Stamp mills were historically used in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and other mining regions to crush gold and other ores. These mills were essential in early mining operations, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Stamp Mills in Bulawayo
1. Historical Use:
– Bulawayo was a key mining hub in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), with gold mines in nearby areas like Filabusi, Gwanda, and the Matabeleland region.
– Stamp mills were widely used to pulverize ore into fine particles for gold extraction through amalgamation (mercury) or cyanidation.
2. How Stamp Mills Worked:
– Heavy metal stamps (usually 3–5 per mill) were lifted by a rotating camshaft and dropped onto ore placed on an anvil or mortar box.
– Repeated crushing reduced the ore to a fine powder, allowing gold to be separated.
3. Decline & Modern Alternatives:
– By the mid-20th century, stamp mills became obsolete due to more efficient methods like ball mills, jaw crushers, and modern processing plants.
– Some historical stamp mills may still be seen at old mining sites or museums in Zimbabwe.
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Are There Still Operational Stamp Mills in Bulawayo?
– Most have been replaced by modern machinery, but small-scale miners sometimes use refurbished or locally made versions.
– The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) workshops in Bulawayo once had industrial capabilities that could have supported stamp mill production or repair.
Where to Find Stamp Mills Today
– Historical Sites: Old mines around Bulawayo may have abandoned stamp mill remnants.
– Museums: The Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe (Bulawayo) or mining heritage sites might display preserved examples.
– Artisanal Miners: Some small-scale miners still use basic stamp mills for crushing ore.
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