BACK TO RECEPTION

There is evidence that tin has been continuously taken from the ground around St. Just, in the far west of Cornwall, from prehistoric times until the end of production at Geevor mine at Pendeen in 1990. A significant number of these mines had workings which extended beneath the seabed. These are shown in blue and link to further information.

The geology of the area comprises slate (killas) and greenstone intruded by granite 280 million years ago. Granite caused the deposition of tin and copper ores in near-vertical fractures known as veins. These veins when mined were known as lodes.

Over 150 named minerals have been found in the mines of the area, including Botallackite, a unique mineral discovered at Wheal Cock in 1865.

Botallackite photo Peter Savage