Aruba’s gold rush began in 1824 when Willem Rasmijn discovered a gold nugget in Rooi Fluit. This sparked an era of mining, leading to the establishment of Bushiribana and Balashi gold mills. Over the years, Aruba’s gold industry attracted global mining companies and fortune seekers. Today, remnants of these gold mines remain as historical landmarks.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers were unaware of the gold-rich quartz veins beneath Aruba’s surface. However, in the 19th century, mining activities uncovered vast deposits. Gold was mainly extracted from underground tunnels in areas like Miralamar, Bushiribana, and Balashi.
Built in 1872 by the Aruba Island Gold Mining Company, the Bushiribana Gold Mill processed gold ore extracted from Aruba’s hills. This site, now a famous tourist attraction, was constructed using locally sourced gabro rocks.
The Balashi refinery, established in 1899, introduced a cyanide process, increasing gold extraction efficiency. Located near Spanish Lagoon, this mill played a crucial role in Aruba’s gold production before shutting down in 1915.
Miralamar was home to one of Aruba’s deepest gold mines, with tunnels extending over 300 meters underground. Miners worked in harsh conditions, extracting quartz-rich ore. Today, visitors can still find traces of gold mining in the area.
The gold rush in Aruba started when Willem Rasmijn found gold in Rooi Fluit. Soon after, Aruba’s population flocked to the site, hoping to strike it rich. By 1824, nearly 50 kilograms of gold had been discovered. The Dutch government quickly took control, deploying soldiers to regulate mining activities.
Despite Aruba’s gold reserves, mining was never highly profitable due to:
By 1916, the gold industry in Aruba collapsed, leaving behind abandoned mines and mills.
Today, Aruba’s gold mining history lives on through its ruins. The Bushiribana Gold Mill stands as a testament to the island’s gold rush, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts.
Aruba’s gold rush era played a vital role in shaping its history. The remnants of gold mines and mills serve as a reminder of the island’s rich past. Exploring these sites provides a glimpse into Aruba’s gold mining heritage.
