IRON
AND
COAL
AND
COAL
In 1839 the Dowlais Iron Company sunk three 154 yard deep water balance pits at Cwm Bargoed. The No1 pit (north shaft) was known as Long Work Pit and No2 shaft (south shaft?) was known as Big Coal Pit. The first two pits were employed in the winning and raising of coal whilst the third was used to dispose of the water in the coal seams.The two coal winning shafts `were probably operated as separate entities.
The last mention of the Cwm Bargoed Colliery was in the Mines Inspector’s Report dated 1908.
The last mention of the Cwm Bargoed Colliery was in the Mines Inspector’s Report dated 1908.
The operation of water balance pits depended on a reliable and ample supply of water and the following report in the Merthyr Express on 2 June, 1866 emphasises this crucial dependency.
The Drought.
The continuance of dry weather is already affecting the works. The balance pits are in jeopardy in consequence of the diminished supply from the little reservoirs.
The continuance of dry weather is already affecting the works. The balance pits are in jeopardy in consequence of the diminished supply from the little reservoirs.
It closed shortly afterwards
Water Balance Headgear at Big Pit Blaenavon 2002
