Martin
The Cerro Muriano Mines Ltd was registered in 1903 (PRO, Kew BT31/ 10289 /
77283)
Reports for the company appear at regular intervals in the Mining Journal,
particularly 1904 (July – Dec. page 257) and 1905 (March 4th pages 224 and
225 with a detailed description of the pumps – Hawthorn Davey horizontal
engine) / July 1st page 28 / July 29th p116.
A sister company was formed to work adjacent mines in 1906, North Cerro
Muriano Copper Mines Ltd (PRO, Kew BT31/ 11434 / 87892). H.F. Collins (A
Cornishman (?) and I believe previously connected with the Rio Tinto Mines)
was the manager of both mines. Mining Journal 1906 (Jan – June p 807) and
(July – Dec p 142). About 1907 it was suggested that a New Cerro Muriano
company should be formed and this was taken up in 1908 with the formation of
the Cordoba Copper Company Ltd (PRO, Kew BT31 / 18512 / 99101).
Twenty years ago when I first visited the site (located opposite a major
army camp) on the west side of the Cordoba – Espiel road (N432)) the remains
of an engine house, suitable for a Hawthorn Davey engine was clearly visible
adjacent to the road. (It is possible that plans of the engine exist in the
archives in Leeds). I visited the site again two years ago, the route of the
road had been modified considerably and the army camp had been extended over
to the west side of the road. Not wishing to share the same fate as plane
spotters in Greece I did not linger long!
Rob Vernon
|