Wheal Basset Stamps, Cornwall

Mining at Wheal Basset

Wheal Basset mine was a major producer of copper in the mid 19th century, producing more than 128 thousand tons between 1832 and 1880. Below the Copper, the tin deposits of the Great Flat Lode were discovered and these were worked until 1918 when the mine closed because of the fall in tin prices.

What happened at Wheal Basset Stamps

At this site, tin ore was crushed and concentrated prior to smelting. The stamps were vertical timber posts with iron heads weighing around 200-400Kgs. They were lifted and dropped onto the tin ore by a rotating axle, powered by a beam engine.

What you can see at Wheal Basset Stamps

The stamps can be seen extending in both directions directly beneath your feet. Behind you is the engine house which was unusual in containing two 30-inch cylinder rotative beam engines. The long, roofless building in front of you is the remains of the vanning house. Vanners were shaking conveyer belt machines used to separate heavier tin particles from waste.