Copper mining and the Allihies area of west Cork have been synonymous for thousands of years. The Illustrated Archaeology of Ireland records that radiocarbon dating of the Mount Gabriel Mine on the Mizen Peninsula suggested it was being worked between 1700 and 1500 BC, making it the oldest copper mine in north-west Europe.
More recently, the copper mine above the village of Allihies was worked up to 1880 when it closed.
The local copper miners then emigrated with their skills to the mines of Michigan and Butte, Montana, where their presence and influence has been well documented.
In Allihies, they left behind what is known as a man engine house, basically a sophisticated winch with steps which allowed miners to travel 2,000 feet down into the bowels of the mine and back up again after their shift was over.
The Cornish-designed winch was a big improvement, even if working conditions were still barbarous. Now the Mine Heritage Trust of Ireland wants to restore and preserve the man engine house for posterity.
Mr John Morris of the trust says that plans to begin the project were stymied by the foot-and-mouth scare when members were unable to travel to Allihies to begin surveying the mine which is on land that has passed into common-age used by sheep farmers. There is nothing in Ireland like this man engine house, he says; it is one of only 20 in the world and the best example extant.
A grant from the Heritage Council to facilitate the work, was unable to be taken up because of the foot-and-mouth restrictions but it is hoped this will become available again. Cork County Council will also provide funds.
Today Mr Morris will travel to Allihies to begin the trust's work afresh now that the all-clear has been given.
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