Cornish Mining: Home – This page contain a summary of the Main Mining areas of Cornwall. Some of the Mines are listed in alphabetical order, on other pages I have followed a walk covering the sites on the way. I apologise now if I have entered a mine into the wrong page, because this is a confusing job. Some sites almost next door to each other, appear to be classed in different Cornish Mining areas.
The grim reality of Cornish Mining. Due to the many dangers underground deaths were not uncommon. As a result the miners did not usually live to enjoy their old age.
The details on the following pages will be a brief note giving years of operation and metals produced, in many cases mines shut and re-opened during the years quoted. Where possible I will include other observations and details. I have tried to show at least two images of each site, some will be only one. Most noteworthy mines with significant remains will have two or more images followed by a link to a dedicated linked page.
Those who gave their lives for Cornish Mining. These were simple hard working men who forged an industry the likes of which this country, will never see again.
All these Cornish Mining pages in 2017 have had a make over. My printing in the darkroom has reached a point where I was unhappy with many of the images and I have reprinted them all. Consequently it has been a huge job to take on but very rewarding, it is likely to go on for several more years to come. Finally, follow the drop down menu above to get to the page you want, or alternatively just click on the images below.
In Godolphin Village there is a small graveyard. At 63 years old this miner was still working, there were no pensions or retirement plans in those days.Also in Godolphin, another miner killed at Wheal Vor in 1899 at the age of 62 years.At the Miners Chapel in St Just there are several interesting graves. Monday October 20th, 1919, the man engine of Levant Mine collapsed.The Levant Mine disaster claimed 31 lives with 19 miners injured. The mine never really recovered and finally closed in 1930.I found this in a hidden corner of the graveyard at Chacewater Parish Church. This unfortunate Cornish Miner died in South Caradon Mine, the other side of Cornwall.
The above images are some of the sad gravestones in cemeteries all over Cornwall. All brave men and women who have my respect.
The rest of the images on this page are an introduction to each Cornish Mining area covered on the website.
The St Just Mining District: An amazing part of the Cornish Mining area, with high imposing cliffs and many mining remains. This is an image of Wheal Edward Stamps engine house.
Click on the image above to access the St Just Mining page.
The Camborne Mining District: The beating heart of Cornish Mining. This area contained South Crofty Mine, the last working mine in Cornwall which closed in 1998.
Click on the image above to access the Camborne Mining District.
The Redruth Mining District: In this area are some of the greatest remains of the Cornish Mining Industry. These are Wheal Basset Stamps.
Click on the image above to access the Redruth Mining District.
The Gwennap Mining District: Once described as the richest square mile in the world. Consequently this area is full of amazing relics of Cornish Mining, these are the remains of Great Wheal Busy.
Click on the image above to access the Gwennap Mining District.
The St Agnes Mining District: Certainly my personal favorite, I love walking the cliffs for Porthtowan to Perranporth, it always takes my breathe away. This is Gooninnis Mine which overlooks the village of St Agnes a village built around Cornish Mining.
Click on the image above to access the St Agnes Mining District.
The Wendron Mining District: This has it all: Cornish Mining remains, fantastic coastlines and unspoilt countryside. Futhermore the Poldark Mining Museum which is well worth a visit. This is an amazing site to see; Wheal Trewavas.
Click on the image above to access the Wendron Mining District.
The St Ives Mining District: An area full of natural beauty and many remains of Cornish Mining. This is the pumping engine house of Giew Mine.
Click on the image above to access the St Ives Mining District.
The Caradon Mining District: One of the great “Boom and Bust” stories of Cornish Mining, this is South Caradon Mine.
Click on the image above to access the Caradon Mining District.
The St Austell Mining District: The Mines and China Clay pits of St Austell. The year 2016 was a great one for exploring the huge Clay Area. There are many Cornish Mining remains in the area and I am currently trying to visit as many as possible. This is Melbur China Clay pit.
Click on the image above to access the Clay Area Pages.
The West Devon Mining District: Finally, these are the extensive remains at the Wheal Anna Maria section of Devon Great Consols Mine. I will probably spend some more time in this area soon as I have only visited a few sites.
Click on the image above to access the West Devon Mining District.
A proportion of the sites visited are freely accessible. Whilst some are on private land, all the images have been taken with the land owners permission.
