in late 1846 the swan river colony's first mine was established in the area now known as armadale. the mine was the first undertaking of the western australian mining company, formed that year, and the object was to extract lead or copper - the ores of both metals having been in evidence. land was purchased, and over the next few years shafts were dug by contractors. there was little yield, and in 1850 shareholders resolved to wind up the operation. one of the shafts of this mining venture is still extant south of bedfordale hill road.