as a solemn tribute to the men who lost their lives in pursuit of gold and minerals, ensuring their stories are not forgotten.

Located 122 kilometres from Cairns, Herberton offers visitors a glimpse into Queensland’s mining heritage. As the oldest existing town on the Tropical Tablelands, Herberton is home to the Herberton Mining Museum, where visitors can explore exhibits on the town’s past. The Herberton Mining Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Queensland’s mining heritage.

Located on the original Great Northern Mine site, the museum brings the region’s history to life through an impressive collection of artefacts, interactive displays, and detailed exhibits. Visitors can explore mining equipment, historical photographs, and personal stories of the miners who shaped Herberton’s past. A highlight of the museum is the underground mining simulation, offering a hands-on experience of the challenges early miners faced. The site also features walking tracks that lead to old mine shafts and relics scattered throughout the landscape. With knowledgeable volunteers on hand to share insights, the museum provides a fascinating look into the hardships, triumphs, and innovations of Herberton’s mining era.

For those wanting a deeper connection to the region’s history, The Historic Village in Herberton provides a hands-on experience of life during the town’s mining boom. This open-air museum features over 60 restored period buildings, including a blacksmith’s shop, school, bank, and general store. Visitors can explore these structures, engage with interactive exhibits, and witness live demonstrations of traditional trades.

The story of Frank Blackmore and the miners who fought to save him is a testament to the resilience and camaraderie of Queensland’s early mining communities. Today, visitors to Herberton can walk through history, exploring the very landscapes where these dramatic events unfolded.

A big thank you to the Volunteer Research Team at the Herberton Mining Museum for their assistance in gathering all the information for this story.