Gwynedd Archaeological
Trust Regional Historic Environment Record
Mona Mine Kilns and Sublimation Chambers, Parys Mountain
Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 11495 Trust : Gwynedd Community : Amlwch Unitary authority : Ynys Mon NGR : SH446903 Site Type (preferred type first) : POST MEDIEVAL KILN Status : Scheduled Monument
Description : The rare example of a key element in the processing of non-ferrous metal ores, the calcining of copper. The Mona mine constitutes one of the sites which makes up the Mynydd Parys copper mining complex, the most productive copper mine in the world by the end of the 18th century. Calcining and sulphur sublimation was practised at Mona mine from before 1785. This was the process of roasting ore in heaps to remove sulphur or other impurities. The sulphur discharged was condensed into a fine yellow powder or 'sublimated' in long stone-built chambers, for use in the chemical and explosives industries. The kilns are visible as substantial craters where the ore has been removed, leaving a residue of pink stone. The scheduled area includes an explosives magazine, kilns and sublimation chambers together with their characteristic associated waste. <1>
