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Historic Mines of Spain vol.2
In April 2008, the Shropshire Caving and Mining Club visited the Sierra Minera region of Murcia in Spain to see some of the vast range of ancient and modern mines which survive so well in the area.
At scores of sites, flat-rope winders stand beside steel or wooden headframes over extremely deep open shafts! At one site there is even an intact donkey gin.
Highlights include Las Matildes mining museum, huge colourful abandoned opencasts and underground in the new Agrupa Vicenta show mine. Following the "33 Road" mine track over the mountains takes us through Roman and later mining remains including manganese kilns overlooking Portman Bay, completely full of mine tailings.
Ornate steel headframes, 450m deep shafts and a flotation mill with 40 wooden cells crowd the "Riven Hill" of Cabezo Rajado. El Lirio mine has timbered levels and underground stables and many mines are dotted over the ochery hills of Mazarrón to the west.
Also available in 1080i High Definition on Blu-ray™ for £18.
(Running time 1 hour 42 minutes)
In April 2008, the Shropshire Caving and Mining Club visited the Sierra Minera region of Murcia in Spain to see some of the vast range of ancient and modern mines which survive so well in the area.At scores of sites, flat-rope winders stand beside steel or wooden headframes over extremely deep open shafts! At one site there is even an intact donkey gin.
Highlights include Las Matildes mining museum, huge colourful abandoned opencasts and underground in the new Agrupa Vicenta show mine. Following the "33 Road" mine track over the mountains takes us through Roman and later mining remains including manganese kilns overlooking Portman Bay, completely full of mine tailings.
Ornate steel headframes, 450m deep shafts and a flotation mill with 40 wooden cells crowd the "Riven Hill" of Cabezo Rajado. El Lirio mine has timbered levels and underground stables and many mines are dotted over the ochery hills of Mazarrón to the west.
Also available in 1080i High Definition on Blu-ray™ for £18.
(Running time 1 hour 42 minutes)
£14.40
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'Mongst Mines and Mine Explorers
This massive DVD collection follows the members of the Shropshire Caving and Mining Club (SCMC) as they explore the incomparable mining remains still to be found in Cornwall, both above and below ground.
Mainly recorded in 1993, it also features footage shot in 1983 and 1987 of sites that have since changed considerably, and material shot during the 'InterNAMHO 2000' mining history conference.
22 separate fully-edited documentary programmes with commentaries, presented in a special 3-DVD library case.
Includes South Crofty at work 730 metres below adit level in 1993, exploring Cligga Head wolfram mine with the 'Borg' helmet-mounted camera, Rosevale restored tin mine, Taylor's & Michell's shaft engine houses, Tolgus Tin streaming works, a tour of Geevor dressing mill while it was still working in 1987, Wheal Jane's 'mothballed' processing mill, various china clay works, Kennal Vale gunpowder works, detailed exploration of the photographs in J.C.Burrow's 1893 "'Mongst Mines and Miners" and much, much more!
(Total running time of 3 DVD set: 4 hours 34 minutes)
This massive DVD collection follows the members of the Shropshire Caving and Mining Club (SCMC) as they explore the incomparable mining remains still to be found in Cornwall, both above and below ground. Mainly recorded in 1993, it also features footage shot in 1983 and 1987 of sites that have since changed considerably, and material shot during the 'InterNAMHO 2000' mining history conference.
22 separate fully-edited documentary programmes with commentaries, presented in a special 3-DVD library case.
Includes South Crofty at work 730 metres below adit level in 1993, exploring Cligga Head wolfram mine with the 'Borg' helmet-mounted camera, Rosevale restored tin mine, Taylor's & Michell's shaft engine houses, Tolgus Tin streaming works, a tour of Geevor dressing mill while it was still working in 1987, Wheal Jane's 'mothballed' processing mill, various china clay works, Kennal Vale gunpowder works, detailed exploration of the photographs in J.C.Burrow's 1893 "'Mongst Mines and Miners" and much, much more!
(Total running time of 3 DVD set: 4 hours 34 minutes)
£17.00
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'Mongst More Mines, Compilation 52
In June 2007, the National Association of Mining History Organisations (NAMHO) held their annual conference at Morwellham Quay by the river Tamar. The organisers arranged special visits to many mines in Devon and Cornwall and this Compilation features some of them. A group from the Shropshire Caving and Mining Club (SCMC) spent the following week exploring more Cornish mines and many visits are featured here.
Including: Morwellham Quay, Kelly mine, Great Rock shiny ore mine, Wheal Peevor, the Basset sett, King Edward dressing mill, Wheal Grenville stamps, South Crofy, Geevor Tin Mine (Victory Shaft), the Camborne School of Mines (CSM) test mine, Wheal Trewavas, mines around Caradon Hill and more ....
In many ways, this Compilation complements our popular 3-DVD Production "’Mongst Mines and Mine Explorers".
(Running Time: 2 hours 6 minutes)
In June 2007, the National Association of Mining History Organisations (NAMHO) held their annual conference at Morwellham Quay by the river Tamar. The organisers arranged special visits to many mines in Devon and Cornwall and this Compilation features some of them. A group from the Shropshire Caving and Mining Club (SCMC) spent the following week exploring more Cornish mines and many visits are featured here.Including: Morwellham Quay, Kelly mine, Great Rock shiny ore mine, Wheal Peevor, the Basset sett, King Edward dressing mill, Wheal Grenville stamps, South Crofy, Geevor Tin Mine (Victory Shaft), the Camborne School of Mines (CSM) test mine, Wheal Trewavas, mines around Caradon Hill and more ....
In many ways, this Compilation complements our popular 3-DVD Production "’Mongst Mines and Mine Explorers".
(Running Time: 2 hours 6 minutes)
£14.40
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Mining in the Landscape
The area around the river Dee and Offa's Dike isn't one of the best known mining areas, but it had a rich and varied industrial history and there is a lot of evidence left to find.
We see the one remaining slate quarry at work, cutting great slate blocks from the mountainside and slicing them into useful sizes.
The abandoned Deeside slab mill and quarry and the big mines at Glyn Ceiriog, Penarth and Moel Fferna are explored in depth. The complex networks of huge chambers have many underground remains including railway inclines and a precarious bridge crossing a deep void. On the surface are abandoned trucks for moving slate and waste rock, pressure vessels, haulage inclines with sheave wheels and brake levers, a weighbridge and many buildings.
East of Llangollen we visit Pontcysyllte aqueduct and several coal mines including the preserved Bersham Colliery with its 670kVA electric winder and steel lattice headframe.
The stone vertical winding engine house of Wynnstay colliery and the buildings of Plas Power, Pen Rhos and Bersham ironworks lead us via the limestone industry of Esclusham mountain to Minera lead mine.
(Total running time 53 minutes)
The area around the river Dee and Offa's Dike isn't one of the best known mining areas, but it had a rich and varied industrial history and there is a lot of evidence left to find. We see the one remaining slate quarry at work, cutting great slate blocks from the mountainside and slicing them into useful sizes.
The abandoned Deeside slab mill and quarry and the big mines at Glyn Ceiriog, Penarth and Moel Fferna are explored in depth. The complex networks of huge chambers have many underground remains including railway inclines and a precarious bridge crossing a deep void. On the surface are abandoned trucks for moving slate and waste rock, pressure vessels, haulage inclines with sheave wheels and brake levers, a weighbridge and many buildings.
East of Llangollen we visit Pontcysyllte aqueduct and several coal mines including the preserved Bersham Colliery with its 670kVA electric winder and steel lattice headframe.
The stone vertical winding engine house of Wynnstay colliery and the buildings of Plas Power, Pen Rhos and Bersham ironworks lead us via the limestone industry of Esclusham mountain to Minera lead mine.
(Total running time 53 minutes)
£13.45
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Snailbeach
This famous lead mine in Shropshire, once renowned as the "richest per acre of ground in Europe", has had a long and varied history. It is thought that the Romans once mined the site, although its most productive period was the hundred years between the 1780's and the 1880's.
Workings on the 1,000 metre long Snailbeach vein for lead, zinc and baryte, have left numerous shafts, buildings and waste tips, all of which have gradually decayed since mining finally ceased in the 1950's.
This production traces the rise and fall of Snailbeach through the use of historic photographs, animated plans and sections, and unique video footage recorded deep underground.
Produced in association with the Shropshire Caving & Mining Club in 1991.
(Running time: 20 minutes)
This famous lead mine in Shropshire, once renowned as the "richest per acre of ground in Europe", has had a long and varied history. It is thought that the Romans once mined the site, although its most productive period was the hundred years between the 1780's and the 1880's. Workings on the 1,000 metre long Snailbeach vein for lead, zinc and baryte, have left numerous shafts, buildings and waste tips, all of which have gradually decayed since mining finally ceased in the 1950's.
This production traces the rise and fall of Snailbeach through the use of historic photographs, animated plans and sections, and unique video footage recorded deep underground.
Produced in association with the Shropshire Caving & Mining Club in 1991.
(Running time: 20 minutes)
£13.45
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Visiting Snailbeach
Specially made for showing in the Snailbeach visitor centre, this is a dramatic introduction to the famous lead mine in Shropshire, once renowned as the “Richest per acre of ground in Europe” which has had such a long and varied history.
Workings on the Snailbeach vein for lead, zinc and barite have left many shafts, buildings and waste tips all of which have been gradually decaying since mining ceased in the 1950’s.
In recent years people who appreciate Shropshire’s most productive lead mine have started to preserve and restore the remains.
The undergrowth has been cleared, holes filled and stabilised, foundations excavated, walls repaired and made safe, new paths have been laid, roofs replaced on many buildings and a new use found for some of them.
Now the site is something to be proud of. Not a derelict industrial wasteland, but a fascinating testimony to the work of countless miners over the past two thousand years of Shropshire history.
This production was only intended to be seen by visitors to Snailbeach visitor centre. Many people asked to buy a copy though, so by popular demand, we are making it more widely available!
(Running time: 11 minutes)
Specially made for showing in the Snailbeach visitor centre, this is a dramatic introduction to the famous lead mine in Shropshire, once renowned as the “Richest per acre of ground in Europe” which has had such a long and varied history. Workings on the Snailbeach vein for lead, zinc and barite have left many shafts, buildings and waste tips all of which have been gradually decaying since mining ceased in the 1950’s.
In recent years people who appreciate Shropshire’s most productive lead mine have started to preserve and restore the remains.
The undergrowth has been cleared, holes filled and stabilised, foundations excavated, walls repaired and made safe, new paths have been laid, roofs replaced on many buildings and a new use found for some of them.
Now the site is something to be proud of. Not a derelict industrial wasteland, but a fascinating testimony to the work of countless miners over the past two thousand years of Shropshire history.
This production was only intended to be seen by visitors to Snailbeach visitor centre. Many people asked to buy a copy though, so by popular demand, we are making it more widely available!
(Running time: 11 minutes)
£10.00
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A Tour of Carrs Mine
Carrs mine is part of the phenomenal Nenthead lead-zinc mining complex high on Alston Moor in the Cumbrian North Pennines. Carrs was first recorded in 1679 and by 1750 it was one of the largest mines in the area.
From about 1800 it was taken over by the London Lead Company who already ran most of the Nenthead mines. They brought in modern techniques such as horse haulage on tram rails. In the early 20th Century it was mined for zinc by the Belgian Vieille Montagne company who introduced compressed-air rock drills.
This is a record of a tour of the show mine guided by Peter Wilkinson, showing the superb dry-stone arching of the horse levels, the vein mineralisation, some of the mining methods, tunnels and workings large and small, timbered rises, iron rails and the shapes and beautiful colours of mineral deposits - 'the mysterious underworld of the leadminer'.
There is also an introduction to the other things to see and do at Nenthead, including the unique collection of Georgian and Victorian buildings and 'The Power of Water' - an exciting hands-on exhibit demonstrating the importance of water power for lead mining.
After the tour we go beyond the show mine, to explore areas of Carrs that people don't normally get to see, including a gleaming calcite-lined 'grotto' and unprotected sumps with water pouring down to even deeper mines. We also have a quick look into some of the other mines of Nenthead, particularly Smallcleugh with its stone arching, ore chutes and air doors.
(Running time: 31 minutes)
Carrs mine is part of the phenomenal Nenthead lead-zinc mining complex high on Alston Moor in the Cumbrian North Pennines. Carrs was first recorded in 1679 and by 1750 it was one of the largest mines in the area. From about 1800 it was taken over by the London Lead Company who already ran most of the Nenthead mines. They brought in modern techniques such as horse haulage on tram rails. In the early 20th Century it was mined for zinc by the Belgian Vieille Montagne company who introduced compressed-air rock drills.
This is a record of a tour of the show mine guided by Peter Wilkinson, showing the superb dry-stone arching of the horse levels, the vein mineralisation, some of the mining methods, tunnels and workings large and small, timbered rises, iron rails and the shapes and beautiful colours of mineral deposits - 'the mysterious underworld of the leadminer'.
There is also an introduction to the other things to see and do at Nenthead, including the unique collection of Georgian and Victorian buildings and 'The Power of Water' - an exciting hands-on exhibit demonstrating the importance of water power for lead mining.
After the tour we go beyond the show mine, to explore areas of Carrs that people don't normally get to see, including a gleaming calcite-lined 'grotto' and unprotected sumps with water pouring down to even deeper mines. We also have a quick look into some of the other mines of Nenthead, particularly Smallcleugh with its stone arching, ore chutes and air doors.
(Running time: 31 minutes)
£13.45
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Draglines I, Compilation 48
On a foggy Sunday morning in January 1999, the Bucyrus Erie BE 1150B walking dragline 'Oddball' walked 49 metres to its final resting place to become probably the only such machine preserved anywhere in the world. The structure was brought to life by Beeby Plant Repairs, after it had lain idle for over 10 years. The first part of this compilation is a detailed record of the move, including views deep inside the machinery.
The rest of the compilation covers a tour of two opencast coal mines in Northumberland, showing enormous walking draglines in use, digging and walking; with views inside the driver's cabs, the machinery rooms and high up on the boom. Other examples of the massive plant needed for modern mining, such as RH200 face shovels and CAT 789 dump trucks are also seen at work.
Stobswood site near Morpeth is the biggest single opencast operation in England, producing 20,500 tonnes of coal per week. Appropriately, it uses the largest dragline in Western Europe, the 4000 tonne, 11.7 MegaWatt Harnischfeger P&H 757, the famous "Ace of Spades".
At the nearby Maidens Hall opencast site, 'Chevington Collier', a Bucyrus-Erie BE 1260W walking dragline weighing 3,500 tonnes excavates 43 tonnes at a time with its 32 cubic metre bucket suspended from a 54m high boom.
(Running time: 71 minutes)
On a foggy Sunday morning in January 1999, the Bucyrus Erie BE 1150B walking dragline 'Oddball' walked 49 metres to its final resting place to become probably the only such machine preserved anywhere in the world. The structure was brought to life by Beeby Plant Repairs, after it had lain idle for over 10 years. The first part of this compilation is a detailed record of the move, including views deep inside the machinery. The rest of the compilation covers a tour of two opencast coal mines in Northumberland, showing enormous walking draglines in use, digging and walking; with views inside the driver's cabs, the machinery rooms and high up on the boom. Other examples of the massive plant needed for modern mining, such as RH200 face shovels and CAT 789 dump trucks are also seen at work.
Stobswood site near Morpeth is the biggest single opencast operation in England, producing 20,500 tonnes of coal per week. Appropriately, it uses the largest dragline in Western Europe, the 4000 tonne, 11.7 MegaWatt Harnischfeger P&H 757, the famous "Ace of Spades".
At the nearby Maidens Hall opencast site, 'Chevington Collier', a Bucyrus-Erie BE 1260W walking dragline weighing 3,500 tonnes excavates 43 tonnes at a time with its 32 cubic metre bucket suspended from a 54m high boom.
(Running time: 71 minutes)
£14.40
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Drakelow
Deep in the sandstone hill at Drakelow near Kidderminster, 5km of tunnels were dug in 1942 to house a hidden factory.
The Rover company was building parts for radial aero engines and its plants in Birmingham and Coventry were very vulnerable to air raids. Over 26,000 square metres of underground floor space housed machine tools, heat treatment gear, laboratories, store rooms, offices, a canteen, a dining room and games rooms.
In the 1960s the threat was different - the cold war. Drakelow was refurbished as a Regional Seat of Government - a nuclear bunker designed to help control the population of the Midlands in the aftermath of holocaust.
It had its own independent water supply, generator, air conditioning and air filters. There were male and female dormitories, a sick bay with operating theatre, offices and BBC radio studios. This role lasted in various forms until 1993, when the site was removed from the secret list and sold off.
This recording shows an exploration of the whole complex, starting in the Rover factory area with remains such as the original blast doors, time office, an electric truck, the battery room, a laboratory and the massive ventilation fan.
The 1960s period is represented by a canteen, dormitories, offices and a BBC studio.
The 1980s-90s relics include shower rooms, the generator hall and the fallout decontamination facility, together with another BBC studio and a kitchen with its stainless steel equipment virtually unused.
(Running time: 28 minutes)
Deep in the sandstone hill at Drakelow near Kidderminster, 5km of tunnels were dug in 1942 to house a hidden factory.The Rover company was building parts for radial aero engines and its plants in Birmingham and Coventry were very vulnerable to air raids. Over 26,000 square metres of underground floor space housed machine tools, heat treatment gear, laboratories, store rooms, offices, a canteen, a dining room and games rooms.
In the 1960s the threat was different - the cold war. Drakelow was refurbished as a Regional Seat of Government - a nuclear bunker designed to help control the population of the Midlands in the aftermath of holocaust.
It had its own independent water supply, generator, air conditioning and air filters. There were male and female dormitories, a sick bay with operating theatre, offices and BBC radio studios. This role lasted in various forms until 1993, when the site was removed from the secret list and sold off.
This recording shows an exploration of the whole complex, starting in the Rover factory area with remains such as the original blast doors, time office, an electric truck, the battery room, a laboratory and the massive ventilation fan.
The 1960s period is represented by a canteen, dormitories, offices and a BBC studio.
The 1980s-90s relics include shower rooms, the generator hall and the fallout decontamination facility, together with another BBC studio and a kitchen with its stainless steel equipment virtually unused.
(Running time: 28 minutes)
£13.45
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Historic Mines of Spain - Vol.1, Compilation 50
In April 2004 the Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland organised a return visit to the famous lead mining area around Linares in Spain. This part of Andalucía is unique for the seemingly endless vistas of Cornish engine houses and chimneys, often in lines following the veins, set amongst olive groves and subtropical sabana pastures dotted with grazing bulls.
There are remains from Bronze age and Roman mining and between about 1880 and 1970 the area was the largest producer of lead in Europe, with around 1300 individual mines. Some of the most successful ventures in the 19th Century were run by Cornish companies such as John Taylor & Co. and Thomas Sopwith jnr. Not only Cornish miners and their families made the journey to Spain, but also much of their machinery, which explains the many Cornish beam engine houses to be seen - one of the largest collections outside Cornwall.
The last mine closed in 1992, but the town of Linares is now thriving again and proud of its mining heritage. The energetic Arrayanes Colectivo has already done much to promote this pride and is busy setting up a museum in Linares.
As well as many sites with Cornish remains, we visit several recently closed modern mines and no less than two lead smelters, each with a tower for producing gun shot by allowing droplets of molten lead to cool as they fell through the air. In Linares we see mining monuments and the ‘Cornish graveyard’, a cemetery full of Cornish names, such as ‘Bosistow’, ‘Kitto’ and ‘Tonkin’.
Featuring: Los Guindos, Los Curas, El Manto, Cerro del Plomo, Pozo Nuevo, Pozo Mirador, La Tortilla, San Andrés, San Ignacio, Antoñita Pozo San Cayetano, Mina la Gitana Pozo Rivero, La Esmeralda, El Cobre, San Fransisco Pozo Ancho, La Tortilla smelter, La Palmena, Minas de las Morras de Cuzna, La Cruz Pozo Union, La Cruz smelter, Pozo San Antonio de las Cadenas and San Vincente plus Peñalosa and El Poligono Bronze age sites near Baños de la Encina.
(Total running time: 93 minutes)
In April 2004 the Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland organised a return visit to the famous lead mining area around Linares in Spain. This part of Andalucía is unique for the seemingly endless vistas of Cornish engine houses and chimneys, often in lines following the veins, set amongst olive groves and subtropical sabana pastures dotted with grazing bulls. There are remains from Bronze age and Roman mining and between about 1880 and 1970 the area was the largest producer of lead in Europe, with around 1300 individual mines. Some of the most successful ventures in the 19th Century were run by Cornish companies such as John Taylor & Co. and Thomas Sopwith jnr. Not only Cornish miners and their families made the journey to Spain, but also much of their machinery, which explains the many Cornish beam engine houses to be seen - one of the largest collections outside Cornwall.
The last mine closed in 1992, but the town of Linares is now thriving again and proud of its mining heritage. The energetic Arrayanes Colectivo has already done much to promote this pride and is busy setting up a museum in Linares.
As well as many sites with Cornish remains, we visit several recently closed modern mines and no less than two lead smelters, each with a tower for producing gun shot by allowing droplets of molten lead to cool as they fell through the air. In Linares we see mining monuments and the ‘Cornish graveyard’, a cemetery full of Cornish names, such as ‘Bosistow’, ‘Kitto’ and ‘Tonkin’.
Featuring: Los Guindos, Los Curas, El Manto, Cerro del Plomo, Pozo Nuevo, Pozo Mirador, La Tortilla, San Andrés, San Ignacio, Antoñita Pozo San Cayetano, Mina la Gitana Pozo Rivero, La Esmeralda, El Cobre, San Fransisco Pozo Ancho, La Tortilla smelter, La Palmena, Minas de las Morras de Cuzna, La Cruz Pozo Union, La Cruz smelter, Pozo San Antonio de las Cadenas and San Vincente plus Peñalosa and El Poligono Bronze age sites near Baños de la Encina.
(Total running time: 93 minutes)
£14.40
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Historic Mines of the Harz, Compilation 51
In September 2003 the Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland visited the unique mining area of the Harz in Germany. Iron, silver, copper, lead and zinc were intensively mined, milled and smelted in the Harz mountains from the 10th century, helped by the abundance of water and wood.
Exploring the historic mining remains is like stepping into the pages of Georgius Agricola’s “De Re Metallica”. First we visit the Oberharzer Bergwerksmuseum in Clausthal-Zellerfeld, with many models and artefacts collected from the area. In the reconstructed 1787 mineshaft building of August Caroliner Schacht, Andreas Ravens demonstrates some of the techniques including a ‘rescue kibble’. Nearby is a superb animated man engine glockenspiel.
At the preserved Schachtanlage Kaiser-Wilhelm II we are supplied with suitable clothing to explore the ancient tunnels of the Oberharzer Wasserregal, built to supply power to hundreds of mine waterwheels and now providing drinking water and hydroelectric power.
The HQ of Harz mining from 1731 was the Clausthal Amtshaus, where we are shown the ornate boardrooms and historic artefacts including a visitors book signed by James Watt!
At Sankt Andreasburg, we visit Grube Samson of 1521 which has huge underground waterwheels on display including a reversing wheel for winding; and a man engine which is still used by engineers to inspect a hydroelectric generator 190m below!
90km South-East in the former DDR “East Germany” is Röhrigschacht mine where we descend 283m in the cage then catch the miners train for an 800m trip to the working face, a seam of copper-shale only 40cm high!
Der Rammelsberg UNESCO World Heritage Site has been mined continuously for over 1000 years. We are shown underground waterwheels used for winding and pumping and taken a long way beyond the tourist route to see astonishingly beautiful 12th century coffin levels stained all imaginable colours by the rich mineralisation.
Thomas Moritz shows us around the nearby town of Goslar which was built on the wealth of Rammelsberg and the many elegant medieval buildings show this very clearly. Glück Auf!
(Total running time: 1 hour 55 minutes)
In September 2003 the Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland visited the unique mining area of the Harz in Germany. Iron, silver, copper, lead and zinc were intensively mined, milled and smelted in the Harz mountains from the 10th century, helped by the abundance of water and wood. Exploring the historic mining remains is like stepping into the pages of Georgius Agricola’s “De Re Metallica”. First we visit the Oberharzer Bergwerksmuseum in Clausthal-Zellerfeld, with many models and artefacts collected from the area. In the reconstructed 1787 mineshaft building of August Caroliner Schacht, Andreas Ravens demonstrates some of the techniques including a ‘rescue kibble’. Nearby is a superb animated man engine glockenspiel.
At the preserved Schachtanlage Kaiser-Wilhelm II we are supplied with suitable clothing to explore the ancient tunnels of the Oberharzer Wasserregal, built to supply power to hundreds of mine waterwheels and now providing drinking water and hydroelectric power.
The HQ of Harz mining from 1731 was the Clausthal Amtshaus, where we are shown the ornate boardrooms and historic artefacts including a visitors book signed by James Watt!
At Sankt Andreasburg, we visit Grube Samson of 1521 which has huge underground waterwheels on display including a reversing wheel for winding; and a man engine which is still used by engineers to inspect a hydroelectric generator 190m below!
90km South-East in the former DDR “East Germany” is Röhrigschacht mine where we descend 283m in the cage then catch the miners train for an 800m trip to the working face, a seam of copper-shale only 40cm high!
Der Rammelsberg UNESCO World Heritage Site has been mined continuously for over 1000 years. We are shown underground waterwheels used for winding and pumping and taken a long way beyond the tourist route to see astonishingly beautiful 12th century coffin levels stained all imaginable colours by the rich mineralisation.
Thomas Moritz shows us around the nearby town of Goslar which was built on the wealth of Rammelsberg and the many elegant medieval buildings show this very clearly. Glück Auf!
(Total running time: 1 hour 55 minutes)
£14.40
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Land of Poets, Scholars and Mines
Mining is not the first subject that springs to mind when thinking of Ireland. Yet it is indeed a 'mining gem of a country', managing to combine its well-known magnificent scenery with many unique remains and no fewer than three working zinc mines!
This production is a brief tour of some of the best sites, both surface and underground.
First we visit the beautiful mountains and glens of County Wicklow, starting at Avoca copper & pyrite mines with their superb Cornish engine houses, open stopes and large 20th century underground workings. The vales of Glendalough, Glendasan and Glenmalur each have fascinating remains of lead mining such as roller crushers, ore bins, inclines, levels, waterwheel pits, jigs, trommels and buddles.
At Tara in County Meath is the largest zinc mine in Europe. We go underground to see the mining operations, including a huge radio-controlled 'scoop tram' loader, working in a blasthole open stope whilst the miner drives it from the safety of the drift. On the surface we visit the processing plant crushers, ball & rod mills, flotation cells and filters.
Deerpark mine at Castlecomer in Kilkenny was the main mine of the Leinster coalfield.
The Silvermine mountains in County Tipperary were mined for silver, lead, zinc and barite from the 13th century until the 1990's. There are many remains from the 19th and 20th centuries including kilometres of core samples, Cornish engine houses, kiln remains and opencast and underground mining at Shallee.
Allihies in County Cork can't be beaten for Cornish engine houses set in rugged mountain scenery and the Mountain Mine man engine remains are now recognised as a unique monument. Copper mineralisation can still be seen in the stopes above and below ground and there is one of the largest powder magazines ever built.
The mines of Bunmahon and Tankardstown have given the Copper Coast of County Waterford its name. There are levels and shafts in the cliffs and a large engine house that has been seen in two feature films. Finally we visit Ballycorus in County Dublin with its smelt mill building, 1500m flue and very unusual chimney with helical staircase.
(Total running time: 47 minutes)
Mining is not the first subject that springs to mind when thinking of Ireland. Yet it is indeed a 'mining gem of a country', managing to combine its well-known magnificent scenery with many unique remains and no fewer than three working zinc mines!This production is a brief tour of some of the best sites, both surface and underground.
First we visit the beautiful mountains and glens of County Wicklow, starting at Avoca copper & pyrite mines with their superb Cornish engine houses, open stopes and large 20th century underground workings. The vales of Glendalough, Glendasan and Glenmalur each have fascinating remains of lead mining such as roller crushers, ore bins, inclines, levels, waterwheel pits, jigs, trommels and buddles.
At Tara in County Meath is the largest zinc mine in Europe. We go underground to see the mining operations, including a huge radio-controlled 'scoop tram' loader, working in a blasthole open stope whilst the miner drives it from the safety of the drift. On the surface we visit the processing plant crushers, ball & rod mills, flotation cells and filters.
Deerpark mine at Castlecomer in Kilkenny was the main mine of the Leinster coalfield.
The Silvermine mountains in County Tipperary were mined for silver, lead, zinc and barite from the 13th century until the 1990's. There are many remains from the 19th and 20th centuries including kilometres of core samples, Cornish engine houses, kiln remains and opencast and underground mining at Shallee.
Allihies in County Cork can't be beaten for Cornish engine houses set in rugged mountain scenery and the Mountain Mine man engine remains are now recognised as a unique monument. Copper mineralisation can still be seen in the stopes above and below ground and there is one of the largest powder magazines ever built.
The mines of Bunmahon and Tankardstown have given the Copper Coast of County Waterford its name. There are levels and shafts in the cliffs and a large engine house that has been seen in two feature films. Finally we visit Ballycorus in County Dublin with its smelt mill building, 1500m flue and very unusual chimney with helical staircase.
(Total running time: 47 minutes)
£13.45
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Morse's Level, Compilation 28
The Royal Forest of Dean is famous for its Free Mines, but sadly, like much of the British mining industry, Dean mines are almost extinct.Over 500 years ago a royal charter granted the right for Freeminers to mine within the boundaries of the forest 'without let or hindrance'.
Recorded in 1992, this 'enhanced' compilation, with the aid of commentary and graphics, takes you on a unique underground tour of one of the surviving Dean Free Mines.
Although today it is worked on a part-time basis, the old skills and techniques still survive.
Air picks are used to win the coal which is then shovelled and pushed down the slope to tubs running on rails in the main gate. Wooden props are set near the face to support the roof, which is only 75cm from the floor! The mine regularly floods, washing ochre-rich water into fissures in the coal, staining it brown.
This compilation shows work at the coal face including setting a prop and the haulage system in use. It also features rare footage of the remains of an underground ventilation furnace, in a remote abandoned section of Morse's Level.
(Running time: 20 minutes)
The Royal Forest of Dean is famous for its Free Mines, but sadly, like much of the British mining industry, Dean mines are almost extinct.Over 500 years ago a royal charter granted the right for Freeminers to mine within the boundaries of the forest 'without let or hindrance'. Recorded in 1992, this 'enhanced' compilation, with the aid of commentary and graphics, takes you on a unique underground tour of one of the surviving Dean Free Mines.
Although today it is worked on a part-time basis, the old skills and techniques still survive.
Air picks are used to win the coal which is then shovelled and pushed down the slope to tubs running on rails in the main gate. Wooden props are set near the face to support the roof, which is only 75cm from the floor! The mine regularly floods, washing ochre-rich water into fissures in the coal, staining it brown.
This compilation shows work at the coal face including setting a prop and the haulage system in use. It also features rare footage of the remains of an underground ventilation furnace, in a remote abandoned section of Morse's Level.
(Running time: 20 minutes)
£10.00
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Donisthorpe Colliery, Compilation 18
This pit boasted the last working steam winding engine in Leicestershire. Unfortunately the mine officially closed at 12 noon on Thursday 12th April 1990 - the day this recording was made.
This compilation features the 1880's steam engine in operation together with views around the working pithead and surface buildings.
The engine has since been moved to the Snibston industrial museum, and the buildings have been demolished.
(Running time: 37 minutes)
This pit boasted the last working steam winding engine in Leicestershire. Unfortunately the mine officially closed at 12 noon on Thursday 12th April 1990 - the day this recording was made. This compilation features the 1880's steam engine in operation together with views around the working pithead and surface buildings.
The engine has since been moved to the Snibston industrial museum, and the buildings have been demolished.
(Running time: 37 minutes)
£12.00
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Bagworth Colliery, Compilation 23
Bagworth Colliery was the last coal mine in Leicestershire and closed in February 1991, after 166 years of production. This is a record of a day spent with the miners in the various surface buildings, including the tally office, lamp room, pithead, engine houses, computer control room, changing rooms, baths and the canteen.
Coal production from Bagworth is shown where it reaches the surface at nearby Nailstone Colliery via an underground link and 1 in 4 drift.
(Running time: 44 minutes)
Bagworth Colliery was the last coal mine in Leicestershire and closed in February 1991, after 166 years of production. This is a record of a day spent with the miners in the various surface buildings, including the tally office, lamp room, pithead, engine houses, computer control room, changing rooms, baths and the canteen. Coal production from Bagworth is shown where it reaches the surface at nearby Nailstone Colliery via an underground link and 1 in 4 drift.
(Running time: 44 minutes)
£12.00
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Annesley-Bentinck Colliery, Compilation 49
Started in 1865, Annesley and Bentinck mines near Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire were originally separate concerns producing household, gas and steam coal.
When the mines were amalgamated, Annesley with its two headframes became the main access for men and materials and coal came to surface via an incline drift at Bentinck which had the largest coal preparation plant in Europe. Coal was taken to power stations by merry-go-round railway trains operated first by British Rail and later by English Welsh and Scottish Railways.
Bentinck retained its railway connection after the line to Annesley was dismantled and the nearby Erewash river provided water for the washery. Pithead buildings at Annesley survived from many different periods and included an attractive lattice headframe and a prominent "A" on the upcast.
In January 1999, it was announced that Midlands Mining PLC was intending to close Annesley-Bentinck colliery by the end of the year, due to geological problems and adverse market conditions.
Midland's other mine at Silverdale had closed in the previous year. This tour goes inside most of the buildings at Annesley including the upcast winder, and at Bentinck includes the washery and rail loading bunker. Annesley-Bentinck was the country's oldest working underground coal mine.
(Running time: 28 minutes)
Started in 1865, Annesley and Bentinck mines near Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire were originally separate concerns producing household, gas and steam coal. When the mines were amalgamated, Annesley with its two headframes became the main access for men and materials and coal came to surface via an incline drift at Bentinck which had the largest coal preparation plant in Europe. Coal was taken to power stations by merry-go-round railway trains operated first by British Rail and later by English Welsh and Scottish Railways.
Bentinck retained its railway connection after the line to Annesley was dismantled and the nearby Erewash river provided water for the washery. Pithead buildings at Annesley survived from many different periods and included an attractive lattice headframe and a prominent "A" on the upcast.
In January 1999, it was announced that Midlands Mining PLC was intending to close Annesley-Bentinck colliery by the end of the year, due to geological problems and adverse market conditions.
Midland's other mine at Silverdale had closed in the previous year. This tour goes inside most of the buildings at Annesley including the upcast winder, and at Bentinck includes the washery and rail loading bunker. Annesley-Bentinck was the country's oldest working underground coal mine.
(Running time: 28 minutes)
£10.00
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A Tour of Clive Copper Mine
The archaeology of metal mining is a fascinating subject, but the most important part of a mine is underground. Here is an opportunity to experience a guided underground tour of a long abandoned mine, without putting yourself in danger!
Edwin Thorpe of the SCMC guides Kelvin Lake around Clive Copper Mine, which was abandoned in 1869.
Early narrow hand picked shafts and levels are explored, leading to large stopes blasted with gunpowder in the nineteenth century. Neatly stacked rock deads, remains of tallow candles and their clay holders, and a gunpowder barrel are just a few of the features examined.
Kelvin and Edwin finally abseil down a 50 metre deep shaft beside old pump rods and pipes, and explore the lower tramming level where sand, poured into the many shafts when the mine was abandoned, almost blocks the way.
The Clive geological fault is clearly visible underground, with mineralised sandstones on one side, marls and waterstones on the other. Copper, Iron, Cobalt and Barium have stained the rocks in impressive patterns of whorls and rings, with patches of malachite blue. The fault wall is highly polished where the sides once rubbed together hundreds of millions of years ago.
(Running time: 37 minutes)
The archaeology of metal mining is a fascinating subject, but the most important part of a mine is underground. Here is an opportunity to experience a guided underground tour of a long abandoned mine, without putting yourself in danger! Edwin Thorpe of the SCMC guides Kelvin Lake around Clive Copper Mine, which was abandoned in 1869.
Early narrow hand picked shafts and levels are explored, leading to large stopes blasted with gunpowder in the nineteenth century. Neatly stacked rock deads, remains of tallow candles and their clay holders, and a gunpowder barrel are just a few of the features examined.
Kelvin and Edwin finally abseil down a 50 metre deep shaft beside old pump rods and pipes, and explore the lower tramming level where sand, poured into the many shafts when the mine was abandoned, almost blocks the way.
The Clive geological fault is clearly visible underground, with mineralised sandstones on one side, marls and waterstones on the other. Copper, Iron, Cobalt and Barium have stained the rocks in impressive patterns of whorls and rings, with patches of malachite blue. The fault wall is highly polished where the sides once rubbed together hundreds of millions of years ago.
(Running time: 37 minutes)
£13.45
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The New Dudley Tunnel
1984 saw the construction of the first British canal tunnel for over 120 years.
The work, carried out inside the historic Dudley Tunnel, provided a new underground canal link to the intriguing Singer Cavern limestone mine.
Providing a rarely seen glimpse of underground construction techniques, this DVD is of interest to Civil Engineers and mining and canal enthusiasts alike.
(Running time: 44 minutes)
1984 saw the construction of the first British canal tunnel for over 120 years.The work, carried out inside the historic Dudley Tunnel, provided a new underground canal link to the intriguing Singer Cavern limestone mine.
Providing a rarely seen glimpse of underground construction techniques, this DVD is of interest to Civil Engineers and mining and canal enthusiasts alike.
(Running time: 44 minutes)
£13.45
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Dudley Tunnel 1988 to 1989, Compilation 15
A complete record of the developments in Dudley Tunnel, following the work undertaken by members of the Dudley Canal Trust and Dudley Tunnel Trips Ltd. between February 1988 and September 1989.
Part 1 - Dudley Tunnel Boat Excavation
A record of the excavation and raising of a sunken wooden canal boat, inside Dudley Tunnel, by the Dudley Canal Trust and work in the Rock Tunnel during the Spring of 1988.
The wooden narrowboat is thought to be the oldest surviving example, and it was still loaded with the final cargo of limestone from the Dudley mines.
The tunnel was dammed off and drained to allow the boat to be carefully dug out. By strapping empty plastic drums to the remains, the relic was able to float when the water was let back in so it could be moved to a safe location to allow development of the tunnel as part of a new show mine.
Part 2 - Flooding the Rock Tunnel
Follows the flooding of the Rock Tunnel, at Dudley in 1988 and the first attempts to float a narrowboat into the tunnel for over 100 years.
Once the historic remains of the sunken narrowboat were floated to safety, the Dudley Canal Trust and Dudley Tunnel Trips Limited were able to take a steel narrowboat into the Rock tunnel; the first such journey since the limestone mines closed.
It was a tight fit, but the experiment was a success and led to the tunnel becoming part of a through route used today by the trip boats which take visitors through the fascinating labyrinth of caverns and canals.
Part 3 - Construction of the 1989 Dudley Tunnel
Follows the main stages of work on the 1989 Dudley Tunnel, from January to September '89 during the construction of this new canal tunnel, between Castle Mill Basin and Little Tess Cavern, and the work on the Rock Tunnel between there and Singer Cavern.
Underground engineering techniques, including rock drilling for roof bolts, shot-creting and blasting the heading are seen in detail. The new excavation allows trip boats to make a 'round trip' through the cavernous limestone mines and the ancient and modern tunnels.
(Total running time: 109 minutes)
A complete record of the developments in Dudley Tunnel, following the work undertaken by members of the Dudley Canal Trust and Dudley Tunnel Trips Ltd. between February 1988 and September 1989. Part 1 - Dudley Tunnel Boat Excavation
A record of the excavation and raising of a sunken wooden canal boat, inside Dudley Tunnel, by the Dudley Canal Trust and work in the Rock Tunnel during the Spring of 1988.
The wooden narrowboat is thought to be the oldest surviving example, and it was still loaded with the final cargo of limestone from the Dudley mines.
The tunnel was dammed off and drained to allow the boat to be carefully dug out. By strapping empty plastic drums to the remains, the relic was able to float when the water was let back in so it could be moved to a safe location to allow development of the tunnel as part of a new show mine.
Part 2 - Flooding the Rock Tunnel
Follows the flooding of the Rock Tunnel, at Dudley in 1988 and the first attempts to float a narrowboat into the tunnel for over 100 years.
Once the historic remains of the sunken narrowboat were floated to safety, the Dudley Canal Trust and Dudley Tunnel Trips Limited were able to take a steel narrowboat into the Rock tunnel; the first such journey since the limestone mines closed.
It was a tight fit, but the experiment was a success and led to the tunnel becoming part of a through route used today by the trip boats which take visitors through the fascinating labyrinth of caverns and canals.
Part 3 - Construction of the 1989 Dudley Tunnel
Follows the main stages of work on the 1989 Dudley Tunnel, from January to September '89 during the construction of this new canal tunnel, between Castle Mill Basin and Little Tess Cavern, and the work on the Rock Tunnel between there and Singer Cavern.
Underground engineering techniques, including rock drilling for roof bolts, shot-creting and blasting the heading are seen in detail. The new excavation allows trip boats to make a 'round trip' through the cavernous limestone mines and the ancient and modern tunnels.
(Total running time: 109 minutes)
£14.40
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Wren's Nest East, Compilation 37
In the early years of the Nineteenth century, the limestone mines of Castle Hill, Dudley were becoming worked out, so attention turned to the nearby Wren's Nest Hill. Many of the mines were served by branches of the Dudley canal tunnel system.
About 1805 a new tunnel was driven from Castle Mill basin 718m West to a large underground canal basin, which gave access to the thick and thin limestone beds. Access to the surface 48m above was by a 240-step cast iron spiral staircase in the famous "Step Pit".
In 1998, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council sank a new shaft on the site of Step Pit to gain access to the workings.
This compilation shows the new shaft, the 67m long brick-lined canal basin and the cavernous stopes on the thick and thin limestone beds. The basin has iron brackets for towpath planks on both sides and iron rings in the walls for handlines. A brick-lined tunnel heads towards Castle Mill basin and an unlined tunnel leads to the West mine.
Other sights include a plateway wheel and plate rails and edge rails found in the workings; a brick-lined tunnel heading south, clay partings in the roof secured with wooden wedges, calcite and ochre formations, the remains of a cavern and shaft filled with brick rubble in 1962 and the lining of a borehole drilled from the surface.
The near-vertical hanging walls show the underside of the pavement-like beds of Wenlock limestone as they were laid-down 400 million years ago.
(Running time: 17 minutes)
In the early years of the Nineteenth century, the limestone mines of Castle Hill, Dudley were becoming worked out, so attention turned to the nearby Wren's Nest Hill. Many of the mines were served by branches of the Dudley canal tunnel system. About 1805 a new tunnel was driven from Castle Mill basin 718m West to a large underground canal basin, which gave access to the thick and thin limestone beds. Access to the surface 48m above was by a 240-step cast iron spiral staircase in the famous "Step Pit".
In 1998, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council sank a new shaft on the site of Step Pit to gain access to the workings.
This compilation shows the new shaft, the 67m long brick-lined canal basin and the cavernous stopes on the thick and thin limestone beds. The basin has iron brackets for towpath planks on both sides and iron rings in the walls for handlines. A brick-lined tunnel heads towards Castle Mill basin and an unlined tunnel leads to the West mine.
Other sights include a plateway wheel and plate rails and edge rails found in the workings; a brick-lined tunnel heading south, clay partings in the roof secured with wooden wedges, calcite and ochre formations, the remains of a cavern and shaft filled with brick rubble in 1962 and the lining of a borehole drilled from the surface.
The near-vertical hanging walls show the underside of the pavement-like beds of Wenlock limestone as they were laid-down 400 million years ago.
(Running time: 17 minutes)
£10.00
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