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.
