Llanidloes - The mining industry
Dylife Lead Mines
Another mine of ancient origins in the Llanidloes district was Dylife, almost midway between Llanidloes and Machynlleth to the north-west.
In its prime around 1862 this mine was producing quantities of ore second only to the Van Mines. Like other mines in the area, however, Dylife fell into decline and eventually closed primarily as a result of the fall in lead prices due to cheaper imports.
Dylife
Lead Mines
c1852
Photograph by
kind permission of
Llanidloes Museum
Dylife Mines made ambitious attempts to copy the methods of
coal mining by using a cage and hoist system and trams for moving
men and materials, instead of the more common arrangement of
bucket and ladders.
The above photograph of Dylife, taken in 1852, shows what was
at the time the largest water-wheel in Europe. Rows of terraced
cottages built to house mine workers are also visible at the
top of the slope.
There are 4 pages on the mining industry. Use the box links below to view the other pages.
