At 16:28 30/06/2011, Phil Newman wrote:
>Can anyone enlighten me on how dressing processes would have differed
>between lead and zinc at mines, where both metals are known to have been
>exploited? I'd be particularly interested to know if there are any specific
>forms of archaeological evidence that might survive, exclusively associated
>with zinc dressing at British mines. Any published examples, preferably in
>England, would be particularly welcome.
The principal method used to effectively separate the ores of zinc
from those of lead was the froth flotation process. The early
development of this process was in Wales (Glasdir and the Elmore
plant) but it was brought to good effect in Australia (Broken Hill)
in the early 20th century. There will have been plants in England but
I'm pushed to identify any with surviving features.
In relation to the Research Framework for the Archaeology of the
Extractive Industries it would be appropriate to cite the surviving
evidence for Elmore's trial plant at Glasdir and, perhaps, the early
plant at Sygun (also in Wales) although they were utilised primarily
to treat copper ores.
Peter
Dr Peter Claughton,
Blaenpant Morfil, nr. Rosebush, Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire, Wales SA66 7RE.
Tel. +44 (0)1437 532578; Fax. +44 (0)1437 532921; Mobile +44 (0)7831 427599
Hon. University Fellow - College of Humanities, University of Exeter
http://people.exeter.ac.uk/pfclaugh/about.htm
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Mining History Pages - http://www.people.exeter.ac.uk/pfclaugh/mhinf/
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