Basset and Grylls Mine: This worked from 1852-1914 producing 4,650 tons of Tin. The site was then worked until 1938 under the name Porkellis Tin Mines. Much of the later workings were concentrated around “Old Mens Shaft” which was re-opened in 1907.
For information on the local area follow this link: Porkellis
Basset and Grylls Mine 1 – The processing floors at the mine site, in the foreground is a Buddle which used to concentrate the Tin fines, in the background the remains of an Arsenic Stack.Basset and Grylls Mine 2 – A wider view showing the second Buddle, in the background were the foundations for a Rock Crusher.
The rest of the images of Basset and Grylls Mine were taken on Private Land. Please seek permission before exploring.
Basset and Grylls Mine 3 – The remains of a water tank in the vicinity of the Old Men’s Shaft, on the left of the image are mounting blocks for the shaft headframe and machinery.Basset and Grylls Mine 4 – A second image of the water tank, standing high on three remaining legs.Basset and Grylls Mine 5 – The remains of the large processing works at the mine. I understand since these images were taken nature has taken over the site.Basset and Grylls Mine 6 – A good view of the elevated tramway that brought the ore here for processing. The ground was full of drill steels poking above the surface.Basset and Grylls Mine 7 – The concrete pylons disappearing across Porkellis Moor.Basset and Grylls Mine 8 – A good image of the foundations for the Californian Stamps that were installed here.Basset and Grylls Mine 9 – More drill steels in the ground and another image of the machinery mounts.
The remains here are extensive with the concrete uprights of an elevated tramway surviving which took the ore from the shaft to the processing mill. The images on this page were taken on a perfect summers day in 1997. The area is well covered in Bob Acton’s Exploring Cornish Mines Volume 3.
Cornish Mine Images 10 – A close image of one of the elevated tramway supports, partially hidden by the gorse.Cornish Mine Images 11 – These concrete frames were so amazing to see. Silent epitaphs to the industry that made Cornwall great.Cornish Mine Images 12 – This was a great subject to photograph on a good day with good clouds. So I made the most of it, looking down the line of supports, there were quite a few still standing.Cornish Mine Images 13 – A side on view of the tramway supports.Cornish Mine Images 14 – Great textures and detail in the concrete plinths.Cornish Mine Images 15 – This is certainly one of the most interesting sites I visited whilst taking pictures for Bob Acton. I tried to go back a couple of years ago, but I forgot the book and couldn’t find it again. However, plenty of other summers to come. All the images were taken with an orange filter which darkens the blue sky and adds contrast.
There is an Engine House for this mine which I hope to photograph when I re-visit the site.
