Single east-west striking lode containing galena and chalcopyrite mineralization within Silurian shales of the Gwestyn Formation. Calcite is the dominant gangue mineral.
Deep adit at SN 8600 8770, an upper level at SN 8639 8768, and a shaft at SN 8610 8662. The area also contains typical earthwork remnants of tramway track beds.
Three wheelpits, now deeply buried under collapsed material and obscured by forestry, once played key roles in the mining operation. The largest, measuring 46 by 4.5 feet, served as the pumping wheel, which drained the shaft. The other two powered a small crusher or stone breaker and a round buddle. Evidence of ore processing is visible in the form of tailings heaps left by jiggers.
Location is that of MineOffice. On Bick’s 1953 visit, he states that the deepest adit was still open.
| Year | Activity |
|---|---|
| c1700 | Operated by William Waller’s Mine Adventurers. |
| 1708 | Report to the company states ‘Nantmelin runs from West to East, has a Level 110 Yards in Length, on which are three Shafts: The upper of which, when sunk to the Level, will be 27 Yards deep. The Forefield of the Level is 3 Foot 2 Inches, in which is a Rib or Ore 24 Inches. The ground unwrought is above a Mile.’ |
| 19C | Edward Hamer in A Parochial Account of Llanidloes says it was at work again in the 19C with a Mr Bennet of Derw Llydion in charge - ‘an enthusiastic mining adventurer and sportsman who lost his fortune by mining and his right arm whilst grouse shooting’. |
| 1854 | Severn Copper and Silver-Lead Mines - a London based company setup to exploit the mine. Promotional material refers to 3 adits, the deepest 150 fm long. The mine was exhaused above adit, so waterwheel installed to pump the main shaft and explore the mine at depth. |
| 1856 | Inspection by Captain Paull of Goginan and John Taylor - the mineral agent give favourable reports to Sir Watkin William Wynne - the lessor. Some development on 10 fm level followed. |
| 1860 | Mine and plant for sale. |
| 1861 | Working again. |
| 1867 | Final closure. |
Total recorded output: 59 tons of lead ore, 43 tons of coper ore.
Access reasonable from council road, across brook and through bramble/light undergrowth/brash on outer edge of plantation. Located to right of Scots Pine. Fairly large site not easily evidenced.
External Links
Publications (5)
- (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. 30
- Burt, R., Waite, P. & Burnley, R. (1990); Mines of Shropshire and Montgomeryshire, The (Mineral Statistics)
- Jones, Nigel and Walters, Mark and Frost, Pat (2004); Mountains and Orefields; 208 pages
- Thomas, David (1998); Hafren Forest Archaeological Assessment; 96 pages
