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I.A.Recordings visited Glengowla lead mine near Oughterard, County Galway in
Ireland in 1997 to explore it before it was opened as Ireland's first show mine.
The mine is owned by the Geoghegan family who have done an astonishing
amount of work to stabilise the surface, pump-out the mine, build steps to give
access to the upper workings, and repair the buildings. |
On the surface, the powder magazine, blacksmith's workshop and the agent's
cottage have been restored and contain items rescued from the mine. A hand
windlass and a horse-gin have been constructed.
The mineral vein was discovered when loose rocks of galena were found just
below the surface of farm land. |
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Mining started in 1851 and was suspended in 1865. During that short 14 year
period, 545 square metres was stoped to produce 390 tonnes of lead containing 28
kilograms of silver.
Today the mine is rich in what was left behind by the miners.
The video "Glengowla" includes an
underground trip down to water level guided by Keith Geoghegan and a quick look
at the surface remains. |
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Underground, many artefacts can be seen, including stulls supporting
stacked deads, ladders, pump rods and pipes, pulleys, ore tubs, windlasses,
guide chutes and timbers.
Glengowla also has a scintillating variety of minerals: marble, dolomite,
quartz, calcite, barite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and very rare blue/green
octahedral fluorite. Vugs large and small are lined with gleaming crystals. |
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