A1 Mine – adit entrance. A1 settlement was home to the A1 Gold Mine, this extremely rich mine on the Castle Reef, was worked to a depth of 2300 feet. Operating almost continuously since 1881, it closed in 1976 due to a decline in profitability but with rising gold prices in 1978 rehabilitation work began and the mine resumed operation under the name of Gaffneys Creek Gold Mine NL. A1 had remained in operation until it closed for the last time on June 12th 1992. The A1 Settlement and mine are no more, although some houses still remain the last residents moved out in 1999, the machinery site has be demolished and the mine was sealed in June 2000.