Restored explosives magazine offers a glimpse into early quarrying practices

Tucked behind the quarry pit at Boral’s Coldstream Quarry in Victoria is a structure that reflects more than a century of quarrying history.

The small explosives magazine, estimated to be over 100 years old, was purpose-built to safely store materials such as dynamite and black powder, which were essential to early quarry operations.

Designed for safety

The design of the magazine reflects the safety principles of the time.

Constructed from thick concrete, brick or stone, the structure was built to contain and manage risk. The roof was intentionally lightweight so that, in the event of an accidental detonation, the force would be directed upward rather than outward, helping to limit the impact beyond the building.

Surrounding the magazine is a dry-stone wall, constructed without mortar. Despite its age, the wall remains intact, demonstrating the durability and craftsmanship of early site infrastructure.

Built to prevent sparks

Inside the structure, safety considerations continued.

The entry leads through an annex before reaching the main storage room, which was constructed entirely from timber. Metal was avoided in the storage area to reduce the risk of sparks, as even a small ignition source could trigger an explosion.

Workers entering the magazine were required to wear specialised footwear designed to minimise static electricity, reflecting the strict controls in place when handling explosive materials.

A specialised role on site

The handling and management of explosives was carried out by trained personnel responsible for drilling and blasting activities on site.

These roles required a high level of skill and care, given the risks involved, and played a critical part in enabling quarry operations during this period.

Preserving the past

Today, the explosives magazine stands as a reminder of how quarrying practices have evolved, from early methods reliant on manual handling and strict material controls to modern, highly regulated and technologically advanced operations.

Structures like this provide a valuable link to the past, offering insight into the people, processes and safety considerations that shaped the industry.