Little visible evidence remains of lead mining in the dense woodland north of McAlpine’s Quarry entrance. Many shafts and spoil mounds are now overgrown and hidden beneath the undergrowth. One notable surviving feature is the Olwyn Goch Shaft at SJ 2020 6780, which was reopened and deepened to 490 feet by the Halkyn District United Mines Company after 1928. This shaft became the primary entrance for personnel accessing the workings and was used as a down-cast shaft in the ventilation system, facilitating the movement of workers. Historical records by Smith (1921) describe a ladder shaft dropping 320 feet through sandstone and grey limestone shale to three levels of workings, with ore being extracted through Davey’s Shaft on the Bryncelyn Vein.
Transport infrastructure played a key role in the mine’s operations. A self-acting inclined tramway was reportedly used to transport ore from Davey’s Shaft to the dressing floors on the south side of Rhydymwyn Foundry. After 1928, the underground diesel railway system linked the workings of the Halkyn District United Mines, with the main shafts being Olwyn Goch and Pen-y-bryn Shaft.
A pool with an apparent dam wall at SJ 2135 6780 is located in the woodland above the present quarry. Given its elevated position and the presence of a sluice, it is likely that this reservoir was constructed to provide water supply to the mine below. The sett itself was drained by the Deep-Level Tunnel, ensuring that mining activities could continue without excessive water ingress.
Ore processing took place at the dressing floors of Rhydymwyn Foundry, as documented by Smith (1921). In 1932, the Halkyn District United Mines established a new mill around the Pen-y-bryn Shaft, consolidating operations by raising ore from all their workings to be processed at this central site.
The South Halkyn and Rhydymwyn Mine was situated at the eastern end of the Garregboeth Lode, which saw some success in lead mining during the 18th century. However, it was not until the completion of the Halkyn Drainage Level reaching the mine in 1908 that operations significantly expanded. The largest shafts in the area are found within the woodland of Garreg Boeth, beginning at SJ 1865 6760 and continuing eastward to SJ 1915 6755.
