Clwyd Metal Mines Survey

Graig Fawr

Geology
Carboniferous Limestone.

Workings
The limestone hill of Graig Fawr is probably the site of very early mining. Earthworks appear as open workings on a vein and runs of small shafts, which follow north-east to south-west veins. One shaft appears concrete capped at SJ06108040. The numerous opencuts that appear on the hillslopes indicate 18th century activity or earlier. Smith (1921) illustrates a haematite and copper lode cutting the hillside. The opencuts at SJ06408040 are stone quarrying. Along the line of the Mineral Railway, several adits have been blocked off, which cut into the northern and western slopes of the hill. Further series of levels can be identified up the western slopes in the area behind the main Talargoch Mine site (SJ05908060). The south-west side of Graig Bach is also covered with open-cut workings, the most distinct being the China Rake, which crosses the hill in an east to west direction. The rake is early and probably hand worked.

Transport
The Mineral Railway follows the contours of the 1750s leat around the foot of Graig Fawr.

Power
The 1750s leat contours the lower slopes of Graig Fawr on its western side.

Processing
No evidence of early processing of ore remains on the hill.

Other features
No evidence.

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