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Number 20 Coal Shaft DisasterPrint Page 
Two plaques commemorate miners killed in two underground explosions on 20 February 1931 and 15 February 1937.
The first occurred during the first year of operation on the 20th February 1931, when 4 men died underground. The 1937 shaft explosion at No.20 shaft was the worst accident in the mine's history with thirteen men dying underground. The No.20 shaft explosion occurred during a period when the mine was spiralling into decline: to be profitable the mine had to produce 500,000 tons per annum, and it had not been able to produce this amount since 1934. The underground disaster contributed to the mine producing only half the required yield in 1937 and led to the relationship between the Miners Union and management reaching an all time low.
Location
| Address: | Bass Highway, Dalyston, 3992 |
|---|---|
| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -38.575421 Long: 145.571196 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Disaster |
| Sub-Theme: | Industrial |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 20-February-1931 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 15-February-1937 |
Dedication
Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Committee
Wonthaggi & District Historical Society
Dedicated in memory of those who died as a result of two underground explosions
20th February 1931
[ 4 names ]
15th February 1937
[ 13 names ]
Wonthaggi & District Historical Society
No 20 Shaft State Coal Mines
Shaft sinking commenced 1928
Depth 720 feet
Output 1,643,824 tons
Closed 1962
Also in memory of those killed in two explosions
1931 - 4 1937 - 13
