Kelly Mine Preservation Society |
Kelly Mine |
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Kelly Mine is a Dartmoor iron mine, situated on the eastern flank of the moor. Along with other Devon mines in the area, it produced micaceous haematite (shiny ore), a flaky form of iron oxide, mainly for use in the manufacture of MIO (micaceous iron oxide) anti-corrosion paints. The mine finally closed in 1951 and was taken over by the Society in 1984. Since then the mine has been refurbished and the processing plant restored to working order. The mill contains a Blackstone oil engine and a water turbine. Either can be used to power a set of Californian stamps, a screw classifier, the original compressor and the unique haulage winch. Outside are a pair of ore washing strip and a jigger. Also on site is the original miners dry, an inclined tramway to the lower adit and various other tramways. Adjacent to the road a stone building with working waterwheel houses the drying furnace, the ore packaging equipment and the blacksmiths shop. There is a shaft, inside and outside settling tanks, tramway wagons and many other items of interest from this and other local mines. |
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| Kelly Mine is open most Wednesdays
and Sundays, and visitors are welcome. There is
no access at other times. Kelly Mine is on the A382 between Bovey Tracey and Moretonhampstead at SX 795818 and, when open, the entrance is marked by a red traffic cone. Coming from Bovey Tracey it is on the right about 800 yds from Slade Cross and there is limited parking on the grass verge just beyond the mine entrance. From Moretonhampstead the mine is on the left about 500 yds from Kelly Cross. Alternatively park at the Trenchford Reservoir car park at SX 804824 and walk down the footpath through historic Bullaton Farm - about 3/4 mile. Dartmoor National Park organise guided walks which visit Kelly Mine starting from Trenchford Reservoir car park. These are currently on Sundays once a month during the summer. For details see the Dartmoor Visitor newspaper, call at an Information Centre or visit the Dartmoor NPA website. To arrange party visits in advance or for more information telephone Nick Walter on 01626 853127. Click here for a map
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