Wheal Brea was an amalgamation of several small tin mines operating in Cornwall. Its operations spanned both coastal and inland areas, with the coastal section situated west of Brea Cove and the inland section in granite country further south. While some records of mining activities in the area date back to the 17th century, the exact commencement of operations and inclusion of individual mines in the sett remains unclear.

The mine worked numerous lodes, with the most northerly ones, including North Lode and Great Brea Tin Lode, being exploited in the Wheal Brea section. Further south, Thomas’s Lode and Matthew’s Lode were prominent features. Operations at Wheal Brea were sporadic, experiencing periods of activity followed by intervals of closure. In the early 19th century, the mines were operated by the ‘Brea Consolidated Tin Mining Company Ltd.’ under the name of Brea Consols until 1863. After a brief revival in 1868 as West St Ives Consols, the mines were eventually sold in 1872.

Resuming operations in 1907 under the name of Trevegia Mine, the mines continued until 1913, yielding a total of 38 tons of high-quality black tin. However, despite the richness of the ore, the narrow width of the lodes and economic challenges led to the eventual closure of the mine.