Bushiribana Gold Smelter, Paradera Travel Guide

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Explore the historic Bushiribana Gold Smelter ruins on Aruba's north coast, a window into the island's 19th-century gold mining past.

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Bushiribana Gold Smelter

The Bushiribana Gold Smelter, built in 1872, stands as a striking coastal ruin, a reminder of Aruba's 19th-century gold mining boom. Located on the island's rugged north shore, the smelter processed ore from nearby mines for only about ten years, but its remains offer a glimpse into Aruba's industrial past and stunning ocean views.

A brief summary to Bushiribana Gold Smelter

H23F+CHV, Noord, AW

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bushiribana Gold Smelter.

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the uneven terrain around the ruins.
Bring a camera to capture the scenic views of the coastline through the smelter's window openings.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions along Aruba's north coast.

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Getting There

Car

From the hotel area in Noord, drive north along the main coastal road. Follow the signs for Bushiribana. The smelter is located off the main road with a designated parking area. Parking is free and readily available.
Public Transport

From Oranjestad, take the Arubus Route L10 towards the northern part of the island. Get off at the bus stop closest to Bushiribana. From there, it's a short walk to the ruins. A one-way bus fare is approximately $2.60 USD.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Noord and Oranjestad. A taxi ride from Noord to Bushiribana will cost approximately $15-$20 USD, depending on the starting point and traffic. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Bushiribana Gold Smelter

Perched on Aruba's windswept northern coast, the Bushiribana Gold Smelter is a historical landmark that whispers tales of the island's golden era. Constructed in 1872 by the Aruba Island Gold Mining Company, the smelter was erected to process gold ore extracted from the Seroe Plat and Kristalberg regions. The London-based company was granted a 25-year concession to mine for gold. The sturdy structure, hewn from gabbro (a type of basalt), reflects 19th-century industrial architecture.Equipped with a stamp mill and employing the innovative cyanide process, the smelter refined over 2,000 ounces of gold during its decade-long operation. The ore was crushed, and potassium cyanide was used to extract the gold. Though operations ceased in 1883 due to high costs and a shift towards a newer mill at Balashi, the ruins remain an enduring testament to Aruba's mining heritage.Today, visitors can freely explore the atmospheric ruins, with its walls and arches framing panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The site is easily accessible and offers ample parking, inviting travelers to step back in time and imagine the industrious activity that once filled this coastal landscape.