Powys Metal Mines Survey

Craig Rhiwarth

Geology
Ordovician Llangynog formation volcanics and metamorphic rocks. The main lode strikes E-W with zinc, chalcopyrite and galena mineralisation.

Workings
There are 5 former level entrances centred on SJ05422635 with stoping to the surface visible close to the upper portion of the slate quarry incline SJ05432649. A deep adit was entered close to Ty'n Y Twll cottage SJ05262635 and an infilled shaft can be seen south of the slate quarry magazine SJ05382659. In Cwm Glanhafon east of Craig Rhiwarth SJ06602730 there are three trial levels for lead which date to between 1751 and 1899 as well as remains of undated slate workings close to the public footpath.

Transport
There were presumably inclines to the shaft and levels but no remains could be seen. It is possible that the slate incline used an existing mine incline which communicated with lateral tramways contouring the hillside to the workings.

Power
A leat from the Afon Eirth supplied water to a wheelpit on the dressing floors but has since been largely destroyed by housing development and road construction.

Processing
The dressing floors were nearly totally destroyed by building and the 1977 B4391 road improvements. The only survival is a portion of the wheelpit which is built into a modern dwelling. The building foundations visible at SJ05612636, consist of large masonry blocks and beams and overall the structure seems too substantial to be related to the nearby farm buildings at Tan Y Graig though their precise function and relationship with the mine, if any, are not clear. The structure may be related to the slate quarrying activity to the north. There is also a cog wheel discarded on the hillside at SJ05502642 although this has probably travelled from the slate quarry.

Other features
No evidence.

Comments
Mine in use c17th to 19th centuries. Open stopes on upper slopes of Craig Rhiwarth, levels on lower slopes. Leat to dressing floors from cornmill upstream on Afon Eirth. (CPAT record card 1988)