Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
BR229
Name
Dinas Silica Mine
Date of Designation
26/03/2002
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Rhondda Cynon Taff
Community
Hirwaun
Easting
291710
Northing
208025
Broad Class
Transport
Site Type
Tramroad
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The monument consists of the remains of a mine complex, dating to the 19th century. The mine was associated with the production of silica furnace bricks, which were invented locally in the 1820s. The bricks became known generically by the word 'Dinas' throughout much of the world. The quartzite or silica workings were owned by Richard, Thomas and Baldwins Limited, who transported the raw materials via a tramroad to Landore in Swansea for the manufacture of the refractory bricks. The remains within the scheduled area include quarries, mine entrances into pillar and stall workings, the silica processing plant, tramroads, an aerial ropeway and a powder store. The quarries in the vicinity of the tramroad were operational in the 19th century. Underground mining took place from after about 1903 until the mine closed in 1964.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of mining practices. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.