Situated within Ordovician volcanic rocks and slates, featuring multiple mineralized fault zones containing lead and copper ores, with quartz and barytes as the associated gangue minerals. The workings include an engine shaft (with protruding rising main) at SJ 0431 2302, with two short trial levels to the northeast at SJ 0445 2321 and two additional levels to the south at SJ 0441 2292. A deep adit, now collapsed, is visible at SJ 0442 2283.
Traces of tramway track beds can be seen outside some of the workings, leading toward the spoil heaps. Near the engine shaft, a pumping waterwheel pit remains, which was powered by water directed from Nant Clochnant through a leat. In 1880, a crusher was brought to the mine, and remnants of ore bins and picking/washing floors still exist. Additionally, a magazine is located behind Pant Cae Hir farmhouse at SO 0483 2232.
Galena and barytes on dumps. There is also a nearby excavation for slate.
Maybe Roman or Medieval?
| Year | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1850 | Bick believes site surveyed by Captain James Thomas of Llangynog. He reports a promising lead vein and recommends exploiting it. |
| 1854 | Prospectus issued for the Hirnant Lead Mines Ltd. |
| 1861 | A report by R.H. Verran details threeor four lodes, a 10fm deep engine shaft with a southerly crosscut to the main lode. He also mentions Roman workings. |
| 1863 | Still operating, but struggling. |
| 1866 | Mine up for sale. |
No ore sold.
Mine was mistakenly labeled as a phosphate mine on the 1887 25-inch Ordnance Survey map
Located partly within Forest Enterprise land, near a stream on the boundary of an open area. Bick states that Mine is difficult to access.
External Links
Publications (4)
- Bick, D.E. (1991); Old Metal Mines of Mid-Wales, The; West Montgomeryshire, Aberdovey, Dinas Mawddwy & Llangynog - Part 5; pp. 39-40
- Burt, R., Waite, P. & Burnley, R. (1990); Mines of Shropshire and Montgomeryshire, The (Mineral Statistics)
- Williams, R. A. (1985); Old Mines of the Llangynog District, The
- Wren, W. J. (1968); Tanat Valley, its railways and industrial archaeology, The
