Edna May Gold Mine
*Please note: The Edna May Gold Mine Lookout has recently been re-opened to the public. Located just off Warrachuppin Road on the northern edge of the Westonia townsite, the lookout provides excellent views across the operating open pit gold mine.*
In 1911, prospector Edmund John Annear applied for the first mining lease at a site approximately 1 kilometre north of the Westonia townsite. He established a mine at the claim and named it the Edna May, after his aunt.
The Edna May mine produced approximately 171,000 ounces of gold before closing in 1922 due to underground water issues and the exhaustion of high-grade ore.
Mining resumed in 1935, producing approximately 355,000 ounces before the mine closed again in 1947. Underground water and labour shortages during the war contributed to the closure.
In 1985, advances in mining techniques saw the Edna May reopened as an open pit operation by ACM Gold. The mine produced approximately 274,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 1.97 grams per tonne before closing in 1991 due to underground water and declining ore quality.
Over the years, the Edna May has had several owners, including Westonia Mines Ltd, Catalpa Resources Ltd, Evolution Mining Ltd and Ramelius Resources Ltd. Following extensive exploration and redevelopment, the processing plant was relocated from the Big Bell mine near Cue, and mining operations recommenced in 2010.
In September 2026, Forrestania Resources acquired the Edna May Gold Mine and took over operations, continuing the long history of gold mining at the site.
The Edna May Gold Mine has played a significant role in the history and development of Westonia and remains an important part of the local community and economy.
The photograph below shows the view of the Edna May Gold Mine from the Edna May Gold Mine Lookout which is accessed from Warrachuppin Road. The Edna May Gold Mine Lookout is located just one kilomtre north of the Westonia town site. For more information on Forrestania Resources and the Edna May mine click on the following link: Forrestania Resources
