Cooinda Reserve Excavator Bucket

Standing proudly in Cooinda Reserve, the Liebherr 994B Excavator Bucket is a striking reminder of the significant contribution made by the Cowal Gold Operation to the Bland Shire community. Donated to Bland Shire Council by Evolution Mining in 2020, the bucket celebrates the region's rich mining heritage and its ongoing connection to the gold industry.
The Cowal Gold Operation, located approximately 40 kilometres north-east of West Wyalong, extends across the Bland, Lachlan, and Forbes Shires on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people.
Originally attached to EXC302, a 294-tonne mining backhoe excavator, the bucket was constructed from Bisalloy 80 steel, renowned for its exceptional strength and resistance to wear. From 2005 to 2018, it logged an impressive 50,000 operating hours at the Cowal Gold Operation before being retired and relocated to its current home.
Today, the bucket serves as a unique landmark and a symbol of the enduring link between the region's historic gold rush era and its modern mining industry.