Aruba’s rich history of gold mining stretches back centuries, adding a unique charm to the island’s story. From the 1400s and 1500s, explorers searched the Caribbean for treasures, and Aruba was no exception. Gold was officially discovered here in 1824, sparking a brief but intense gold rush that has left behind intriguing remnants for visitors to explore today.
Early Gold Discoveries
The first recorded discovery of gold in Aruba happened in 1824, when a 12-year-old shepherd named Willem Rasmijn stumbled upon the precious metal while herding sheep in Rooi Fluit. This discovery set off a wave of excitement, with locals scouring the island in search of gold. However, any gold found had to be sold to the government at a fixed price, which eventually cooled the frenzy by 1830.
Professional Mining Begins
Gold fever reignited in 1854 with the discovery of new veins. This time, mining rights were taken from locals and handed over to professional companies. Initially, a Dutch company, Concessie de Jongh, received the rights but conducted minimal operations. By 1868, the rights passed to the American company Rickett & Co., which used basic techniques to extract gold.
From 1872 to 1881, the English Aruba Island Gold Mining Company took over and brought more structure to the industry. In 1874, they built the Bushiribana Gold Mill, a massive stone structure designed to crush rocks into fine dust using wind power. Workers would then separate the gold from the dust and refine it using quicksilver.
Key Mining Locations
Gold mining activity was concentrated in several areas across the island, including Rooi Fluit, Sero Cristal, Sero Moskita, Tres Cabez, and Westpunt. Later, mining expanded to locations like Daimari, Tamarijn, Piedra Cacho, Babijn, and Angochi.
Today, visitors can explore these historical sites:
• Bushiribana Gold Mill: Located on the northern coast, this abandoned mill stands as a testament to Aruba’s gold rush era.
• Balashi Gold Mill: Found near the Spanish Lagoon, this picturesque site reveals the remains of another bustling gold processing center.
• Miralamar Mines: Hidden within Arikok National Park, these mines offer a glimpse into the island’s gold mining past.
Fun Fact
Between 1824 and the end of the gold mining era, Aruba produced over 3 million pounds of gold, leaving behind a legacy that still fascinates visitors today.
Discover Aruba’s gold history by visiting these iconic sites and learning about the adventurers, miners, and companies that shaped this chapter of the island’s story.
