Robert Burns Cuming (1859âÂÂ1910) was an Australian industrialist who founded the Adelaide Chemical Works in 1882 and helped establish South AustraliaâÂÂs superphosphate industry. He served as a councillor and mayor of Thebarton (1893âÂÂ94; 1901âÂÂ03).
Born in Melbourne in 1859, Cuming was the eldest son of Scottish-born industrialist James Cuming (1835âÂÂ1911). He entered the familyâÂÂs chemicals and fertilisers enterprise in Victoria before being tasked to establish a South Australian branch.
Cuming established the Adelaide Chemical Works on a 5ý-acre site at New Thebarton (later Torrensville) in 1882, initially focused on sulphuric acid and from 1884 on superphosphate. A second plant opened at Port Adelaide in 1900 as bulk phosphate rock shipments commenced in 1901, enabling larger-scale manufacture for regional agriculture.
Cuming served on Thebarton council in 1885âÂÂ87, 1890âÂÂ94 and 1899âÂÂ1900 and was elected mayor in 1893âÂÂ94 and again in 1901âÂÂ03. Contemporary reports record his 1901 mayoral election and 1902 re-election; council and local histories confirm his 1893âÂÂ94 term.
He was active in the Adelaide Chamber of Manufactures, serving as president in 1906âÂÂ07.
His works became part of South AustraliaâÂÂs early fertiliser industry and later consolidations in the sector.
After a prolonged illness, Cuming died at his home, âÂÂBurn BraeâÂÂ, Meyer Street, Torrensville, on 5 May 1910. Obituaries described him as a prominent Adelaide businessman. Cuming Street (Mile End, laid out 1903) commemorates his contribution.