Photo of the day

Disused lead mine, Ceredigion, mid Wales.
(copyright Iestyn Hughes)

Wales has seen more than its fair share of mining over the centuries. While people tend to associate the country with coal mining, iron and steel production, a variety of ores have been mined across the country since pre Roman times.

While south Wales is famous for its coal, Anglesey had one of the world's biggest copper mines (Mynydd Parys), north Wales its coal seams, and mid Wales its lead and silver mines.

Littered across mid west Wales are the remains of past mining adventures. Many are in what are now very remote and depopulated landscapes. Aberystwyth even had its own mint in times gone bye.

Not too far from the "industrian archaeology" site depicted here is the Llywernog Silver Lead Mining Museum. If you are ever in the area, please visit, if only for a glimpse of this now largely forgotten industry.