Gold mining greatly contributed to the development of Australia in the second half of the 19th century. By the turn of the century the Echunga Goldfields had become South Australia's major producer of gold, mainly won from an area extending from the initial find at Chapmans Gully southwards down Long Gully to Jupiter Creek. The Jupiter Creek diggings has an estimated production of between 25 000 and 50 000 ounces of gold