Mine buckets like this one were used by in some of Drumheller Valley’s earliest coal mines – including the Miller Mine and the Newcastle Mine.
The hoisting arm is mounted low on the bucket to provide a lower centre of gravity for easy dumping. Although a lock on one side of the hoisting arm is designed to prevent accidental dumping, several injuries were sustained when men were accidently dumped out. At least two deaths in the valley are associated with this type of bucket.
Although its origins are uncertain, it is speculated that this particular mine bucket may have originated at the Newcastle Mine and later acquired by the Star Mine. This same mine bucket was later used by Ralph Cheney in his construction business for many projects throughout
The hoisting arm is mounted low on the bucket to provide a lower centre of gravity for easy dumping. Although a lock on one side of the hoisting arm is designed to prevent accidental dumping, several injuries were sustained when men were accidently dumped out. At least two deaths in the valley are associated with this type of bucket.
Although its origins are uncertain, it is speculated that this particular mine bucket may have originated at the Newcastle Mine and later acquired by the Star Mine. This same mine bucket was later used by Ralph Cheney in his construction business for many projects throughout