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2.3.1 Mining

The hinterland of the SAC coast lies to the south‑west of the Central Wales Orefield, which occupies the area between Aberystwyth and Llanidloes. This was a major centre of mining activity, where lead, zinc and copper ores were sought in over 130 mines exploiting 50 or more veins [58] .

In south Cardiganshire, mineralisation, also chiefly in the form of veins, occurs within Ordovician and Silurian turbidites (alternations of sandstone and shale). Much of this area is drained by the Teifi and its tributaries, but within the coastal strip there are a large number of small rivers draining north‑westwards to the sea.

Within south Cardiganshire the principal area in which mining occurred was the Llanfair‑ Clydogau District (Bevins and Mason, 1997) situated to the east of the Teifi between Lampeter and Tregaron. This was mainly a lead mining area where the galena (lead sulphide) also yielded a relatively high silver content. There were also a few mines further down the Teifi Valley, and along the coast between Aberporth and New Quay.

Apart from galena, other minerals which are commonly present in the Central Wales Orefield include sphalerite (zinc sulphide), chalcopyrite (copper sulphide) and iron pyrites (iron sulphide). This sulphide mineralisation is commonly associated with quartz (silicon dioxide), calcite/dolomite (calcium carbonate/magnesium‑calcium carbonate) and barytes (barium sulphate).

Although the history of mining in this area dates back to the Bronze Age, the main phase of mining activity commenced about 1750, reached a peak between 1850 and 1870, and was followed by a rapid decline with little, if any, exploitation after 1940.

[58] Bevins, R., E. 1994. A mineralogy of Wales. National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, 146pp.