Queen of Dart

In 1854, a trial shaft commenced operations at this site, revealing a copper lode at a depth of 5 fathoms. A notable event occurred in July of that year when 50 tons of copper ore were shipped to Swansea via Totnes amidst a celebratory procession accompanied by flags and music. The following year, after cutting a second lode, 124 tons of ore were extracted. Despite the discovery of a bunchy ore formation, by 1859, the main shaft had reached a depth of 40 fathoms, with levels established at 5, 10, 20, and 30 fathoms. However, little progress was made thereafter, and in 1860, the mine’s assets were put up for sale. The total output from 1854 to 1857 amounted to 517 tons, fetching £2127. Today, only a small pit and heavily overgrown spoil heaps mark the site. When visited by Hamilton Jenkin in 1959, these heaps showed traces of copper and iron pyrites. Additionally, pyrite, hematite, and chalcopyrite can be found abundantly on the riverbank approximately 300 meters downstream.