Aruba

January 16, 2023: Balashi Gold Mills

Aruba's Rich Mining History at the Balashi Gold Mill Ruins. Aruba's history is filled with stories of adventure, exploration, and discovery, and the Balashi Gold Mill Ruins are a testament to this rich heritage. Situated at the Spanish Lagoon's tip on Aruba's mid-island, the Balashi Gold Mill was built approximately 25 years after the Bushiribana Gold Mill and was powered by steam engines. The mill's ruins can still be seen today near the narrow canyon of rocks known as Frenchman's Pass, offering visitors a glimpse into Aruba's once-thriving gold mining industry.