Coal Mining in the Cynon Valley

The Cynon Valley has a proud and rich coal mining history that shaped not only the landscape but also the lives of its people. For generations, collieries were at the heart of our communities, providing jobs, building towns, and fueling the growth of South Wales and beyond. From the first deep coal mine at Abernant-y-groes Colliery in 1837 to the closure of Tower Colliery in 2008, our valley played a vital role in the story of Welsh coal mining.

At its height, the Cynon Valley was home to more than 50 collieries, from small family-run pits to large industrial sites like Bwllfa, Deep Duffryn, and Aberaman. Each mine has its own story to tell, and each played a part in building the vibrant communities we know today. Whether it was the long shifts underground, the camaraderie of the workers, or the challenges faced during strikes and closures, the legacy of coal mining is deeply woven into the fabric of the Cynon Valley.

This page is dedicated to capturing and preserving that heritage. Here, you’ll find the history of the valley’s collieries—when they were sunk, when they closed, and the stories that bring them to life. As we look back on our industrial past, we honour the resilience and strength of those who worked tirelessly to support their families and their communities.

Let this page serve as a reminder of where we’ve come from, as well as a celebration of the Cynon Valley’s enduring spirit.

Colliery NameFirst SinkingClosure DateAdditional notes
Abernant-y-groes Colliery18371896The first deep coal mine in the Cynon Valley. Pioneered industrial-scale mining in the area. See more on NMRS.org.uk.
Lletty Shenkin Colliery18431922Located in Cwmbach; later used for maintenance and as a secondary exit for Aberaman Colliery. More information is available here.
Bwllfa Colliery1853Late 1930sPlayed a significant role in industrial growth. Continued as a ventilation shaft and pumping station post-closure. See details on Coflein.gov.uk.
Cigarette Pits (1 & 2)18531900Located in Abernant; early contributors to coal output in the area.
Old Duffryn Colliery18501901Also known as Powell’s No. 1; a key employer in Cwmbach. More details on Welsh Coal Mines.
Gadlys Dare CollieryMid-1800s1902Known for its proximity to Aberdare; now commemorated through local landmarks.
De Winton CollieryMid-1800s1903Located near Aberdare Hospital; small-scale operation with local significance.
Tunnel Colliery1860s1904Contributed to the rapid industrialisation of Cwmbach.
George Colliery1860s1905Located in Cefn Pennar; named after a local figure or geographic feature.
Bute CollieryMid-1800s1906Based in Hirwaun; significant for its impact on the village’s development.
Little Pit1860s1908A small-scale operation contributing to local mining heritage in Cwmbach.
Forge Colliery1860s1910Served the Abernant region; named for its association with metallurgical processes.
Meadow Pit1860s1910Located near Garth Bridge in Aberaman; closed after being deemed uneconomical.
Abernant No. 9Late 1800s1910One of several Abernant-based mines contributing to coal production.
Duffryn Dare CollieryLate 1800s1910Known colloquially as “Ping Pong” due to operational peculiarities; based in Cwmdare.
Werfa Collieries (1 & 2)Late 1800s1910Served Abernant; integral to regional industrial output.
Treaman CollieryEarly 1900s1912Known as “Nicci Nacci”; distinctive local naming reflects cultural history.
Blaenhirwaun CollieryEarly 1900s1913Situated in Hirwaun; part of a cluster of productive mines in the region.
Miskin MineEarly 1900s1914Known as “Jaci Drw”; based in Miskin, reflecting the cultural naming conventions of the area.
Pwll y Afon CollieryEarly 1900s1915Located in Hirwaun; contributed to local employment and economic stability.
Aberdare Graig CollieryEarly 1900s1916Situated near Aberdare; emblematic of the valley’s reliance on coal.
Hirwaun Aberdare CollieryEarly 1900s1917Key employer in Hirwaun; operated during a period of peak demand.
Ysguborwen CollieryEarly 1900s1919Based in Llwydcoed; among the last collieries to open before the interwar decline.
Abergorki DriftEarly 1900s1921Established in Llwydcoed; instrumental in sustaining regional production post-WWI.
Tower Colliery18642008The last deep coal mine in the Cynon Valley. Closed and later reopened before finally ceasing operations. More details on Tower Colliery.

Sources for Further Reading:

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