It is thought that gold was washed on Bacan since at least 1774; in the mid-nineteenth century, 20 skilled Chinese gold workers were brought from west Borneo but a gold rush did not eventuate. During the era of steam power, an attempt was made to establish coal mining on the island using Japanese convicts imprisoned by the Dutch. However, following the delivery of several tons the grade of coal was deemed poor and the mining was discontinued.
It is thought that gold was washed on Bacan since at least 1774; in the mid-nineteenth centur.y, 20 skilled Chinese gold workers were brought from west Borneo but a gold rush did not eventuate. During the era of steam power, an attempt was made to establish coal minin,g on the island using Japanese convicts i,mprisoned by the Dutch. However, following the delivery of several tons the grade of coal was deemed poor and the mining was discontinued.