Mining cliffscape of Trewavas and Wheal Prosper mines

The detached coastal enclave in the south of the Tregonning Area contains some important remains that mark the sites of old undersea copper mines.
 

Wheal Trewavas (1838, Scheduled Monument, Listed Grade II). The cliff-side engine houses, shafts and capstan platform are amongst the most spectacular in their situation. Wheal Trewavas is situated on the clifftop to the east of Trewavas Head.
 
Wheal Trewavas was a short-lived, though productive, mine documented as beginning production in or just before 1834 and ceasing by mid-1846 when the workings beneath the sea were flooded. The most westerly of the two main shafts, Old Engine Shaft, was active by 1834; the other, New Engine, in 1836. (In 1879 limited exploration of the east part of the area took place). The mine exploited four copper lodes and one bearing tin, trending south east - north west across the coastline. Its underground levels extend beneath the sea, where rich copper ore was found. On the land are earthworks and structures for obtaining ore through shafts and adits (sloping tunnels), and dressing or preparing it for smelting.

Wheal Prosper mine was opened in about 1860 produced tin and copper. The 30" pumping engine house was erected on the Engine Shaft of Wheal Prosper mine around 1860. Its associated shaft has been filled in. It is constructed of granite rubble with larger stones as quoins. Window lintels are of wood throughout. The whole structure, including the chimney stack is in excellent condition. The engine house is on a vantage point of the coastal footpath and is featured in several guide books. The cliff-slope engine house was acquired by the National Trust in 1969 and consolidated during 1970/71.