Metal Mining in Upland Ceredigion

The distinctive character of the Ceredigion upland landscape that today we consider‘natural’, has in fact
been shaped and changed by people over thousands of years. These people were drawn to the region in
search of the mineral wealth the region contains. Scattered throughout the ruggedly beautiful
mountainous landscape, are spoil tips and ruined buildings that are testament to a once thriving metal
mining industry that had a profound influence on the social and cultural history of the region,Wales and
the world. Today metal mining has ceased, and the uplands are a tranquil agricultural region. Traces of
Ceredigion’s rich metal mining history survive around us but are now generally under appreciated, seen by
many as polluting scars on an otherwise wild and natural landscape. This booklet presents the proud metal
mining heritage of Ceredigion, describing its history and technology and its influence on the culture and
landscape of the region. Advice and information is provided to encourage the appreciation, conservation
and protection of an asset of national importance