Slate in Gwynedd

摘要

An overview of slate working in Nantlle Valley (including Trosglwyn Tip) was considered by Gwynedd Council in May prior to an application for removal of material from the Tip. Slate and slate waste deposits have long been worked in and around the Nantlle Valley. The last major slate producer, Dorothea Quarry, closed in the early 1970s. The valley is distinguished by numerous slate waste tips and by some relatively rare green slate deposits. Pen yr Orsedd Quarry is producing crushed green slate and mineral fill material (see Mineral Planning 91 p.21). Slate production in Nantlle is influenced by local demand for construction fill material, the general scarcity and premium price of green slate, and the expansion of the decorative garden slate market. Introduction of the aggregates levy has fuelled on-going local demand for fill as slate waste is exempt. There is also a steady but static commercial demand for green slate waste for roofing felt. The most recent market development is for decorative garden slate in block or crushed form; demand appears to be significant and expanding.