Geevor Tin Mine

Geevor was a working mine until 1990, providing much needed employment in the region. The site has now become a museum. The equipment was kept making it possible for visitors to experience the complete operation of mining and tin processing. There are guided tours of  underground workings.

The museum carries a unique collection of mining artifacts and mineral specimens. Specialised books on mining and mineral specimens can be purchased at the shop.

Entrance To Geevor Tin Mine As Seen From The Road

Levant Mine

Levant mine is one of the most famous mines in Cornwall. It has a long mining history going back to the seventeenth century, but the remains are later, from the period 1820 to 1930. This long period was possible, as both tin and copper and later arsenic was mined here.

The mine throughout its lifespan expanded, reaching a great depth and had workings extending out under the sea bed.

Levant was the site of an unfortunate incident in 1919. As miners were being brought up from the workings, the engine failed and twenty men were killed.

Levant Steam Engine

The National Trust have restored to working, a steam engine. This was originally built locally at Hayle and used to bring up ore. The attraction is about a mile from the Geevor mine. Levant Mine had workings extending for one mile out to sea.

Botallack Mine SW 362-336

A most remarkable mine, it is situated right on the edge of weather beaten cliffs, demonstrating the determination and ingenuity of its builders, particularly as the mine extends half a mile out to sea.

The scenic location, the precarious closeness to the sea and the two well preserved engine houses, makes the mine the most photographed in Penwith.

Botallack mine had a long mining history, starting at the beginning of the eighteenth century continuing up to the First World War. It gained a high public profile with visits from royalty.

There was an unsucessful attempt to open Botallack, when Allen's shaft was sunk.

Engine House At Botallack With Two Engine Houses (left) and Allen's Stack (right)

A valuable by product of tin smelting was arsenic. At the time arsenic was heavily used, in such products as dyes and make up. The unusual remains at Botallack shown below are those of calciners.

Botallack Mine

Calciner at Botallack Mine