Dalrhiw Mine

Dalrhiw Mine is located in the Claerwen Valley in the Elan Valley near Rhayader. Work started in 1850 after a rich specimen of copper ore was discovered. The mine was operated by a cost-book company of 3,000 shares. A drainage adit was driven from the riverside and by 1851 had reached a length of 45 fathoms. During the same year an engine shaft was sunk from surface level down to the adit. By 1853 the shaft had reached the 27-fathom level where a lead lode was discovered. A report written in the *Mining Journal of July 1854* by Captain James Skimming criticised the lack of development at the mine and urged shareholders to properly exploit the copper lode seen in the roof of the adit. The shaft was eventually deepened to the 37-fathom level and a few tons of ore were raised. Mining resumed again between 1862 and 1867 producing a small output of lead and copper ore. Source: Metal Mines of Southern Wales – G W Hall

Map Ref SN886 607