A British company is seeking permission to re-open a mine that provided Bronze-Age residents of Wales with copper for weapons and other tools, using modern technology to get at deposits once unreachable.
The mine in Parys Mountain was also worked by Romans, but these early miners only reached near-surface deposits. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was the world’s biggest copper mine, reaching depths of a few hundred feet, but pumping technology of the time couldn’t keep the mine free of water beyond that level and it eventually closed.
The new plan by Anglesey Mining would drill shafts nearly 2,000 feet deep into the area to harvest deposits the company says could go a long way to meeting the UK’s appetite for 150,000 tonnes a year of copper. The company also says it believes it will be able to mine 3000 kilos of gold and 200 tonnes of silver.
The proposal would result in Britain’s only working copper mine, but requires approval of a plan for avoiding environmental damage. The North Wales Minerals and Waste Planning Service will consider Anglesey Mining’s application shortly.
