focusIR May 2024 Investor Webinar: Blue Whale, Kavango, Taseko Mines & CQS Natural Resources. Catch up with the webinar here.
The Clogau St. David's Gold Mine
The Clogau Gold Mine (sometimes known as the Clogau St David's Mine) was once the largest and richest mine of all the gold mines in the Dolgellau gold mining area. It is situated in Bontddu, near Barmouth in Gwynedd north-west Wales.
After producing copper and a little lead for quite a number of years, the mine developed into gold production in the 1862 'rush' and continued as a major operator until 1911, during which 165,031 tons of gold ore was mined resulting in 78,507 troy ounces (2,442 kg) of gold.
It worked the St David's lode of Clogau mountain alongside the co-owned Vigra Mine.
Since 1911 the mine has been re-opened several times for smaller-scale operations.
It last closed in 1998. In 1999 the mine was taken over and held by a local exploration company.
In November 2010 the mine was acquired by a new exploration company, who hope to restore the mine to production.
Within every piece of Clogau jewellery is rare Welsh gold from the Clogau St. David’s Gold Mine in Bontddu (“bont-thee”). This is undoubtedly one of the rarest, most expensive and most sought-after gold’s in the world.
During the early 20th century, the Clogau mine was Britain’s largest and richest gold mine producing nearly 2.5 tonnes of gold between 1862 and 1911.
For over 150 years, the mine went through mixed fortunes with the gold veins being most inconsistent and difficult to locate.
By the late 1990’s however, the last train carrying Welsh gold from the Clogau mine clanked to a halt. One of the miners at the Clogau mine once said:
Finding gold in most mines around the work is like finding the cream in a sponge cake.
Finding Welsh gold on the other hand is like finding the sixpence in the biggest Christmas cake you could imagine.
There’s no pattern, no logic, and you never know when you’re just inches away.
Workers at the Clogau mine
Rock samples from the Clogau mine
Entrance to the Clogau mine today
DID YOU KNOW THAT WELSH GOLD HAS A ROYAL HERITAGE?
Welsh gold has been used by royalty since 1911 when it was used at the investiture of Prince Edward of Wales at Caernarfon Castle. The regalia used (which consisted of a coronet, a rod, a ring, a sword and a robe or mantle with doublet and sash) incorporated pure Welsh gold, identified by the Welsh dragon stamp. The regalia were later re-used at Prince Charles's investiture at Caernarfon Castle, in 1969.
The British Royal Family has been using pure Welsh gold to create their wedding rings since 1923. This tradition was founded by The Queen Mother, then Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, on her marriage to the Duke of York on 26th April, 1923.
Other members of the royal family to have Welsh gold wedding rings include Princess Anne (1973), the late Princess Diana (1981), Prince Charles (1981 & 2005), Camilla The Duchess of Cornwall (2005) and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge (2011). Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's very own weddin
From the end of last year, have a listen over the weekend, very interesting re Clogau
https://youtu.be/8w5s9SCipUc
Updated presentation, in case you missed it.
http://www.albamineralresources.com/ul/Alba%20Presentation%20-%20UK%20GOLD%20ASSETS%20(AUG%202020)%20FINAL.pdf
Yes, a lot more than just gold.................... http://www.albamineralresources.com/ul/Alba%20Presentation%20-%20Greenland%20(AUG%202020)%20FINAL.pdf
From last year, but worth a re-read
http://www.albamineralresources.com/ul/The%20Mail%20on%20Sunday%20241119%20.pdf
Worth another listen... http://www.albamineralresources.com/page.php?pID=35
Also the latest presentation re Clogau Gold http://www.albamineralresources.com/ul/Alba%20Presentation%20-%20UK%20GOLD%20ASSETS%20(AUG%202020)%20FINAL.pdf