Mount Read

Mount Read is a mountain located in the West Coast region of Tasmania, Australia, and is at the north west edge of the West Coast Range.With an elevation of above sea level, Mount Read has had as colourful a history, similar to that of Mount Lyell, with mines, settlements and other activities on its slopes for over a hundred years.GeologyThe main copper and gold ore bearing deposits in the West Coast Range are known as occurring in the 'Mount Read Volcanics' relating to the complex geology of the area.Mineralisation and deposits were being identified well beyond the life of the original mines utilised on Mount ReadTo the south east of Mount Read are many features of glaciation in the Tyndall Range as well as glacial lakes of Lake Westwood, Lake Selina, and Lake Julia.Hercules HaulageThe Hercules Mine on Mount Read was connected by a 1642ft haulage incline to Williamsford and then to the North East Dundas Tramway. The haulage was self-acting and 1mi long and 1642ft high with a maximum gradient of 1 in 5.The mine was in production in the late nineteenth century. It had a major strike in 1906 The mine produced well into the mid twentieth century The mine site had ceased operation and was subject to cleanup processes in the early 2000s.