silica

History The history if Upper Dinas Silica mine is extensively covered by the Cambrian Mine Trust here and gives a far deeper explanation than I am vaguely capable of. Brilliant Photos of the mine during operation published by Roy Bowen are available here and photos showing exploration by Mike...

In the areas for a few other bits but always nice to pop in a check on this one. History Silica mines at Pontneddfechan The area around Pontneddfechan at the head of the Vale of Neath is one of very few in the world where sandstone has been extensively worked in underground mines. But then...

A ganister (or sometimes gannister) is hard, fine-grained quartzose sandstone, or orthoquartzite, used in the manufacture of silica brick typically used to line furnaces. Ganisters are cemented with secondary silica and typically have a characteristic splintery fracture. You can check out all...

History Silica rock was discovered in these here hills in the 1780s and became a principal component of top quality firebricks. The first tramway was built in 1807, the 'Dinas Fire Brick Co' was inaugurated in 1822 and a brickworks built at Pontwalby. Starting as quarries, the workings soon...

tl;dr - Found access to a mine in the woods, it was small and a bit flooded, but still good… The History Ganister (or Gannister) was mined for its use in the manufacture of silica bricks (often called 'refractories'; materials that maintain strength at high temperatures), used to line...

Visited with Lenston and two non members. First time photographing underground so big thanks to Lenston for showing me what to do. History Dinas Rock Silica Mines The mines behind Dinas Rock were a rather larger affair than their cousins alongside the Nedd Fechan. Several large entrances are...

Recent visit to Bucklands Sand and Silica plant. History Bucklands Sand and Silica was a family run business that started in 1923. They extracted high quality sand for glass manufacturing. It was acquired in 1978 by Amalgamated Roadstone Corporation, then acquired by Hanson in 1990. The site...

History Dinas Rock Silica Mines The mines behind Dinas Rock were a rather larger affair than their cousins alongside the Nedd Fechan. Several large entrances are still clearly visible from the path which drops steeply down from the top of Dinas Rock to the Sychryd. Note that although they are...

Visited with an old mate of mine Cunningplan History Dinas Rock Silica Mines The mines behind Dinas Rock were a rather larger affair than their cousins alongside the Nedd Fechan. Several large entrances are still clearly visible from the path which drops steeply down from the top of Dinas...

Hi all, So today visited Bucklands Sand and Silica plant. I drive past this place on a daily basis, so it seemed fit I visit it. People have described it as a mini Redhill Fullers, but not having been to fullers yet, I can't quite compare. History: Bucklands Sand and Silica was a family...

Had a fantastic time exploring a few sections of these mines with Le Kwan, Lenston, Rawski and Crooner. Thanks so much guys for having us, really enjoyed it. No awards for the photography here unfortunately but some amazing colours down there and some of the industrial heritage remains there in...

Had a fantastic time exploring a few sections of these mines with Le Kwan, Lenston, Rawski and Crooner. Thanks so much guys for having us, really enjoyed it. No awards for the photography here unfortunately but some amazing colours down there and some of the industrial heritage remains there in...

Visited this impressive site as part of a full weekend event organised by Lenston, alongside The Kwan, The_Raw and Extreme Ironing. My first Report for 28 is also my first venture into the Underground. History: A popular destination today for walkers and thrill seekers, the area of...

Lenston had organised a camping weekend that was all about exploring, camping, beer and a BBQ so it would have been rude not to attend even despite the 4hr drive, Thanks to Lenston for the invite and also to The Raw, Extreme ironing and Emily for the good company and laughs. These mines were...

Explored with Therealindianajones, Harry and Helen