Equilla site shaft capping and infilling, Lefroy

Lefroy was once a lively mining town ship that attracted prospectors, labourers, and investors from across Tasmania, as the area was known for its source of quality alluvial gold found within high-grade quartz reefs.

The Equilla Reef was discovered in 1917, and the mine consisted of a number of trenches and several shafts, the deepest being approximately 60 feet. Commercial mining ceased in Lefroy in the early 20^th century as the shallow, easily accessible reefs became exhausted and deeper exploration became uneconomical. Today, Lefroy’s mining legacy remains visible in scattered workings and historical shafts, some of which pose a risk to public health and safety.

Mineral Resources Tasmania (MRT) undertakes an abandoned shafts and adits program annually under the Rehabilitation of Abandoned Mining Lands Trust Fund (RTF), targeting shafts/adits considered high risk to public safety and the environment.

Based on notifications from Parks and Wildlife Servies in December 2025, and due to its proximity to the Lefroy township, MRT’s Rehabilitation Officers assessed the Equilla site in early 2026. As seen in the pictures below, this inspection identified several shafts with moderately deep drops, and there was also evidence of continued public access.

^{Equilla shafts with moderate drops.}

In March/April 2026, MRT completed backfilling and capping works on six shafts associated with historical mining activities at the Equilla legacy site, located in Lefroy in Northeast Tasmania.

Six shafts at the Equilla site were selected for remediation on the basis of:

1. The sites proximity to the Lefroy township and evidence of recent visitation
2. The potential fall risk between 2-10 m down shafts
3. No means of egress out of the shafts
4. Low visibility of shafts, as they appear covered by surrounding vegetation
5. No barrier to entry of the site
6. Public rubbish dumping

The largest shaft at the site selected for works measured approximately 3 m x 3 m, and 20 metres deep. A heavy-duty cap was fabricated using HSB, galvanised steel mesh and anchored with concrete footings.

^{Pictured above is the pre-remediated state of the largest shaft.}

^{Pictured above is the shaft successfully capped with heavy duty galvanised mesh.}

The remaining shafts were backfilled using mullock piles found in close proximity to each individual shaft.  All organic matter, topsoil and vegetative debris was placed back in the area to stabilise soil, promote habitat and create micro niches suitable for vegetation establish.

^{Pictured above are the before and after photos of some of the shafts backfilled.}

Threatened species Pultenaea mollis (Soft Bush-pea/Guinea Flower Bush-pea) was identified at the site and MRT in turn complied with the Threatened Species Protection Regulations 2016 to complete the works.