After placing the Aclare mine within its setting in the early mining history of the Kanmantoo and Callington districts, this historical account ranges widely, for the problems encountered during Aclare's period of operation plus the vicissitudes of its unfortunate entanglement with the Kangarilla mine are representative of, and throw light upon, many aspects of South Australian mining during the 19th century. This study pioneers industrial archaeology in South Australian mining history, and in compliance with the author's brief under Australian Heritage Commission funding, it records the historic mining relics still remaining in the area. But it also takes a personal look at the people concerned with the mines. As far as possible the author has avoided intruding into their story and has let them tell it in their own way by quoting them directly or by using the phraseology of their letters, diaries, reports and official records. They speak from personal involvement and show that, apart from technological advances, many things have not changed at all.