The Blackdene Mine, situated just north of the River Wear between St. John’s Chapel and Ireshopeburn, has a long history of lead mining dating back to at least the early 15th century. Initially developed by the Beaumont Company in the early 19th century for lead extraction, the main workings followed the Blackdene Vein northeastward from near the banks of the River Wear. Over time, these workings intersected those of the Elmsford Mine, which operated a nearby section of the Slitt Vein.

During the early 20th century, fluorspar was also mined from both the Blackdene and Slitt Veins. However, the mine was seemingly abandoned upon its acquisition by United Steel in 1949. Extensive exploration and development efforts were undertaken in the 1950s, focusing on levels between the Three Yard Limestone to below the Scar Limestone. By 1973, it was evident that commercial reserves on the Blackdene Vein were depleted, prompting the driving of a new incline to access unmined portions of the Slitt Vein.

Following the nationalization of the steel industry, ownership of the mine transferred to British Steel. However, it was eventually disposed of amid the industry’s crash in 1982. Weardale Mining and Processing continued operations until 1987 when the mine was permanently closed. Presently, much of the mine is inaccessible due to flooding, and the accessible areas suffer from significant under-stopping. Note: The Slitt Vein should not be confused with the Slitt Mine in Westgate, Weardale. As of current, the remaining mineral dumps are heavily overgrown, and no apparent minerals of value are visible.

1949-1966 Beckermet Mining Co. Ltd (United Steel Co. Ltd) 1967-1981 British Steel Corporation. 1982-1991 Weardale Mining & Processing Ltd (Minworth Group)