The Welsh Potosi: Mining & Railways in Plynlimon Mountains

The Welsh Potosi by Ioan Lord. The Plynlimon Mountains, situated in the heart of central Wales, were once known as the ‘Welsh Potosi’, after the world famous Potosi silver mines in Bolivia.

Over fifty mines were opened in this region of Wales to extract the ores of lead, zinc, copper and silver. Numerous plans were made to construct railways from the mountains to the coast. Villages were established high in the hills, as the Plynlimon Mountains became populated with miners and engineers living alongside farmers and shepherds.

Today, the industrial significance of these hills between Aberystwyth and Llangurig is largely forgotten.

This indepth book contains the individual histories of each mine site as well as modern day descriptions and surveys. The stunning colour photographs within the book capture scenes above and below ground.

Maps of the Mines, Dwellings and Features of the Plynlimon Mountains
Villages and Other Lost Communities
History and Descriptions of the Mines
Stone and Slab Quarries
The Plynlimon Railways