Electrona Carbide Works
Electrona Carbide works were to be part of a large integrated project to produce hydro electricity for the electrolytic refining of complex zinc ores and the manufacture of calcium carbide. The proponent was James Gilles who held patents to the electrolytic refining of zinc.
The hydro development, Waddamana – Great Lakes, was completed not long after the Government foreclosed on Gillies. The Carbide Works were completed in 1921 but due to strong overseas competition was unable to survive and it was taken over by the government. Through a succession of owners the plant continued to operate until 1979.
Calcium carbide was produced by mixing lime sourced from the high purity limestone deposit at Ida Bay in southern Tasmania and anthracite and melting the mix in an electric arc furnace powered by hydro electricity.
Gillies dream was achieved but, in the end not by him.
References:
Wikipedia
Companion to Tasmanian History.
Journal of the Institution of Engineers Australia 1934.
Proposal to Nominate
