Richard Thilthorpe Slee
Richard Thilthorpe Slee | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1879-08-29 Sydney, Australia |
| Died | 1935-10-18 |
| Occupation(s) | Mining engineer, General Manager of BHP Broken Hill |
| Years active | 1902–1935 |
| Known for | General Manager of BHP Broken Hill; mine rescue operations; discovery of bernalite mineral samples |
Richard Thilthorpe Slee (1879–1935) was a distinguished Australian mining engineer who served as General Manager of the BHP mine located in Broken Hill, Australia. He gained recognition for his courageous involvement in mine rescue operations and tragically lost his life in a mining accident in 1935.
Early life
Born on 29 August 1879 in Sydney, R.T. Slee was the eldest son of Richard Slee (1831–1912) and Mary Ann Slee (née Thilthorpe). His father, originally from Devon, England, operated the Slee Stove Works foundry at Woolloomooloo and received accolades for patented fuel stoves at both the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales and the Sydney International Exhibition (1879). Beyond his business pursuits, Richard Slee Sr. was engaged in civic responsibilities, serving as an alderman on Rookwood Municipal Council and becoming its inaugural mayor in 1892. He was also a supporter of charitable organizations such as the NSW Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institute.
Early Mining Career
Richard Thilthorpe Slee completed his education in Sydney and earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Sydney University in 1901. The following year he joined BHP, and by 1905 had become a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining Engineers. Beginning his career at Broken Hill as an assistant surveyor, he progressed through roles including Assistant Underground Manager before attaining the position of Underground Manager by 1911.
His younger siblings also served in military conflicts: John Thilthorpe Slee fought in the Boer War, Arthur Thilthorpe Slee was fatally wounded at Pozieres in 1916 after earlier combat at Gallipoli, and Frank Thilthorpe Slee earned the Military Medal for valor on the Western Front in 1917.
General Manager, BHP Broken Hill
After a strike disrupted operations at Broken Hill in 1919, Richard Slee was reassigned to the expanding BHP Newcastle Steelworks for approximately one year. In 1921, he returned to Broken Hill to take over from Edward James Horwood as General Manager of BHP’s mining activities—a position he maintained until his passing. Among his notable professional connections was Essington Lewis (1881–1961), who later commemorated him by naming Slee Street within the newly formed City of Whyalla.
Slee contributed actively to the Geological Sub-Committee of the Scientific Society of Broken Hill and played an important role in identifying a previously unknown mineral, bernalite (Fe(OH)3), although he did not realize its significance at the time. Around 1921, he discovered an unusual mineral specimen within BHP’s upper-level workings and provided samples to geologist Frank Leslie Stillwell (1888–1963). Initially misclassified in 1927, these samples were revisited in 1990 and confirmed as a distinct mineral named bernalite, honoring crystallographer John Desmond Bernal (1901–1971).
Physically tall and reserved but highly effective, R.T. Slee earned considerable respect as a mining manager at Broken Hill. He held prominence within the Mining Managers’ Association and was esteemed by both workforce and unions for his thoughtful approach to leadership.
Mining Rescues
Slee established a strong reputation for expertise in handling underground fires, with various companies calling upon him during critical emergencies.
Noted for his courage, he took part in numerous rescue efforts at Broken Hill’s mines. Significant events included responding to fires at the Central Mine and Block 14, for which he received recognition from the Royal Humane Society. During the hazardous Block 13 fire in 1916, Slee and a colleague bravely saved two men overcome by toxic gases after others declined to enter due to extreme danger.
Accidental Death
Richard Slee, recognized for his hands-on leadership style, accompanied three mine workers on 18 October 1935 to unblock a bore pipe at BHP's Sulphide Street facility—an uncommon responsibility for a General Manager. Unfortunately, the group was exposed to poisonous gases, leading to the tragic accidental asphyxiation of all four men despite attempts to save them.
Having lived in Broken Hill for 36 years and actively engaged in both local business and community affairs, Slee passed away at 56 and was laid to rest in the area. He had married Emily Moyle in 1905, and together they raised three children. Following his passing, the family moved to Adelaide.
To honor his impact on the mining industry, Richard Slee was inducted posthumously into the Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame in 2007.
Select bibliography
- Barrier Miner newspaper, Broken Hill, 19 October 1935, pp 2, 3
- Broken Hill, 1915–1939, by R.H.B. Kearns, Broken Hill Historical Society, 1975, pp 53, 60, 61
- Slee Family History, ca.1490-1976, by Max Slee, , p 115
- American Mineralogist, Volume 78, pages 827-834, 1993
- Broken Hill Proprietary Co Ltd Archive, Fishermans Bend, Victoria