This former mill in the northern part of Aruba hints at the island’s relatively unknown gold rush. First discovered in 1824, gold remained an important Aruban industry until around 1916, with the island producing more than 3 million pounds in total. The precious metal is even reflected in Aruba’s name, which roughly translates to “there was gold.” At this historic site, windswept stone ruins stand in the middle of a wide expanse of untouched land.
Bushiribana Gold Mine ruins in Aruba, ABC Islands, Netherlands Antilles, Caribbean, Central America
Michael Runkel/agefotostock
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Historic gold mines on Aruba
In the 1400’s and 1500’s, sailors voyaged through the Caribbean in search of great wealth and treasure. According to local legend, one of these islands was named Oro Ruba or “red gold.” That island is Aruba, of course, and still today intrepid adventurers can find remnants of old mines around this tropical paradise. The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are found on the rugged north coast of Aruba; when gold was discovered there in the 19th century, it processed more than 3 million pounds of this treasure.
Mine for Aruban Gold
Gold was discovered in Aruba in 1824, more than twenty years before the California Gold Rush! Three million pounds of the precious ore have been extracted in Aruba over the years. Explore gold mill ruins like the ones at Bushiribana, and perhaps you’ll join the list of visitors who’ve taken home a share of the loot.
Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
Although explorers set sail to the New World in search of gold, that likely isn’t the first thing that pops to mind when you think Caribbean. This former gold mill in the northern part of Aruba recalls the island’s rush. First discovered here in 1824, gold was an important local industry until around 1916. Today, windswept stone ruins stand tall in the middle of a wide, rocky expanse.
