Cornish Mining

Geevor Underground

Geevor at Grass

Life at the edge

Rocks and Metals

Mines and Minerstwo miners underground covered in orange dirt

A mine can only work safely and efficiently if machinery, materials and the workers are all in the right place at the right time.

There were a large number of people involved in the running of Geevor mine.  From underground to surface workers, everyone had a specific job.

 

Photograph reproduced with the kind permission of Margaret Francis held by the Geevor Archive

 

Lighting the Mine

Click to see a larger version of this imageearly carbide lamp

There is no natural light underground. 


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Blacksmiths and Carpenter

Click to see a larger version of this imageGeevor carpenter at work

Each mine usually had its own blacksmith and carpenter.


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Developers

Click to see a larger version of this imagedeveloper using a compressed air drill underground

Miners known as Developers worked in pairs to drill a pattern of holes into the tunnel face using drills powered by compressed-air.   


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Mossel time

Click to see a larger version of this imageminers underground taking a break and having mossel

Most miners took food and drink underground with them; at some stage during their shift would sit and take a break close to where they were working.


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Comment left by Jan Sominka on 2010-05-13 19:33:37

Just noticed the photograph in the stoping section. Can you confirm if this is Wawrzyniec Sominka (Johnny), my father. Thanks Jan GEEVOR REPLY......... yes , this is johnny, if you would like a copy of the photo please contact Nick Thomas at Geevor Tin Mine on 01736 788662. We also have information on ..Lucia Zbyszek Sominka

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