Slate Quarry North Wales (visited Jan 2013) Nov 2013

[Canonfodder]

In between renovations we took a trip out to one of the many slate quarries. Maenoffren opened in 1800 and by 1861 was knocking out 400 tons of slate a year. At its peak the quarry employed over 420 people, half of whom worked underground. Like every other quarry demand for welsh slate slowed due to cheap foreign imports. Production ceased in 1999. The quarry reopened and production of slate recommenced on the combined Maenofferen site, consisting of "untopping" underground workings to recover slate from the supporting pillars of the chambers. Material recovered from the quarry tips is also be recovered for crushing and subsequent use. Let the pictures commence:

The winding station back then:

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The winding station now:

Sadly demolition work on some of the old working buildings has started:

Still some nice things to experience - and yep I like my macro:

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[shaddam]

interesting place, thanks for the share

 

[Stussy]

Excellent, the wee train is very cool. Topper of a report

 

[Canonfodder]

Cheers guys. Another mining expedition planned soon and will update

 

[seaside_rambler]

Looks interesting that, few nice bits to look at, cheers

 

[Wevsky]

Looks good mate ive sat and looked up at this area from the car and really should have paid it a visit

 

[skeleton key]

That looks good pics have detail and write up is spot on

Location has some Nice bits remaining to work around.

Thanks for the share

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[Perjury Saint]

Really must visit some of these Welsh mines, nice set ya got there!

 

[The Elusive]

Stunning

 

[Lara]

Very nice indeedy, thanks for sharing

 

[Canonfodder]

Ta for your comments guys. Always an open door for those wanting more!