Johann Menge
Menge, Johann (1788-1852) was a German-born geologist, mineralogist, explorer, early colonist, and linguist. In his position as geologist of the South Australian Company, he led the way in the discovery of mineral resources at Burra-Burra and at Kapunda.
In his early career, Menge collected and sold geological specimens. In traveling through Europe, he learned several languages and gained a good knowledge of geology, philosophy, medicine, and religion. Despite having little formal education, in 1821 he was awarded the honorary degree of professor of mineralogy at the University of Lubeck, Germany. Menge was a language teacher and was a translator for the British and Foreign Bible Society. He also assisted with the compilation of a Chinese-English dictionary.
From 1836 to 1838, he was a mine and quarry agent and geologist for the South Australian Company. In 1838, he was dismissed by the South Australian Company and he moved to the Australian mainland. His explorations and pioneering of new routes in South Australia encouraged the spread of settlement, further exploration, and an interest in the area's mineral resources. Menge discovered copper in the Adelaide Hills and opal at Angastron. In time, the Barossa Valley became world famous for its wine industry.
He refused an opportunity to start a mining company backed with British capital because he was busy planning a Chinese missionary college.
Menge published several documents, including a booklet titled The Mineral Kingdom of South Australia (1840). He later went to work in the gold fields of Victoria, where he died in 1852.