A revealing social history of the trials and tribulations surrounding the development in 1870 of Sliding Rock Mine in the Flinders Ranges (east of Beltana). The discovery in 1869 of this copper deposit initially created a much bigger impact on the Flinders Ranges than any of the other mines, except maybe the Blinman mine. The Sliding Rock mine gave rise to the establishment of a proper town, with all facilities normally associated with inland settlements. Sliding Rock provided job opportunities which were badly needed for the northern residents and also for the miners at Blinman, who were struggling at that time to keep their own mine open. During its heyday, and even in decline, Sliding Rock was a boost for the newly established town of Beltana, providing it with additional business and later population.
Local notes
The discovery in 1869 of this copper deposit initially created a much bigger impact on the Flinders Ranges than any of the other mines, except maybe the Blinman mine. The Sliding Rock mine gave rise to the establishment of a proper town, with all facilities normally associated with inland settlements. Sliding Rock provided job opportunities which were badly needed for the northern residents and also for the miners at Blinman, who were struggling at that time to keep their own mine open. During its heyday, and even in decline, Sliding Rock was a boost for the newly established town of Beltana, providing it with additional business and later population.