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Wilgie Mia, also known as Thuwarri Thaa (‘red ochre hole’), is an ancient ochre mine located in the Weld Range of Western Australia. It has been in continuous use for an estimated 27,000 to 40,000 years, during which approximately 14,000 cubic metres of ochre and rock have been extracted. This long history suggests that Wilgie Mia may be the world’s oldest ongoing mining operation.
The Mine
Wilgie Mia is the largest and deepest historical Aboriginal ochre mine in Australia. Situated on a hillside in the Weld Range, near the town of Cue, the mine was worked to a depth of 20 metres. The mining operation involved scaffolds lining the seam face beyond an opening that measured 30 metres across. Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered tools and equipment used in the mining process.
The site holds significant cultural and sacred value for the Wajarri Yamatji people and neighboring communities. According to local creation stories, the red ochre at Wilgie Mia originated from the blood of a red kangaroo that died there.
In Wajarri Aboriginal people’s tradition, Wilgie Mia was created by an ancestral being, Marlu, the red kangaroo. The different coloured ochres relate to the different parts of Marlu’s body: the red ochre is his blood, the yellow ochre is his liver, and the green ochre his gall. This is the only known tradition to account for the different coloured ochres that occur within the one site.
The stories associated with Wilgie Mia and its creation, remain an important part of the Wajarri people’s tradition. Ochre is still traded for use in traditional ceremonies including important Law ceremonies.
Use of Ochre from Wilgie Mia
Ochre has played a crucial role in Australian history, with Wilgie Mia producing significant quantities of both red and yellow pigments. The ochre from Wilgie Mia is notable for its range of colours and high durability, attributed to the geological processes involving haematite (Fe2O3) and other iron-rich compounds.
Scientific studies have shown that ochre from Wilgie Mia was widely used throughout Western Australia. It has been employed in rock art and other painting practices across various regions of Australia.
Recent History
Between the 1940s and 1970s, Aboriginal miners were temporarily displaced by miners of European descent. Despite this, the mine continues to produce ochre as a commercial pigment. Aboriginal miners also continue to extract ochre for use in ceremonies, art, and healing practices.
Wilgie Mia was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2011. In 2018, the Wajarri Yamatji people gained exclusive possession of the native title for the site.
