Europamines visit to Fundao 8 th – 12 th July 2005

(Jpegs to be added)

Participants: Ian and Pam Forbes, Killhope; Dr. Massimo Rotolo and Richard Williams, Poldark Mine; Jino Berel, ; Antonio Ángel Pérez and Augustin Molina Vega, Ecomuseuo Colectiuo Projecto Arrayanes; John Morris, Geological Survey of Ireland; Martin Critchley , ;Alan Kilday, Europamines Network Manager ; Miguel Vasco, Camaoa Municipal Fundão, Margarida Dei, Interpreter.

Our visit started at Lisbon Airport where a small coach collected those who arrived on the 8 th plus Dr. Rotolo who lives in Lisbon. The municipality of Fundao is located some three and a half hours drive from Lisbon

Discussions commenced on the coach and for some … rest !

We arrived at Fundao to be met by Miguel and shortly after by Antonio and Augustin who had timed their journey by car from Spain so as to arrive in time for drinks and dinner at the Restaurante Hermínia !

Following dinner we travelled to Barroca and the Casa Grande where we were the first guests to stay at this recently refurbished facility. The rooms have been finished to a high standard as have the facilities within this community building which has only one drawback for guests staying in rooms at the front of the building – the church bells which produce a tune on each quarter hour and for guests at the rear – packs of dogs obviously trained to ensure the guests at the rear do not feel they are being neglected. (I discovered that the bells were actually a recording ingeniously transmitted through two large loudspeakers)

Saturday morning commenced with breakfast at the local bar and a short coach journey to the mine of Minas da Panasquera (as oppsed to the village). A briefing was given by the Technical Director Eng. De Minas Nuno Alves before we set off on foot down into the mine. The mine’s geology is unique with five horizons of mineralisation.

At the entrance to Minas da Panasqueira: Left to right: Richard Williams, Massimo Rotolo, John Morris, Augustin Molina Vega, Jino Berel, Ian Forbes, Nuno Alves, Miguel Vasco, Dei xxxx, Antonio Ángel Pérez, and Pam Forbes.

We walked down to five level via various levels, an underground crusher where ore was reduced and then transported by conveyor from the mine to the concentrator, an underground shaft station and then on to new developments on five level where a dump truck was conveniently working.

The tour was very interesting however, considering that our visit was concerned with possible underground visitor access, it was unfortunate that we were not shown potential visitor routes. My personal observations of the area we were taken to was that whilst the levels were typical of the upper levels of the mine in dimension the load was of a very different appearance. As mentioned the orebody is unique, Massive quartz vein with very course mineralisation. In the areas I visited on many occasions in the 1980’s the lodes were from 500 to well over 1000 mm thick containing vughs, some of considerable size. The lode exposure on the new development area on five level exposed a lode on average not much more than 300mm lacking the vughy appearance and which appeared to contain far less mineralisation than one would expect.

Some Wolframite and Chalcopyrite was apparent as was a small amount of Siderite however I did not notice any Arsenopyrite nor the relatively large areas of mineralisation seen on previous visits. I mention this because the observation leads me to think that the mine is running into vary low grade ores which may not bode well for its productive future.

Vein section 5 level – compact quartz showing small blades of Wolframite with sulphides (predominately Chalcopyrite) above. Approximately 300mm wide. Wolframite did not appear to be abundant and the course blades were small.

The Winder and Shaft Station and a most welcome site – transport to take the group the 4 kilometres out of the mine ! I might add that on the numerous visits I have made in the past I had to walk back up the decline !

From the mine we retired to Silvares and our first lunch in what was to become our lunchtime retreat where the food and service were excellent.

With lunch completed it was off for the first of two visits to the concentrator at Rio. During this brief visit we were shown around the higher plant (the higher side of the road which runs between the two parts of the concentrator at this site). This is the terminus of the Aerial Ropeway from Barroca Grande and housed the engine, weighing facility, ore bins and I believe rod mills or cone crusher (only the mountings remain and it is a part of the site I never visited when working). Miguel outlined in some detail the proposals for this section of the site that contains significant and important industrial archaeology. The Ropeway terminal is almost complete with only minor loss to some electrical fittings.

The Rio plant ceased working about 1991 and has suffered a little from vandalism and, within the lower plant, from retrieval of equipment by Beralt Tin and Wolfram for its concentrator at Barroca Grande.

One of the Ropeway Supports note the telephone wires for communication between the two plants

The Ropeway running into the Terminus Building

The Winding Engine with weighing equipment in the background

Ore Tubs inside the Terminal

We left Rio and returned to the Casa Grande for the first of our lengthy business meetings that were held in a new lecture theatre situated on the ground floor of the building.

At dinner in the evening we were joined by Martin Critchley (and his cold) who had been attending the NAMO meeting in the UK.

The programme for 10 th was amended as it was felt both by Massimo and myself that it was very important to visit Barroca Grande, the village of Minas da Panasqueira and the miner’s village of San Jorge de Bera. Whilst The Rio plant is important it is a part of a world famous mining community the greater part of which is concentrated within the foregoing communities which lie in the adjoining district of Covilhá.

The former Mine Offices at Barroca Grande that were replaced by the ‘ Marble Palace’ in 1980. It is proposed that this building be converted into a hotel, a purpose for which it is ideally situated.

Guard rails opposite the old Office with the continental mining symbol and the old company’s initials.

An indication that this was once a profitable and important mine.

A very important feature within the village

Sign at the entrance to Barroca Grande The Land of the Miners

Showing that something is developing here

Barroca Grande from the road to the village of Minas da Panasqueira.

Miner’s housing on the hillside immediately in front, the concentrator in the centre and management housing the other side. The old office centre right. The new office, christened ‘the Marble Palace’ by the miners, in the trees to the right.

From Barroca Grande we followed the road to the village of Minas da Panasqueira. It was here that the mine was established during the early 1900’s. In the late 1930’s, with underground operations moving closer to Barroca Grande, that village was established and most operations moved there.

Road junction at Minas da Panasquiera on a new section of road by passing the village showing both the pride in mining and recent infrastructure investment.

Former mine building now a club/bar and Gino

The former mine entrance at Minas da Panasqueira. The potential for visits via this entrance, which is well sited for such use, is not known.

The village retains much of its mining character and there is an obvious pride in its mining heritage with tremendous potential for visitor development. From here we had to turn back ……

The miner’s village of S. Jorge da Beira Unfortunately time did not permit a visit to , or was it the danger of discovery on foreign soil ? The village is a typical unspoilt Portuguese miner’s village. Typical is probably not the correct word to use as the village and its community is not typical of rural Portugal. It is an important part of the mining heritage of the district and, if developed, must be developed carefully so as not to loose its unique identity and character. To me as a visitor it was old Portugal, as it was many years ago, full of character, a poor community who made strangers very welcome.

The village has suffered greatly from the decline in mining activity and is actively seeking help. As a result of the uncertainty of Minas da Panasqueira ( the main employer in the region), and the mountainous area which offers only poor accessibility, the town has suffered a great deal with the result that unemployment and emigration have risen. As mentioned elsewhere numbers employed at the mine has dropped from 1,200 to a little over 200. Plans outlined for a third shift at the mine do not appear to be linked to development underground and sadly may well not bode well for the mine’s future.

Nestling in a valley on a slope of the Açor mountain range , and literally the end of the road, the old miner’s village of S. Jorge da Beira from Minas da Panasquiera

At Massimo’s insistence en route to Rio a visit was made to Monumento Cristo Operário which overlooks Barroca Grande and in the distance Rio. All agreed that this was a most important site that was well worth visiting. Built on a mountain top the impressive monument is surrounded by an amenity area including a bar-b-que building and children’s area. Everywhere there are reminders that this is a shrine to the miners.

The monument looking through a clearing in the woods to

Barroca Grande and Rio

Note the miners supporting the Saint on either side

We left Saint Cristo to continue her vigilance and proceeded to Rio to view the lower plant.

The tailings dumps at Rio with the tailings dam of Barroca Grande in the foreground – the view from Monumento Cristo

Now I may have the next two venues a little mixed up …. The memory you know … well it was hot !

The lower plant at Rio. Many years ago, after a seven hour drive in a hire car from Lisbon, this was my first experience of Minas da Panasquiera. 12.30 am with the lights blazing, a fire lit and full of noise and life I thought that I had arrived at the mine only to be told it was further into the mountains !

Today the lower plant is a shadow of its former self, robbed of much of its equipment but with enough left to tell its story, of what it did and those who proudly worked here.

This was the final concentrator, built on this site because there was insufficient water at the Barroca Grande concentrator to carry out all the processing required. A very simple explanation of the process is that pre concentrates from the Barroca Grande site were transported down the valley by aerial ropeway to the upper plant, reduced in size they were then tabled. Tin (SnO 2) and Wolfram (WO 3) concentrates were collected pass through dryers and then into high intensity magnetic separators where the wolfram, which is mildly magnetic, and tin were separated producing two saleable products. The sulphides were collected as a middling product passed through flotation cells and the Copper concentrate collected.

Shaking Tables, Rio Concentrator

These were made at Barroca Grande

Remains of dryers and magnetic separators

Discussion beside a shaking table

Wolfram Concentrate Sack and Denver Laboratory Flotation Cell, Sample Room

Rio Concentrator Buildings

There are many concerns regarding development both at Rio and within the area of Minas da Panasquiera. Industrial heritage, whilst a potential ‘jewel in the crown’, will only survive if other visitor based activities are developed in parallel. The three principle players must work together. The character of the area must be maintained – it should not be allowed to become another ‘tourist destination’ through over development or adopting ways and themes not in keeping with the local character and traditions. Rio may well be the catalyst spurring development at related sites and within the area however the budget appears minimal for the task. There is no doubt that a niche market for foreign visitors could be created given time and investment. This is real unspoilt Portugal, much as it was and something the more discerning visitor is seeking. One last point is pollution. Rio stands above the Rio Zêzee, from reports there are discharges into it from such places as the Sulphide Dam. Clean up of contaminated areas could be extremely expensive.

We left Rio to lunch once again at our favourite lunchtime venue where John was introduced to the delight of bacalhau (an acquired taste ! dried salted cod fish which it is said can be cooked in a thousand and one ways – I have yet to discover the way I like – I did warn John), the staff were kind enough to cook John and I an alternative.

Lunch over we returned to business meetings that extended until dinner time, in fact dinner was somewhat delayed as a result of an overrun of the extended meeting and insistence that the group, or more correctly those energetic enough, should walk up through the valley to Barroca from Rio. (I considered a quick look around Barroca and a shower more sensible considering the heat). After what can best be described as an exciting bus journey during which our driver did an excellent trial kamikaze run. This caused all on board to fasten seat belts for the first time during our visit. We somehow arrived safely at Hotel Príncipe da Beira. I thought we arrived before we left but I was assured this was not the case !

Our President enquires as to where the flying melons can be obtained

With tables laid for a fish course John looks on eagerly at the

anticipated bacalhau, imagine his disappointment when trout arrived

One observation on seating for the dinner. Our host was seated with the interpreter to one side and Miguel, from his department on the other. Conversation with our President was therefore difficult as was conversation with John, who was at the other end of the table. I think it important that in future at such dinners the Europamines president and probably its key people should be seated so as to be able to have easy conversation with the host.

The coach ride back to Barroca was an uninteresting journey. The coach driver, no doubt on overtime, appeared a little less interested in testing the air worthiness of the vehicle.

As for Monday … a day of business meetings which commenced at 9 am and which will be reported upon by Alan.

To round off the visit our last dinner was held on a mountain top adventure site. At least we were not taken by the previous evenings driver or coach. Alan responded to my relief at this by questioning whether it was best to have the kamikaze driver and his air conditioned coach or sit in what he described as an oven fixed to a tractor – he had a point ! however the journey was relatively short.

The evening progressed well with generous amounts of beer and an excellent b-b-q. our president and John were brave enough to try the aerial ropeway following which increasingly interesting jokes were exchanged, for some reason a lot of Spanish jokes appear to involve monkeys, I leave this to the reader’s imagination. On our return to Barroca we all retired to the local hostelry where whiskey flowed – purely to enable sleep - and of course to thank our host Miguel for what had been an excellent weekend of visits and for Massimo and myself a wonderful trip bringing back many happy memories. I should explain that Massimo joined the mine as Chief Geologist and Director of Services at the time of my first visit. We were both living in the Guest House and have remained close friends ever since.

One last point. Minas da Panasqueira is world famous for the range and size of crystal mineral specimens found within the ore body. Until recently these were sold locally but sales are now made in America. Many visitors come specifically to purchase minerals and this sector of the market could easily be developed with many becoming regular return visitors. Sales of minerals during the 1980’s were controlled by Dr. Rotolo and the proceeds used to develop community facilities at Barroca Grande. The removal of the sale of specimens from the area deprives it of revenue and lowers visitor interest.

The images contained within this document are a selection of the 190 I took. They have all been reduced in size and many cropped. Should anyone like copies of the full images please let me know.

The observations and opinions are my own and may not in places reflect the opinion of Europamines. Massimo and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our hosts and all who participated for the most enjoyable and informative time we had.

Richard Williams, Poldark Mine, Cornwall

PS. I returned to Cornwall complete with a gift from Martin which I am slowly recovering from. Thanks Martin !

Europamines first exchange visit 3 rd – 5 th December 2005

Poldark Mine to Zloty Stock

Route – Ryanair Newquay to Stanstead, Stanstead to Wroclaw

Wroclaw to Zloty Stock by car courtesy of Marek Lorenc

Participants : Richard Williams (MD), Chris Fletcher (Assistant General Manager), Pamela Melville, (Retail Services Manager)

This exchange visit was made at relatively short notice. The purpose was to forge closer ties between two European sites with similar operating structures and to explore the possibilities of closer cooperation. In addition it was a welcome break for the Poldark staff at the end of a long season.

The visit itself was a great success with only one drawback, insufficient time to fully explore the site and surrounding area. The hospitality shown, time and effort devoted to our visit by Marek and all at Zloty Stok was superb and we thank all involved. We look forward to our host’s visit to Cornwall !

Outcome:

Exchange visits – Members of Zloty Stock and the University of Wroclaw will visit Poldark during the early season of 2006. Dates to be agreed April/May.

Work experience – A greater understanding of how different sites operate and experience of working in a different EU country is possible for those who have an understanding of the language of the host country. One of the Zloty Stock staff, Marta, will become the Europamines Representative for the site. Marta’s understanding of English is excellent and she has been offered a work experience place at Poldark Mine. The suggestion is that she spends between four and six weeks at Poldark participating in various aspects of the site’s operation during the 2006 season. Poldark will supply accommodation, food and transport to and from Newquay airport.

Retail goods – A number of items on sale at Zloty Stock were similar to goods sold at Poldark. 17 samples were selected from the shop and an order for these items will be placed through Zloty Stock for delivery in March 2006. A good range of mining related items were available from the shop, many of which would be suitable for other Europamines member sites.

European Funding – the visit has reinforced the belief that within the next round of EU Cultural funding Europamines should, if within the criteria of the fund, apply for funding to raise standards of facilities and presentation at its visitor sites.

There is certainly a need to provide all visitor sites with good quality Europamines panels similar to those produced by John to promote the network. In addition the general standard of display panels on many sites, including Poldark, need improving to bring them closer to modern standards.

Standards of basic visitor facilities also require enhancing, including items such as Zloty Stok’s underground lighting and provision of helmets and at places such as Poldark basic toilet facilities. Amongst other things that some sites may have to improve is access for the disable.

Observations:

Zloty Stock is a site with tremendous potential both above and underground that is being ably developed by its staff. One of the key elements of its future security is no doubt the visitor accommodation it is able to offer and the social facilities that are now available to the local community.

The following points should not be taken as criticism they are observations and suggestions. One area of concern is the fact that there is no underground emergency lighting. In addition guides are equipped only with torches, which in the case of the failure of power supplies give only limited light, have no back up bulb and would be unlikely to reassure members of the public.

There are at least two ways of providing adequate lighting coverage: the installation of emergency lighting units, these are fitted with batteries which would provide light should the main supply fail; the provision of an emergency generator. Of these two options emergency lighting is the preferred, automatically activating as soon as power is lost. Both options are expensive to install. This is an area that I believe should be addressed through the next round of EU funding – raising standards at mining heritage visitor sites across Europe.

As an interim measure it is suggested that miner’s lamps be acquired for the guides. The reason for the use of these lamps is that they have a long battery life, give out a powerful beam and have a back up bulb should the main bulb fail. In addition the use of such lamps would give a more professional impression of the site to visitors.

Safety helmets – it is appreciated that the roof heights within the workings are high and that in some parts the workings are lined. Never the less visitors to a mine should have adequate head protection, especially when entering old workings. The provision of helmets to visitors also reinforces the fact that they are entering an alien environment and enhances their experience.

The acquisition of sufficient helmets for the number of visitors on peak days can be expensive. This is again a possible area for EU funding assistance. As an interim measure it is suggested that guides be provided with helmets. Helmets would be a good addition to their uniforms, making the guiding staff obvious to visitors and enhances the public’s perception of professionalism.