Mike,
Some of the factors you see as contributing to change in the 19th century
had, in the mining of argentiferous lead ores, been present in the late
medieval period and were not unconnected with mechanisation -
>Organisational changes which allowed for the consolidation of smaller mines
into better capitalised ventures, covering bigger areas.
>
>Greater centralisation of these larger mines - made possible by horse
levels, whim shafts, railways etc. (maybe not railways - but good use of
water transport.)
>
>A more systematic approach to prospecting for, developing and working new
veins.
As to -
>A general reduction in the 'real' price of lead (not sure about copper, tin
etc) over time. Hence an increasing need to maximise the percentage of ore
recovered.
That was not relevant to the working of argentiferous ores in the medieval
period - the low value of the lead in relation to the silver made the former
of relatively little economic importance.
However, it was a significant consideration in the late 19th century. There
were many mines, with good reserves, where increased mechanisation was the
answer to falling prices. Increased efficiency and output countered falling
prices - Llanfyrnach in Pembrokeshire is a good example. Other mines, e.g.
Frongoch, or Devon Great Consols, turned to alternative products, zinc and
arsenic respectively, as their saviour.
Peter
______________________________________________
Dr Peter Claughton,
Blaenpant Morfil, nr. Rosebush, Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire, Wales SA66 7RE.
Tel. 01437 532578; Fax. 01437 532921; Mobile 07831 427599
University of Exeter - School of Historical, Political and Sociological Studies
(Centre for South Western Historical Studies)
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Co-owner - mining-history e-mail discussion list.
See http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/files/mining-history/ for details.
Mining History Pages - http://www.exeter.ac.uk/~pfclaugh/mhinf/
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