In the limelight: Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme
1 October 1999
October 1999 will witness 50 years since the first bomb-blast signifying the beginning of the construction of Australia’s engineering wonder: the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme.
The Royal Australian Mint has produced a set of two commemorative coins titled Coins of the Snowy Mountains Scheme to acknowledge the 50th anniversary.
Collector coins are becoming a popular way for all Australians to remember important events. The final release in the three-year Australian Landmark Series, titled Coins of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, is no exception. Two coins comprise this set: Alpine Lake and Tunnel in Construction. A generous 34 mm diameter of fine silver enhances the effect of the frosted uncirculated finish.
Background Information on the Scheme:
The Scheme has a twofold function: to produce clean, renewable energy and to redirect the flow of irrigation water to the Murray and Murrumbidgee River systems. It spans across 8 200 km2 (about the size of Switzerland) yet its engineering features cover only 2% of the landscape. It is a complex structure which includes 16 major dams, 7 power stations, a pumping station, 145 km of interconnected tunnels, and 80 km of aqueducts. The Scheme services NSW, ACT, SA and Victoria. It is also acknowledged for its social contribution, bringing together over 100 000 workers from more than 30 countries during its 25 years of construction.
Nominal
Specifications:
Denomination: $10
Metal: Fine Silver (99.9%)
Mass: 20.77 grams
Diameter: 34.00 mm
Finish: Frosted Uncirculated
Mintage: 20,000 sets