The Cambokeels mine is situated on a segment of the Slitt Vein, approximately halfway between the villages of Eastgate and Westgate. Its main adit is positioned on the north banks of the River Wear, and the remnants of the abandoned workings are still visible from the A689 road. Initially, the Slitt Vein was exploited by the Beaumont Company from 1847 to 1871 for lead. Despite the vein’s considerable size, the lead ore yields were disappointing, leading to the mine’s closure.

In 1905, the mine was reopened for fluorspar extraction and underwent sporadic periods of operation under various owners throughout the 20th century. Cambokeels experienced a resurgence in the early 1970s, becoming one of Weardale’s leading sources of fluorite for the next fifteen years. Malcolm Brown & Madison took over the mine in 1973 and established a new incline below the old Horse Level, revealing high-grade fluorite ore from the 40-meter level downward.

Subsequently, Swiss Aluminium UK (SAMUK) acquired the mine and initiated operations at depths of 200 meters (within the Tynebottom Limestone) and 240 meters (within the Whin Sill and Jew Limestone). In 1982, Minworth Ltd. purchased the mine, further expanding operations to levels at 280 and 320 meters, eventually reaching the 340-meter level before ceasing operations in 1989.

Currently, the mine’s decline is submerged, and the Beaumont Horse Level has collapsed near the entrance.

1841 TW Beaumont
1918-1931 W. Hird, Waistell & Co. Ltd
1935-1936 T.H. & A. Green
1937-1938 A. Dalton
1980-1981 Swiss Aluminium Mining (UK) Ltd
1982 Weardale Minerals Ltd
1982-1989 Minworth Ltd

The mine site is now disused and situated next to the A689 between Eastgate and Westgate