Ancient copper mine, likely initiated in the 18th century, saw the driving of an adit westwards under St Ives town from Pedn Olva Point. In 1822-23, work on the adit resumed, accompanied by the sinking of a shaft and several winzes. At a distance of 95 fathoms from its entrance, the adit intersected a lode believed to be part of the St Ives Consols lode. In 1859, the North Wheal Providence Mining Company was established to exploit the property, incorporating ‘Old Wheal Trenwith,’ the eastern segment of Wheal Trenwith, within its mining area. Despite sinking an engine shaft and commencing a cross-cut from adit level to connect with the Wheal Trenwith lode, financial constraints halted progress in 1861. A limited company formed in 1862 also faced financial difficulties, leading to liquidation by 1873. Wheal Trenwith’s operation was later resumed by St Ives Consolidated Mines, but exploration of the Pedn Olva adit yielded no further development. The engine house once situated atop the cliff at Pedn Olva Point was demolished in the early 20th century, with its staircase incorporated into the Pednolva Hotel, now occupying the site.

1860 prospecting 1882