Charles Rasp

Charles Rasp, born Hieronymous Salvator Lopez von Pereira,[1] (7 October 1846 – 22 May 1907) is known as the first person to identify the economic potential of the ore deposits at Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia.

[2] Inspired by the silver rush to nearby Silverton, he began to prospect in the area of Broken Hill.

Though discouraged by early assay results, they persisted and soon after were joined by four others (all working on Mount Gipps) forming the Syndicate of Seven.

George McCulloch and Charles Rasp pegged out further leases which took in the whole of Broken Hill, the original name of which was said to be Wilyu-Wilyu-yong.

[3] They were prospecting for tin, but early assay results found only low grade lead ore and traces of silver (Curtis, 1908).