East Wheal Russell, situated about one and a quarter miles southeast of Gunnislake within the West Devon Mining District, operated on three main mineral veins: the Main Lode accessed via Homersham’s Shaft, Murchison’s (Air) Shaft, and Hitchins’ Shaft; the Middle Lode; and the North Lode.

Historical documents reveal insightful details about the mine’s operations. The Mining Almanack and manual for 1851 list it as East Wheal Russell, Tavistock, Copper, with J. H. Murchison serving as Secretary and J. H. Hitchins as the Agent. The lease term was 20 years with dues at 1-15th, totaling 4,000 shares valued at 5s each.

According to the Post Office Directory for 1856, the mine was located in Tavistock, Devon, within the manor and mining district of Tavistock. Shipping of ores and machinery was facilitated at Morwellham, merely a mile from the mine, with the nearest railway station in Plymouth, 17 miles away.

The geological makeup of the mine area was described, highlighting the presence of various mineral veins, such as the Main Lode, North Lode, South Lode, and Middle Lode, as well as crosscourses composed of fluccan and spar. Operations involved several shafts, including the Engine Shaft, Murchison Shaft, and Homersham Shaft, with corresponding levels and drives.

The mine’s production primarily consisted of copper ore, with a recorded output of 60 tons 12 cwt. in 1853, valued at £545 11s. 6d., and 36 tons 11 cwt. in 1851, valued at £160. Records indicate that from 1853 to 1869, East Wheal Russell sold a total of 9149 tons of copper ore, fetching £54,387.

Management details include W. E. Commune as the purser and William Metherell as the Captain. The company operated on the costbook system and had its London offices at 117 Bishopsgate Street within, with J. H. Murchison serving as secretary.