Mine

This primitive mine, exploiting a sedimentary copper-bed, is located close to the head of the Staigue river valley c. 500m SSE of Staigue fort (KE090-013001-). The working consists of a wide, shallow opening, c. 8m wide and 1.6m high, driven 115 degrees into a S facing rock scarp for a depth of 1.4m. The rock-face exhibits minor malachite smear mineralisation and a smooth concave profile which may indicate fire-setting extraction. The footwall is exposed only outside the working. A shallow infill at the mine entrance may conceal a small spoil-dump. A ruined stone wall is located SE of the mine (O’Brien 1987, 285-90). The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 261. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013