A metal mines strategy for Wales

The mid-Wales orefield was extensively worked during the 17th to 19th centuries and there are many mines and trial workings in the area. Along-side the present day archaeological, historical and mineralogical aspects of each site is the legacy left by the exposure of waste at surface and the dis-charge of mine waters from abandoned underground workings. Many mine sites are currently having an impact on watercourses, contributing to the failure of at least 108km of rivers to meet their water quality objectives in Wales. This paper describes the approach taken in developing a strategy for deal-ing with the management of abandoned mine sites in Wales. Fundamental to the management plan was engagement with relevant stakeholders at an early opportunity, identification of issues that would prevent or limit the potential timescales for remediation and a forum to enable viewpoints to be gathered. Once this information was brought together it was possible to progress to developing feasibility studies and remedial design works for the priority sites, taking into account the value of the sites as an archaeo-logical and ecological resource