The Early Mines Research Group was formed in 1988 by a group of specialist mining historians, geologists, archaeologists and archaeo-metallurgists interested in researching the origins of metal mining in Britain.
For more than 20 years members of the group have carried out surveys and archaeological excavations which have resulted in the discovery of twelve Early Bronze Age copper mines, nine of which are to be found within the Cambrian Mountains of mid-Wales.
The group has also carried out work on Roman and Medieval mines and lead smelting sites in addition to undertaking a programme of experimental archaeology designed to investigate the techniques of prehistoric mining and smelting.
