Economic Rock and Mineral Collection

Item details


Name of item:	Economic Rock and Mineral Collection
Other name/s:	ERMC, Mineral Collection, Economic Minerial Collection, Economic Minerals and Miscellaneous Specimens Collection
Type of item:	Movable / Collection
Group/Collection:	Collections
Category:	Other - Collections
Primary address:	947-953 Londonderry Road, Londonderry, NSW 2753
Local govt. area:	Penrith

Boundary:

The recommended listing will apply to the moveable collection itself and does not include any part of the land or structure where it is currently located.

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
947-953 Londonderry Road	Londonderry	Penrith			Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Geological Survey of NSW	State Government

Statement of significance:


	The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection is of State heritage significance for its historical, associative, research potential, rarity, and representative values. This collection has historical value as an invaluable record of the geological and mining history of NSW, as well as the State's mineral and resource wealth. It is illustrative of the broader history of geological exploration and research, as well as the evolution and advancement of geological science in NSW from 1875 to today. The collection is reflective of the historical development and evolution of the mining industry and the signature trends that have occurred in this industry during this time. Additionally, it has associative value for its strong connection with the Geological Survey of NSW, as well as the noted 19th century geologists Rev. W. B. Clarke, Charles S. Wilkinson, and Joseph E. Carne. The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection has research value for its ability to provide substantial ongoing contributions to the fields of geology and mining history. As the collection contains examples from almost every known mineral deposit in NSW it is an exceptional scientific resource for the study of the State's rocks, minerals, and ores. It also contains specimens from many of the mining operations that have existed across NSW since 1875, providing valuable insights into their specific working histories and stages of development. These insights, in turn, can provide a perspective on the broader history of mining at a regional and state level. As the only collection of its kind, and with its particular focus, in the State, the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection has rarity value as a unique record of the economic geology and geoheritage of NSW. Specimens within the collection are individually rare and unique, such as the Maitland Bar gold nugget, the only extant documented example of a large gold nugget from a 19th century NSW goldfield. Finally, the collection is representative of all the specific mineral deposits that have been found to be of economic or industrial interest in NSW since 1875. The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection is historically linked to the Mining Museum (former) (SHR 01555) where it was located between 1909 and 1995, and is associated with the other collections created and held by the Geological Survey of NSW: the Fossil Collection (SHR 00971) and Petrology Collection (SHR 00973).
	Date significance updated: 11 Jun 25
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	N/A
Builder/Maker:	Rev. W. B. Clarke, C. S. Wilkinson, J. E. Carne, Geologial Survey of NSW
Construction years:	1875-
Physical description:	The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection (ERMC) is a moveable collection that contains a wide range of rock, mineral, ore, fossil, and meteorite specimens representative of the mineral deposits of industrial interest found in NSW. It also includes specimens from other parts of Australia and overseas for comparative and reference purposes, as well as some historical artefacts related to geology or mining. The recommended State Heritage Register listing of this item will encompass only the geological specimens and historical artefacts of the collection. The associated archives are not included. ERMC DESCRIPTION The ERMC is currently (as of 2025) held at the W.B. Clark Geoscience Centre, Londonderry. The majority of the collection is held in storage here or utilised within a large display on the natural and mining history of Australia. More precious specimens are housed offsite in secure storage. Select specimens are loaned out for display or research to education centres and institutions such as the Australian Museum and Great Cobar Heritage Centre. The collection is owned and managed by the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW), which is currently part of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, NSW Resources. The GSNSW have amassed the collection since 1875 through the efforts of its geological staff. Mining companies also regularly send representative and unusual specimens for addition to the collection. The collection has also been supplemented by gifts from private donors and collectors on a regular basis. The purpose of the ERMC is to document and preserve specimens of all the mineral deposits of industrial interest found in NSW. As most of these specimens come from mining activity, the ERMC preserves historical segments of the lives of mines, which can be used to outline their development and working history. At a broader level, the collection provides a perspective on the economic development and mining history of the State from the 1870s through to the present (Meszaros pers. comm. 9 January 2025). The functional mission of the ERMC is defined by GSNSW (2019:7) as being: (1) to house and preserve the historic rock and mineral collections formed by the GSNSW since its inception in 1875; (2) to act as a repository and record for most of the key mineral deposits in NSW; (3) to provide rock and mineral specimens for public exhibits, conference displays and educational and outreach events; (4) to act as a research resource for GSNSW geoscientists and external academics and students; (5) to provide a secure setting for State Significant Mineral Specimens to be stored and displayed; and (6) to securely house specimens in the permanent collection that are collected from currently working mines and mineral deposits by GSNSW staff and by way of donation from mining companies and individuals. The ERMC currently (as of 2025) contains over 28,000 rock, mineral, ore, fossil, and meteorite specimens. These specimens are mostly from geological sites and active and former mining sites in NSW. Significant areas which are represented include Broken Hill (part of the Hugh Dixon Bequest), Cobar, and the New England district (Sachs molybdenite specimens). Gold samples dating from the gold rush period include the largest surviving Australian nugget of the 19th century - the Maitland Bar (or Jubilee) Nugget (10.7kg), found in 1887 near Mudgee (GSNSW 2019:7). The collection contains examples from almost every known mineral deposit in NSW, making it an exceptional scientific resource for the study of the state's geology. Many of the specimens provide the sole evidence of the output and geological environment of mines which are now closed and rehabilitated and so have become part of our geoheritage. The collection is a unique resource in the modern scientific study of our mineral and ore deposits. It provides a method to access parts of deposits that are now inaccessible or absent entirely due to the process of mining. With the advent of new techniques of non-destructive analysis and age dating, GSNSW staff and academic researchers can utilise the resources within the ERMC to acquire new insights about the mineral deposits of NSW. The collection also contains a considerable number of interstate and international specimens. Thus, while the collection primarily focuses on the economic mineral deposits of NSW, it also contains representative samples from wider afield for comparative and reference purposes. Taken together, the entire collection is a valuable educational and research resource.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The ERMC is well managed and stored, and in good condition. Its storage facilities are currently (as of 2025) being upgraded to modern museum standards.
	Date condition updated:11 Jun 25
Modifications and dates:	1875: ERMC begins with the formation of the Geological Survey of NSW. 1876: ERMC displayed to the public at the new Geological and Mining Museum at Young Street, Sydney. 1879: Rev. W.B. Clarke's private collection added to the ERMC. 1881: Geological and Mining Museum moved to the Garden Palace. 1882: Majority of collection destroyed in the Garden Palace Fire. Collection is rebuilt in the wake of the fire. 1886: Rebuilt collection displayed to the public at the temporary Geological and Mining Museum within the Geological Survey Office at 233 Macquarie Street, Sydney. 1893: Mining and Geological Museum moved to the Domain, behind Sydney Hospital. 1909: Mining and Geological Museum moved to new accommodation at 36-64 George Street, in the Rocks (the Mining Museum (former) SHR 01555). 1930-1934: Collection focus is changed to mining and industrial geology. 1995: Earth Exchange closed and the ERMC moved to the Geological Survey Offices at Lidcombe. 2004: ERMC moved to its current location at the W.B. Clarke Geoscience Centre at Londonderry. Present: The ERMC continues to grow as specimens are acquired with the most recent additions being in early 2024.


Current use:	Public collection available for display, reference, and research

History

Historical notes:

STATEMENT OF COUNTRY

The specimens of the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection (ERMC) have been gathered from the traditional lands of many Aboriginal groups from across NSW (and Australia). The collection is representative of segments of the physical landscape upon which Aboriginal people have lived for countless generations. In some instances, they represent examples of the material types that were actively used or valued by Aboriginal people for different purposes.

ERMC HISTORY

The Department of Mines was created in 1874 to centralise the oversight of mining activities under the Mining Act of 1874. To foster the development of the natural resources of the colony this department created the Geological Survey on 1 January 1875. Charles Smith Wilkinson was appointed as the first Geological Surveyor-in-charge to lead this department (Adrian 1974:1; Hoare 1976; Tropman & Tropman 1996:24).

Over the following years the Geological Survey proceeded to explore and map the coal, gold, tin and other mineral deposits of the colony. From 1875 the survey also began a collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils for a Mining and Geological Museum (a requirement of the Mining Act 1874), as well as display at local and overseas exhibitions. This collection, which was overseen by Wilkinson and Charles Cullen (who was appointed as geological/fossil collector), was designed to showcase a representative sample of the mineral wealth of the Colony. This represents the beginning of the current ERMC which was formed from the display collection of the museum (Adrian 1974:1-2; Card 1902:3; GSNSW 2019:8; Hoare 1976; Tropman & Tropman 1996:24; Wilkinson 1876:121-123).

The new Mining and Geological Museum was opened in March 1876 in Young Street, Sydney. Over the following years the collection was rapidly expanded as the survey gained more Geological Surveyors until by 1879 it contained 14,720 specimens. Later the same year, the collection was further bolstered through the addition of the late Rev. W. B. Clarke's extensive private collection (with his library), which was purchased by the NSW government (Adrian 1974:2; Card 1902:3, 11; Mozley 1969; Tropman & Tropman 1996:24).

Following the end of the 1880 International Exhibition at the Garden Palace, part of this building was designated as new accommodation for the Mining and Geological Museum. In preparation, the collection was moved to the building (in 1881) while Wilkinson and the curator, Joseph E. Carne, undertook its classification and arrangement. However, before the museum could be opened to the public, the Garden Palace was destroyed by fire on 22 September 1882, resulting in the destruction of the majority of the collection, which at this time contained over 50,000 specimens (Card 1902:11; Wilkinson, 1883:139; Carne 1883:145).

The fire resulted in the destruction of all the rocks and minerals within the collection (note: there are some mineral specimens in the collection today that were damaged by the fire), as well as the associated library. Only several thousand fossils, and the valuable gold specimens and gem stones, which had been stored in an iron safe, were retrieved from the wreckage (Wilkinson 1883:139; Carne 1883:145).

In the wake of the fire, the Minister of Mines appealed to the public, neighbouring colonies, and other countries for donations of minerals and other geological specimens to assist with the rebuilding of the collection. This call was generously responded to over the next few years by private individuals and mining companies within the colony, as well as institutions and governments from outside NSW. With the addition of further specimens collected by the survey geologists, the collection was rebuilt to over 16,000 specimens by the end of 1885. These new specimens were stored in the basement and outbuildings of the new Geological Survey Office on Lady Young Terrace (233 Macquarie Street). This rebuilding process, the sorting and cataloguing of new specimens, and the arrangement of a new display was led by Curator Joseph Carne (Wilkinson 1883:139; 1884:152; 1885;149; 1886:129; Carne 1883:145; 1884:160-161; 1885:156; 1886:141; Card 1902:11; Vallance 1979).

In 1886 the Mining and Geological Museum reopened in its temporary premises. It remained here until 1893, when it was relocated to a galvanised-iron building in the Domain, behind Sydney Hospital. The purpose of the museum by this time was to illustrate the geology and mineral deposits of NSW along with comparable specimens from around the world, principally for the benefit of the mining community and students. The collection now contained a valuable and representative collection of the rocks, minerals, and fossils of NSW which was mostly registered, classified, and labelled (Tropman & Tropman 1996:24-25; Card 1902:3, 11-12).

In 1909 the Mining and Geological Museum was relocated to new purpose-built accommodation at 36-64 George Street, in the Rocks (the Mining Museum (former) SHR 01555). Over the following years the collection continued to grow until WWI curtailed many activities of the Geological Survey. This was followed by the State Government drastically reducing the size and scope of the museum in the 1920s, which inhibited further growth of the collection (Tropman & Tropman 1996:25).

During the 1930s depression the NSW Government held an inquiry into the mineral collections of the Mining Museum and Australian Museum with a view to amalgamating them. This resulted in each collection being given a specific purpose: mining and industrial geology for the Mining Museum collection and 'pure geology' and scientific research for the Australian Museum collection. The specific focus on economic interests at this time was intended by the NSW Government to encourage economic development. Consequently, in 1934 relevant specimens were exchanged between the museums. This resulted in the Mining Museum losing its meteorite collection, most of its palaeontological 'type' specimens, and its valuable mineral specimens. In return, it received alluvial gold, gemstones, building stones, and ornamental stones from the Australia Museum (Tropman & Tropman 1996:25).

During the late 1930s the economic focus of the collection began to take on strategic dimensions as the government began exploration of local sources of various essential minerals. As a consequence of WWII, the collection's growth stagnated from the mid-1930s through to the 1950s (Tropman & Tropman 1996:25-26).

In the post war years, the museum and collection began to increasingly focus on education. This was due to several factors including the advent of the new field of economic geology, the increase in amateur lapidary clubs, and the introduction of geology to the high school curriculum during the 1950s and 1960s. Consequently, the museum exhibitions were modernised between 1963-1973. This included, during the late 1960s, the collection being reorganised and the museum renamed the Geological and Mining Museum. This resulted in the sorting and cataloguing of much stockpiled material along with the resumption of active collecting, purchasing, and exchanging to assist with the modernisation effort (Tropman & Tropman 1996:26).

Over the 1970s and 1980s the museum held many exhibitions highlighting the unusual items of the collection. In 1979/1980 the collections were also rehoused. By this time the subject collection was known as the Economic Minerals and Miscellaneous Specimens Collection and its management was guided by specific policy documents and a computer cataloguing system (Tropman & Tropman 1996:26; Pecover 1980).

Throughout the 1980s the State Government and a newly formed Mining Museum Advisory Committee pursued a refurbishment project (originally intended to be completed for the Bicentennial) for the Mining Museum. Pursuit of this project resulted in private enterprise becoming more involved with the museum, as well as the creation of an independent Mining Museum Trust to support its management. When the refurbished museum reopened in 1991 it was renamed the Earth Exchange and was more commercially driven and focused on encouraging interest in mining development and associated technologies (Tropman & Tropman 1996:26-27).

This decision did not result in the expected surge in visitor numbers and profitability of the museum. Instead, visitor numbers decreased and the State Government was required to provide further funding for the Trust. Despite the redevelopment, the original building appears to have been still unsuitable for the intended purpose of the new Earth Exchange, with none of the intended functions being able to be satisfactorily undertaken without compromises caused by space constraints. Ultimately, the Earth Exchange was permanently closed in late 1995 and its collections (including the ERMC) moved into storage at the Geological Survey offices at Lidcombe (Tropman & Tropman 1996:27-28; GSNSW 2019:7).

In 2004 the ERMC was moved to its current location at the W.B. Clarke Geoscience Centre at Londonderry (GSNSW 2019:7).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Geological evidence of the history of the Earth-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Mining-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Mining-Activities associated with the identification, extraction, processing and distribution of mineral ores, precious stones and other such inorganic substances.	Mining for various minerals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Science-Activities associated with systematic observations, experiments and processes for the explanation of observable phenomena	Researching mineralogy-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Science-Activities associated with systematic observations, experiments and processes for the explanation of observable phenomena	Researching geology-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection is of historic significance as an invaluable record of the geological and mining history of NSW. As an ongoing record of all the mineral deposits of economic interest found in NSW, this collection is a vital archive within the Geological Survey of NSW. The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection is a unique repository of the geoheritage and economic geology of NSW, serving as both an educational tool and a record of the State's mineral and resource wealth. The size and richness of the collection is the result of the collective efforts of hundreds of geologists (both professional and amateur) and miners who have explored the geology and mineral deposits of the State. As such, it plays an important role in reflecting the broader history of geological exploration and research in NSW. Furthermore, it can demonstrate how the focus of economic geology has shifted and adapted from 1875 to today. Simultaneously, it can illustrate the evolution and advancement of geological science in NSW and Australia over this period. The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection is reflective of the historical development and evolution of the mining industry from 1875 to today. Over this period the mining industry has been a prominent component of, and contributor to, the NSW economy. The collection expresses the signature trends that have occurred in this industry during this time, such as how it has expanded to explore and exploit a range of mineral deposits across the State. It can also illustrate the fluctuations that have occurred in the exploitation of different mineral deposits. In this way, the collection is demonstrative of the economic development of the State and the progressive establishment and expansion of its industrial base.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection is of associative significance for its strong connection with its owner, the Geological Survey of NSW. The Geological Survey of NSW is an institution with a scientific mission dating back to its establishment as one of the first geological surveys globally in 1875. They continue to play a pivotal role in advancing geological science in NSW and Australia. Their ongoing research and geological mapping and dating is responsible for the understanding we have today of the geology of NSW. Their work has actively supported and assisted the mining industry and the mineral exploration of the State, concurrently driving the economic development of NSW. The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection is also closely association with three 19th century geologists who made valuable contributions to the advancement and development of the field of geology in NSW. (1) Rev. W. B. Clarke, one of the first geologists to explore the geology and mineral wealth of NSW and the scientific discoverer of gold in Australia in 1841. His surveys and research resulted in considerable advancement in our knowledge of the natural history of NSW. Clarke also actively assisted the mining exploration and development of the early goldfields and coal deposits of NSW. His pioneering work and geological surveys laid the foundation for the development of geology as a disciple in NSW and Australia. After his death, Rev. Clarke's extensive personal geological collection and library was purchased by the NSW Government and added to the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection in 1878. While the majority of this collection, including the entire library, was destroyed in the Garden Palace fire of 1882, some specimens survive in the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection today. (2) Charles S. Wilkinson, the first Geological Surveyor-in-Charge of the Geological Survey of NSW and the first leader of this department. Throughout his career, Wilkinson led the early systematic exploration of the State's geology and advancement of geological science and knowledge under the Geological Survey of NSW. Wilkinson was instrumental in the initial foundation of the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection in 1875 and its rebuilding following the Garden Palace fire in 1882. He continued to support the building of the collection up until his death in 1891. (3) Joseph E. Carne, the first curator of the Mining and Geological Museum (which included the ERMC) (1883-1892), an early NSW Government Geologist, and the third leader of the Geological Survey of NSW (1916-1919). Carne led the rebuilding of the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection following the Garden Palace fire of 1882 and was responsible for much of the early organisation and cataloguing of the collection.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection has research potential for its ability to provide substantial ongoing contributions to the fields of geology and mining history. As the collection contains examples from almost every known mineral deposit in NSW it is an exceptional scientific resource for the study of the state's rocks, minerals, and ores. It can expand our overall understanding of the geological and natural history of NSW, as well as the specific geological sites where these specimens were discovered. For the important insights the collection can provide it has substantial scientific value to researchers within the mining industry and academia. It is uniquely capable of being re-examined from different perspectives, and for different minerals, based on changes in mineral needs and technologies. Consequently, its research potential is multifaceted and constantly being redefined. The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection is able to offer a unique perspective on the overall history and legacy of mining in NSW. This collection contains specimens from many of the mining operations that have existed across NSW since 1875, providing valuable insights into their specific working histories and stages of development. These insights, in turn, can provide a perspective on the broader history of mining at a regional and state level. Furthermore, many items in the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection are the only surviving specimens from decommissioned and rehabilitated mines, preserving irreplaceable historical records of these sites. Through these specimens researchers can access parts of ore deposits that are now inaccessible or absent entirely due to the mining process.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	As the only collection of its kind, and with its particular focus, in the State, the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection is considered rare as a unique record of the economic geology and geoheritage of NSW. It is an invaluable archive of all the mineral deposits of economic or industrial interest found in NSW since 1875. The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection includes a range of individually rare and unique specimens in the State context. This includes the Maitland Bar gold nugget, the only extant documented example of a large gold nugget from a 19th century NSW goldfield, as well as rare surviving examples of unique minerals that are only found in the Broken Hill region.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection is considered to be representative of all the specific mineral deposits that have been found to be of economic or industrial interest in NSW since 1875. These mineral resources have driven the development and advancement of the NSW mining industry over this period.
Integrity/Intactness:	The Economic Rock and Mineral Collection is highly intact and has good integrity.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	Exemption order for the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection listing on the State Heritage Register (SHR 02120) under the Heritage Act 1977 I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the Heritage Council of NSW dated 30 September 2025, make the following order under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977 (the Act) granting an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out of any activities described in Schedule B by the owner, manager, mortgagee or lessee (or persons authorised by the owner or manager) of the item described in Schedule A. This order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 11th day of November 2025. The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage SCHEDULE A The item known as the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection SHR 02120, currently held at the W.B. Clarke Geoscience Centre, 947-953 Londonderry Road, Londonderry. SCHEDULE B The following specified activities to an item do not require approval under section 57(1) of the Act. The follow exemptions apply in addition to the 'standard exemptions' for items listed on the State Heritage Register (SHR) made under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977 and published in the NSW Government Gazette. GENERAL CONDITIONS These general conditions apply to the use of all the site specific exemptions: a) Anything done under the site specific exemptions must be carried out by people with knowledge, skills, and experience appropriate to the work (some site specific exemptions require suitably qualified and experienced professional advice and/or work). b) Activities that do not fit within the exemptions described in this document or the 'standard exemptions' for items listed on the State Heritage Register made under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977 and published in the NSW Government Gazette would require approval under the Heritage Act 1977. It is an offence to do any of the things listed in section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 without a valid exemption or approval. c) The site specific exemptions are self-assessed. It is the responsibility of a proponent to ensure that the proposed activities fall within the site specific exemptions. d) The proponent is responsible for ensuring that any activities undertaken by them, or with their owners' consent, meet all the required conditions and have all necessary approvals. e) Proponents must keep records of any activities for auditing and compliance purposes by the Heritage Council of NSW. Where advice of a suitably qualified and experienced professional has been sought, a record of that advice must be kept. Records must be kept in a current readable electronic file or hard copy for a reasonable time. f) In these exemptions, words have the same meaning as in the Heritage Act 1977 or the relevant guidelines, unless otherwise indicated. Where there is an inconsistency between relevant guidelines and these exemptions, these exemptions prevail to the extent of the inconsistency. Where there is an inconsistency between either relevant guidelines or these exemptions and the Heritage Act 1977, the Act will prevail. EXEMPTION 1: COLLECTION MANAGEMENT Specified activities: a) All activities in accordance with the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection Procedures Manual dated November 2019 or any future amendment or update of this document that is substantially the same and approved by the Chief Geoscientist of the Geological Survey of NSW (or other appropriately authorised person with responsibility for management of the collection). EXEMPTION 2: MOVEMENT OF COLLECTION Specified activities: a) Movement of specimens within the W.B. Clarke Geoscience Centre at 947-953 Londonderry Road, Londonderry. b) The permanent storage of precious specimens at a secure location at the discretion of the Chief Geoscientist of the Geological Survey of NSW (or other appropriately authorised person with responsibility for management of the collection). c) The temporary loan of display specimens to institutions or government offices within Australia for a period of time as determined by the Chief Geoscientist of the Geological Survey of NSW (or other appropriately authorised person with responsibility for management of the collection). EXEMPTION 3: RESEARCH ACTIVITES Specified activities: a) Discreet destructive sampling of duplicate or low scientific value specimens undertaken for research purposes by Geological Survey of NSW staff.	Nov 14 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	SHR 02120 Economic Rock and Mineral Collection	02120	14 Nov 25	475	2025-475-2

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Ann Mozley	1969	Clarke, William Branwhite (1798-1878)	View detail
Written	C. S. Wilkinson	1886	Geological Survey of New South Wales: Report of Progress for 1885 by the Geological Surveyor in Charge
Written	C. S. Wilkinson	1885	Geological Survey of New South Wales: Report of Progress for 1884 by the Geological Surveyor in Charge to the Under Secretary of Mines
Written	C. S. Wilkinson	1884	Geological Survey of New South Wales: Report on Progress for 1883 by the Geological Surveyor in Charge
Written	C. S. Wilkinson	1883	Geological Survey of New South Wales: Report on Progress for 1882 by the Geological Surveyor in Charge
Written	C.S. Wilkinson	1876	Geological Surveryor's Report: Report of Progress of the Geological Survey, During the Year 1875	View detail
Written	Geological Survey of NSW	2019	Economic Rock and Mineral Collection: Procedures Manual (November 2019)
Written	George W. Card	1902	Handbook to the Mining and Geological Museum, Sydney
Written	Jeannette Adrian	1974	History of the Geological Survey of New South Wales 1875 - 1974	View detail
Written	Joseph E. Carne	1886	Report of the Curator of the Mining and Geological Museum
Written	Joseph E. Carne	1885	Report on the Curator of the Mining and Geological Museum
Written	Joseph E. Carne	1884	Report of the Curator of the Mining and Geological Museum
Written	Joseph E. Carne	1883	Curator's report on the Mining and Geological Museum
Written	Michael Hoare	1976	Wilkinson, Charles Smith (1843-1891)	View detail
Written	NSW Resources	2025	The history of NSW Resources: from the Department of Mines to now	View detail
Written	Paul Meszaros	2025	Personal Communication - 9 January 2025
Written	Simon Pecover	1980	Storage and Retrieval System for the Geological and Mining Museum's "Economic Minerals and Miscellaneous Specimens Collection": Incorporating Procedures for the Loan and Exchange of Specimens from the Collection
Written	T. G. Vallance	1979	Carne, Mr Joseph Edmund (1855-1922)	View detail
Written	Tropman & Tropman Architects	1996	Conservation Assessment Report of the Former Mining Museum & Chemical Laboratory, 36-64 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5068347
File number:	EF25/632

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

All information and pictures on this page are the copyright of Heritage NSW or respective copyright owners.