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Mines at Port Quin
Thanks to iWalk Cornwall for the following text.
There were two mines at Port Quin. Near Doyden Point, there are mineshafts of Gilson's Cove Mine either side of the coast path. This was a mixed lead/silver and antimony mine from which a little copper ore was also extracted. One shaft goes down to sea level, the other deeper. Between the two shafts where the coast path runs is the remains of the platform for a horse-powered winding device, known as a whim, which was used to haul ore up from the mine. Further inland is Port Quin mine which was solely an antimony mine.
Antimony is in the same chemical group as tin, lead and mercury and was used in alloys, particularly with these metals, including solder and printing lead. Like lead and mercury, it is toxic if ingested (which wasn't known at the time), so mining it was probably not a recipe for a long life.
The Doyden Mine
Discovery and Setup (1825-1827):
1825: A copper lode is discovered in the cliffs belonging to the Trevigo estate. Trevigo farm today still owns much of the Port Quin valley but parts of the estate were sold off and the cliffs mentioned are now owned by the National Trust.
1827: With Lord Symons' support, a private venture is launched.
George Bartley, a Bristol smelter, becomes the sole lessee. This hints at a strategy of vertically integrating mining and smelting to maximize profits.
The lease grants rights to mine all minerals except "Royal Metals" (precious metals like gold and silver) in specific areas around Doyden Run and Fentney Well.
Operation and Features (unknown timeframe):
Two open shafts are built, suggesting significant commitment and potential for larger-scale extraction.
Main shaft equipped with a horse whim, a horse-powered winch used for raising ore and materials.
Second shaft likely served as a footway access and adit entrance. Adits are horizontal tunnels leading into a vein, allowing easier removal of water and ore.
The adit connected with the main shaft at the lowest point for drainage. This ensured water wouldn't flood the lower workings.
Closure and Aftermath:
No records exist beyond Bartley's lease, making the exact duration of operations unclear.
By 1842, the mine was already abandoned, suggesting closure before that date.
Reasons for closure are unknown, but could include depleted reserves, declining copper prices, or technical difficulties.
Overall:
The Doyden Mine was a short-lived operation. While details remain shrouded in time, its features and connection to a Bristol smelter hint at a well-planned and potentially profitable venture.
Additional Notes:
Documents mention "Royal Metals" being excluded from the lease. This was common practice as the Crown retained rights to these precious metals.
It's interesting that despite its relatively short life, the Doyden Mine left behind substantial physical evidence such as the shafts and adit which you can inspect today as you walk along the coastpath.
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