Tomnadashan—A re-examination of a 19th century copper mining and smelting operation in Perthshire, Scotland
Abstract
This article presents an account of the efforts made by the 5th Earl of Breadalbane to develop a copper mining property during the mid-19th century on his Perthshire estate. During the twenty years from 1840, pyritic and copper-bearing ores of varying grade were produced. Following this period, limited amounts of sulphuric acid, phosphate fertilizer and copper matte were produced, but despite the high calibre of the consultants hired by the Earl, the operation made a heavy financial loss. Analysis of slag remaining by the shore of Loch Tay has permitted a description of the metallurgical process used, while by matching the information from the Breadalbane archives to the visible remains of the plant, the author offers an interpretation of the mining and manufacturing site as it exists today.
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