Part of a group of mines with overlapping working and histories known as the Wye Mines.
Worked veins in the Silurian Frongoch Formation, with mineralisation including lead, silver, and zinc. The veins trend in a NE-SW direction and are an extension of the Castell vein to the west. The western workings consist of two shafts at SN 8213 8453 and SN 8245 8478, along with an adit at SN 8246 8480.
Power for the mine was provided by an 1869 waterwheel powered by a leat from the Cyff Brook. A large reservoir at SN 8315 8521 supplied water to the dressing floors. The dressing floors on the western side of the mine contained ore bins, a crusher, jigs, and buddles.
Other features on the site include traces of four miners’ cottages built in 1876, the foundations of which can still be seen, as well as remains of a mine office and possibly a smithy or carpenter’s shop. The only remaining significant features of the mine are the ore-bin structure and the shafts.
| West of river | East of River | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| West Nanty | 1863-67 | ||
| Wye Lead Mining Company | 1868-72 | ||
| New Van | 1872 | ||
| North Van | 1874 | ||
| Wye Valley | 1874-79 | ||
| West Wye Valley | 1875-80 | New Wye Valley | 1879-82 |
| Wye Mine Ltd. | 1883-85 |
A waterwheel built in 1869 was used for pumping, winding, and powering a sawmill, with water supplied via a leat from the Cyff Brook on the western side of the River Wye. The waterwheel, a 30ft structure, powered the crusher. Four miners’ cottages were built in 1876 on the western mining area.
For more detailed history, it is recommended to read Bick’s book *
External Links
Publications (6)
- (1922); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol XX - Lead and Zinc: Cardiganshire & West Montogmeryshire; 242 pages
- Bick, D.E. (1991); Old Metal Mines of Mid-Wales, The; West Montgomeryshire, Aberdovey, Dinas Mawddwy & Llangynog - Part 4; pp. 53-57 *
- Bull, D. E. (2002); Tir Gofal Management Plan: Heritage Management Information (HE1). Glenrhyd, Llangurig - E/08/2701
- Foster-Smith, J. R. (1978); Mines of Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire, The
- Jones, J. A. & Moreton, N. J. M. (1977); Mines and Minerals of Mid-Wales, The
- Jones, O. T. (1922); Lead and Zinc. The Mining District of North Cardiganshire and West Montgomeryshire
