Abbey Consols Lead & Zinc Mine

Overview

Abbey Consols Mine (also known as Bronberllan, Florida or Cwm Mawr No. 2) lies 1km east of the village of Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion and overlooks Strata Florida Abbey on the opposite bank of the River Teifi.

The mine is one of three known to have an impact on water quality in the River Teifi, causing it to fail European Water Framework Directive (WFD) standards for zinc.

The other significant mines in the area are Esgair Mwyn and Cwm Mawr.

Strata Florida Abbey was founded in the year 1164 and, given its close proximity and the lead mining interest of Cistercian Monks, it is likely that mining has taken place here since at least this time.

With a total recorded output of 1,236 tons of lead and 1,765 tons of zinc between 1848-1909, Abbey Consols was a small mine in comparison to its more illustrious neighbours such as Frongoch and Cwmystwyth.

The last recorded output from the mine was in 1913. Past reclamation works have destroyed many of the mine’s features and today the site is characterised by spoil tips estimated at 32,000 tonnes, a number of shafts and the remains of a water wheel pit, dressing floors and filter beds.

Two nationally rare lichen species have also been identified on the spoil tips.