Rinaldi Kiln

Statement of Significance

The site of Rinaldi Kiln represents the early history of mining in the use of earth kilns to produce charcoal for use in the mines.

History

The Rinaldi kiln is a relatively primitive earth kiln used for burning lime or charcoal. It was operated by the Rinaldi family, made up of Bob Rinaldi and his wife and seven children. In the 1920s, the Rinaldis had 'cornered the market' for the charcoal that was used by the engines on the mines. The process of making charcoal involved a pyramid of wood covered with earth and grass. The wood was lit and allowed to smoulder for several days under constant watch. The kiln was then opened up and the charcoal raked out and bagged. Lime was burnt in a similar way, with the kiln layered with limestone and wood. Kilns of this type were known as pot-kilns and the burnt lime produced was mixed with the wood ash. Lime was used in the building industry for mortar, lime wash and render and in the mining industry as a fluxing agent for gold extraction. Bob Rinaldi used camels to cart the charcoal and also firewood for the mines. He was involved in mining as an investor in local enterprises and his sons worked in the mining industry.

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Site

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