Urban Landscape

[osscat]

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The headgear in this photo is South Crofty Tin Mine, it was the last working Tin mine in the UK and closed in 1998 following the collapse of the Tin price. With the increase in the price of tin today at $21,000, redevelopment of the mine is now in an advanced stage.

 

The traditional headgear has been abandoned in favour of an incline, which had to be driven through some very unstable ground. Work is progressing at a pace but commercial mining is still some way off.

 

The headgear and associated buildings have been given over as part of a planning agreement which will see the site used for housing and industrial development in exchange for the relocation of mining activities.

 

This view of the mine, and its accompanying miners cottages, will soon be a thing of the past. It is a history that dates back to the 18th century where the young Richard Trevithick played truant and developed his interest in mining and ultimately leading to his development of the high pressure steam engine.

 

Digilux 3

 

Osscat

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[pauledell]

Peter,

 

A fine picture and interesting narrative. How things change and yet somehow stay the same.

 

Paul

[pgk]

Your picture brings back memories. I lived in Redruth when S. Crofty was still in production in the early eighties, and actually went down it once (a long way and the lifts moved fast!) - unstable ground was a problem as were hot springs if I remember correctly. I remember the end of shift sirens going off and the miners leaving work. No photos sadly. but I wish the mining industry well in Cornwall and hope that it revives and provides employment once again.

[stuny]

Peter -

 

Superb.

[osscat]

Your picture brings back memories. I lived in Redruth when S. Crofty was still in production in the early eighties, and actually went down it once (a long way and the lifts moved fast!) - unstable ground was a problem as were hot springs if I remember correctly. I remember the end of shift sirens going off and the miners leaving work. No photos sadly. but I wish the mining industry well in Cornwall and hope that it revives and provides employment once again.

 

Thanks for your comments Paul, there are a few more from down here on my flickr pages

 

I have sent you a PM, look forward to your response.

 

Osscat