Balmain coal mine tragedy

One of these monuments stands in Rookwood Cemetery and is the grave of those who lost their lives on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March 1900, in a new colliery being sunk by Sydney Harbour Collieries Company. The company itself was listed on the London Stock Exchange, and its aim was to recover coal from around and under Sydney Harbour. A shaft at Balmain was its first attempt.

The incident took place during the afternoon shift change for workers sinking a shaft for the new anthracite coal mine. The circular shaft was six metres wide. It was lined with bricks, but was braced