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 Name | First Sinking | Closure Date | Additional notes |
---|---|---|---|
Abernant-y-groes Colliery | 1837 | 1896 | The first deep coal mine in the Cynon Valley. Pioneered industrial-scale mining in the area. See more on NMRS.org.uk. |
Lletty Shenkin Colliery | 1843 | 1922 | Located in Cwmbach; later used for maintenance and as a secondary exit for Aberaman Colliery. More information is available here. |
Bwllfa Colliery | 1853 | Late 1930s | Played 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) | 1853 | 1900 | Located in Abernant; early contributors to coal output in the area. |
Old Duffryn Colliery | 1850 | 1901 | Also known as Powell’s No. 1; a key employer in Cwmbach. More details on Welsh Coal Mines. |
Gadlys Dare Colliery | Mid-1800s | 1902 | Known for its proximity to Aberdare; now commemorated through local landmarks. |
De Winton Colliery | Mid-1800s | 1903 | Located near Aberdare Hospital; small-scale operation with local significance. |
Tunnel Colliery | 1860s | 1904 | Contributed to the rapid industrialisation of Cwmbach. |
George Colliery | 1860s | 1905 | Located in Cefn Pennar; named after a local figure or geographic feature. |
Bute Colliery | Mid-1800s | 1906 | Based in Hirwaun; significant for its impact on the village’s development. |
Little Pit | 1860s | 1908 | A small-scale operation contributing to local mining heritage in Cwmbach. |
Forge Colliery | 1860s | 1910 | Served the Abernant region; named for its association with metallurgical processes. |
Meadow Pit | 1860s | 1910 | Located near Garth Bridge in Aberaman; closed after being deemed uneconomical. |
Abernant No. 9 | Late 1800s | 1910 | One of several Abernant-based mines contributing to coal production. |
Duffryn Dare Colliery | Late 1800s | 1910 | Known colloquially as “Ping Pong” due to operational peculiarities; based in Cwmdare. |
Werfa Collieries (1 & 2) | Late 1800s | 1910 | Served Abernant; integral to regional industrial output. |
Treaman Colliery | Early 1900s | 1912 | Known as “Nicci Nacci”; distinctive local naming reflects cultural history. |
Blaenhirwaun Colliery | Early 1900s | 1913 | Situated in Hirwaun; part of a cluster of productive mines in the region. |
Miskin Mine | Early 1900s | 1914 | Known as “Jaci Drw”; based in Miskin, reflecting the cultural naming conventions of the area. |
Pwll y Afon Colliery | Early 1900s | 1915 | Located in Hirwaun; contributed to local employment and economic stability. |
Aberdare Graig Colliery | Early 1900s | 1916 | Situated near Aberdare; emblematic of the valley’s reliance on coal. |
Hirwaun Aberdare Colliery | Early 1900s | 1917 | Key employer in Hirwaun; operated during a period of peak demand. |
Ysguborwen Colliery | Early 1900s | 1919 | Based in Llwydcoed; among the last collieries to open before the interwar decline. |
Abergorki Drift | Early 1900s | 1921 | Established in Llwydcoed; instrumental in sustaining regional production post-WWI. |
Tower Colliery | 1864 | 2008 | The last deep coal mine in the Cynon Valley. Closed and later reopened before finally ceasing operations. More details on Tower Colliery. |