Great Orme Prehistoric Copper Mines

The Great Orme Mines are possibly the most important copper mines of the Bronze Age yet discovered and excavated. Apparently abandoned around 600 BC, but with some evidence of Roman patronage, the mines were reopened in 1692 and continued to be worked until the end of the 19th century. It is possible that some of the copper from the mine was exported to Continental Europe, even in the Bronze Age. In addition to the three main mining areas, there are many opencast bell pit mines along the lines of the main geological faults.

In the 20th century the mines have been once again reopened, and the Bronze Age mine workings are now a fee-paying attraction for the public to experience.