The occurrence of metallic minerals in Australia to the time of the
proclamation of South Australia as a Colony in 1836 was
unknown. It is, therefore, perhaps, surprising that British settlers
arriving in the Coromandel included among their number a
German scientist Johannes Menge who had been appointed by
the South Australian Company to the post of Mine and Quarry
Agent and Geologist on 1 July 1836. His instructions were to
`explore the natural productions of the Colony above and below
ground and to superintend the working of quarries of stone and
slate, the boring for water, metal, lead, coal and other mines at a
salary of 150 per annum for one year and for as much longer as
the Company require your services not however exceeding five
years'. In the event, he was to have little influence on those
matter.