Underlain by Silurian grits and mudstones, with the main veins consisting of the Rhoswydol, Graig Goch, and Brynfedwen lodes, along with three additional NW/SE lodes. These veins primarily contain galena mixed with quartz and sphalerite. The workings, visible on the 1887 25“ OS map, include up to 13 levels, 3 shafts, 2 adits, numerous trials, and long linear opencuts that can still be seen today, though access is difficult due to dense forestry cover. The main group of workings is located on the slopes above Nant Ceulan, from SN 8515 9790 to SN 8565 9718.
Tramways are present, with a main line running from the northernmost shaft at SN 8585 9771 to the crusher house. There are also inclines leading to levels on the south-western slopes of Llanerch Yr Aur at SN 8591 9778 and the eastern slope of Esgair Geulan at SN 8583 9778. At SN 8622 9733, tramways from an adit south-east of the crusher contour the hillside to the crusher.
Water power was provided from streams descending from Waun Ty Isaf and Llanerch Yr Aur, with two waterwheels: a 40x3.5 ft wheel at SN 8640 9735 and a 30x3ft wheel near the forestry track at SN 8643 9735. Processing infrastructure includes two crusher houses at SN 8613 9728 and SN 8640 9735, round buddles at SN 8660 9750, an ore bin, washing/picking floor, and three settling tanks at SN 8629 9736. Additional buildings such as a mine office, smithy, stores, and carpenter’s shop are centered at SN 8625 9733.
Bick speculates the mine could be a fair bit older, being in rocky terrain where outcropping lodes would be easily visible.
| Year | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1850s | Hugh Williams of Dylife said t have lost £9,000 working as the Great Caylan Consols. Upon Williams’ death, his son in law, Richard Cobden became trustee, with new company formed under Captain James Barkell. Intention to work Caylan, South Caylan, Eagle Rock and South Eagle Rock lodes. |
| 1854 | 46 tons of ore shipped. |
| 1856 | Mine for sale. Included 40ft water wheel for pumping and ore crushing. |
| 1858 | Advertised for sale again. |
| 1862 | Mine acquired by mining consultant Evan Hopkins. |
| 1863 | Ore being raised on two levels. |
| 1867 | Plant and machinery up for auction. |
| 1870 | Managed by a Captain Hughes for Dr Walker, Ynysfaig. |
| 1878 | Secretary was John Basil Masefield from Ledbury. |
| 1884 | 3 men at work. |
| 1889 | Final returns of ore, having returned small amounts yearly. |
External Links
Publications (8)
- (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. 26-27
- Foster-Smith, J. R. (1978); Mines of Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire, The
- JNCC (2010); Mineralization of England and Wales; pp. 315-318
- 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
- Liscombe & Co (1880); Mines of Cardiganshire, Montgomereyshire & Shropshire; 52 pages
- Thomas, David (1998); Hafren Forest Archaeological Assessment; 96 pages
