Black Powder Mill (Cairnlea)
Constructed in 1942, the heritage-listed Black Powder Mill is a purpose-built structure for the manufacture of black powder (gunpowder), the only surviving building of the former Albion Explosives Factory and a symbol of the 140 year old explosives industry centred in Melbourne's west. It is a reminder of the thousands of workers employed in the munitions industry, especially in wartime and the post war migrant years.
Opening Hours:
Once a year the Brimbank council holds an open day. At these days you can hear the history of gunpowder and the production of explosives in Deer Park and why the Mill is in Cairnlea. See the Mill machinery in operation and experience the firing of 19th century firearms. Enjoy coffee, tea and a chat with friends of the Black Powder Mill Incorporated.
What is Black Powder?
Black powder is known by several names depending on its use. All varieties are intimate mixtures of saltpetre (potassium nitrate), charcoal and sulphur which have been processed to form grains of a specific size.
It is called gunpowder when used as a propellant in a cannon or firearms; fuze powder when used as a delay element in munitions and blasting powder when used as an explosive in mining or other civil engineering works. Black Powder was known to the Chinese over 1000 years ago.
It was introduced to the western world in the 13th century and used in warfare from the 14th to teh 19th century.
In Victoria the manufacture of black powder began in the 1860's for use in gold mining and in construction of railways, roads and water supply systems.
This nationally significant mill, constructed by ICIANZ Limited in 1942, clearly demonstrates engineering design principles developed over centuries to ensure the safe manufacture of inherently dangerous materials.
Today, black powder is mainly used in fireworks.
Working at the Black Powder Mill
Still remaining at the site is one of 10 small buildings required for the production of Black Powder, (or gunpowder). Working with explosives was dangerous, requiring each stage to be separated from the others. Safety was all-important, so this building, which is located on the edge of the production area, includes:
- two massive concrete walls to direct any blast away from the other processes
- light "blow-out" wall facing the open area of Kororoit Creek
- electrical equipment and gear drive system in a separate basement
- bituminous felt-covered floor providing a non-sparking surface
On a typical working day, two workers would spread the the ingredients - charcoal, sulphur and saltpetre - evenly around the mill bowl, add water, leave the building, turn the external switch to start the mill, not returning until processing was complete.
Despite precautions, an explosion occurred at this mill on 18 May 1944. Robert Taylor later died from burns and another worker was injured. By 1945, with the end of the war, back powder milling had ceased.
Location
Cnr Parklea Avenue and Grassy Point Road, Cairnlea 3023 Map
✆ 0429 203 895
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