Parys Mountain, an ancient copper mine on the picturesque Isle of Anglesey, beckons thousands of tourists each year with its strikingly multi-hued ‘Martian’ landscape. Beautiful and strange, this unique site often draws comparisons to Arizona’s Painted Desert.
Famed for offering a spectacular panorama that delights walkers, sightseers, as well as geology and biodiversity buffs, the mountain’s historic ties to mining reach back to the Bronze Age. However, it was during the 1760s that Parys Mountain’s output peaked, leading to the region being dubbed the ‘Copper Kingdom’ and the overseer of the mines, Thomas Williams, earning the title ‘Copper King’.
While the mines have been inactive for the last century, modern mining companies hold out hope that vast reserves of copper, zinc, and even gold might still reside beneath the century-old workings. Estimates suggest upwards of 6 million tonnes of copper could still be buried under Parys Mountain, potentially ranking it among the largest untapped deposits in the UK.
The mining legacy is etched into the land, visible to tourists, with the quarry hewn from the earth by miners wielding picks, shovels and even gunpowder. A stroll along the level walk provides breathtaking views, where the vibrancy of mineral deposits creates a surreal martian landscape against the grandeur of Snowdonia’s backdrop.
Intriguingly, the mine is a haven for flora and fauna, with skylarks, meadow pitpits and choughs often spotted, and various plants that can withstand high concentrations of copper and zinc thriving in the area. A popular walk among visitors to Amlwch follows the coastline from Point Lynas to Amlwch Port, where the mined copper was shipped worldwide.
For a time, production from the enormous ore deposit at Parys Mountain swamped all other sources. Williams became extremely wealthy and politically influential and helped establish Wales and Britain as major suppliers of metals to the world market.
The son of farmers, Williams was investigated by Parliament because he effectively controlled the price of copper. Thomas showed great ability as a lawyer and his career developed rapidly as he was employed by prominent families to represent their interests in court cases.
When a vast copper deposit was found on the land of one of these families, Williams’ careful scheming over a number of years resulted in him controlling both the largest copper mines in the country.
By 1788, he controlled a huge proportion of the UK (and world) copper trade and in in that year he even petitioned Parliament against regulating the slave trade, saying the main aim of setting up his works had been to supply the slave trade.
Copper Kingdom, a museum dedicated to the history of the local mining industry, was set up in this port but has been shut for over a year. However, the Amlwch Industrial Heritage Trust is currently seeking potential seed funders to establish a new site for the museum on Parys Mountain itself.
Whether you’re after an easy stroll or a lengthy hike, Parys Mountain offers a range of walking routes, welcomes dogs and provides free on-site parking.
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