Cligga Head Mine, the first images on this page were taken in the late 1990’s. Tin and Wolframite were mined here. Wolframite was the main source of Tungsten which was widely used in the manufacture of munitions.
The mine was first opened in 1938, it was closed on the completion of the Second World War in 1945. During the war years 300 tons of Wolfram and 200 tons of Black Tin were produced.
In the 1960’s Geevor Mine in collaboration with other mining companies took an interest in the site. They re-commenced underground works with active exploration and diamond drilling.
No great results were forthcoming but the prospect of rich lodes out to sea were high.
In 1964 Geevor decided to expand their own sett with the re-entry of the Levant Mine workings where more reserves for the mine were hoped for. Sadly the site here was again abandoned.
Further work here was planned for the 1980’s, because of the huge drop in the price of Tin due to the market collapse halted this project. The story here is not over yet, due to rising Tin prices I believe there has been renewed interest in the site.
The future, who knows, the area maybe mined once more.
These remaining images on the page were taken in 2014 on the hottest day for several years. After a long hot walk Tracy sat in the shade and I had a wander around. We had walked from St Agnes enjoying the cliffs, but the heat was overwhelming and Tracy was suffering.
The surface area beyond the mine was the location for the British and Colonial Explosives factory which opened during 1893. This was eventually purchased by the Nobel Explosive Company. The factory was in production until 1905 when a drop in metal prices closed many of the neighbouring mines.
Operations were revived here during the First World War, producing shells and hand grenades for the front. With the end of hostilities the factory closed for the last time. The site covered over 100 acres and employed over 1000 workers who were mainly women due to the strain on the male population being called to war.
There are several tunnels on the site. Many of which have been blocked up. These were probably used for transportation and protection.
The whole area around the mine and the Explosive Works are well worth a wander around, there are a lot of interesting remains. So, be prepared to spend a while exploring the site and enjoying the amazing views.