South Phoenix Mine-Minions, Cornwall, UK
N 50° 31.028 W 004° 27.188
30U E 396981 N 5597138
South Phoenix mine is just north of the village of Minions. On the site still stands the recently restored Houseman's Engine House, which houses a permanent exhibition on the history and nature of the surrounding area.
Waymark Code: WM5FJ2
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 01/01/2009
Views: 12
There has been mining in the Caradon area for many centuries. The South Phoenix mine sett has been worked under several names over the years.
South Phoenix mine reopened in 1882 with a new pumping engine at Houseman’s shaft. This company was liquidated in 1885. In 1885 it was producing more tin than all the other Cornish mines except for Dolcoath and East Pool.
During 1887 the mine reopened again as South Phoenix Ltd. There was some increase in production during this period and some expansion. Houseman’s shaft was deepened and new dressing floors were built. Work was again suspended in 1892 because the shafts needed to be sunk ever deeper but the price of copper and tin had continued to slump. The mine was again abandoned in 1893. The mine had survived for longer than many of its neighbours by cutting the workforce and lowering wages but by 1894 the company was in the hands of the Receivers. By 1898 it was abandoned, equipment sold for scrap and most of the buildings demolished.
During 1907 Cornish Consolidated Tin Mines Ltd took over South Phoenix and re-equipped the shafts. The mine failed to make money and by 1909 there were only four men working on the site. The mine was finally abandoned in 1911.
The main building remaining at South Phoenix is Houseman's engine house which was built in 1881. After the mine closed it was turned in a dwelling of some sort. As part of this change of use the bob wall was built up and a domestic chimney stack added.
Mine Type: Abandoned Mine
Mineral Collecting: Yes
Material Mined: Non-Precious Metal
Operation: Underground Mine
Surface Features: Yes
KNOWN DANGERS:
The area abounds with deep holes but all mine shafts are capped or fenced off. The tracks around the site are rough and stout footware should be worn.
Any associated website: [Web Link]
Any Other information:
The whole area around Minions is part of the World Heritage site related to mining in Cornwall and West Devon.
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Visit Instructions:
Optional photograph welcomed.