> I am very aware that the one for working mines is out of date - I would be
> grateful if members could review what is there and let me know any that
> have now closed. If any are not actually on there (you never know!) I
> would again be grateful for details.
>
> Any update on headgears and engine houses also appreciated.
Working Mines -
Aberllefenni Slate Mine - Closed Christmas 2003. Mill still working but (I
understand) mine entrance was blocked after closure.
Llechwedd Slate Mine - Not worked underground for many years. Top of mine
was being still being excavated ("untopping") in July 2005
Maenofferen Slate Mine - Not worked underground since mid 1990s. Mill closed
at the same time. Some working on the surface in an open quarry near by,
July 2005 (material taken to Llechwedd Mill). I had heard that the pumps
here were kept running until at least 2001, but have now been stopped.
Visitors underground are NOT welcomed by the owners!
Headgear -
Hollin Busk Colliery (Yorkshire) - Headgear still there 3 weeks ago.
Friends tell me that the headgear/jib in Cwmorthin Slate Mine was still
there a year or two back.
I seem to remember seeing a form of headgear at Killoch Colliery/Ochiltree
(Ayrshire), in March 2005.
Engine Houses/Winders -
Llechwedd Slate Mine - Electric winder. Building still there and intact in
July 2005, safe to assume winder is still inside (unlikely that the winder
would be removed without damaging the building).
Maenofferen Slate Mine - Surface electric winder (Back Vein Incline)
building still intact July 2005. Underground electric winders (B6 incline -
access to pumps and B31 incline - uphaulage from main working area) unlikely
to have been removed.
Is your list intended to include all abandoned engine houses?
Regards
Andrew Hurrell
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