Work

Innovation, adaptation and technology as habitus: the origins of alluvial gold mining methods in A ustralia

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: The introduction of Cornish mining methods during the Australian gold rush provides a case study for examining the role of technological innovation in the context of migration. New physical and social environments encountered as a result of migration force migrants to adapt familiar technologies to their new circumstances. Cornish migrants to Australia were able to apply their knowledge of traditional methods for working alluvial tin deposits to the exploitation of alluvial gold. These methods were heavily dependent on reliable sources of water, and in order to ensure success, the miners developed innovative technical and legal systems for managing water supplies.

Source: Archaeology in Oceania/Archæology & physical anthropology in Oceania

DOI: 10.1002/arco.5047

Authors: Susan Lawrence, Peter Davies

Institution: La Trobe University

Language: English

Topic: Australian History and Society

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: La Trobe University, Australian Research Council