SMELTING

Smelter During the process the percentage of pure tin increases dramatically, although the layman would probably notice very little difference between the sand in the Ore Shed and the final concentrate. All that remains now is for this 'black tin' to be converted into metal by smelting. In 1986 it was sent to Capper Pass in Yorkshire, but in the 19th century there were many smelting houses in Cornwall, all distinguished by their tall square chimneys. Each house had its own mark (very often the lamb and flag, an early symbol of purity), which was pressed on to the molten ingots to show they had been properly assayed and the duty to the Duchy of Cornwall paid. This was known as 'coining'. One of the oldest known metals, tin was for centuries used in bronze for armour and guns, in pewter and bell metal. Today its application is mainly in alloys and compounds, and it is of vital importance in the steel and aerospace industries

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance given to Tolgus by the The Cornish Gold Centre

Tolgus Tin (Cornwall) Ltd., New Portreath Road. Redruth. © Tolgus 1980.
History of Tolgus Stream Tin & Lode Tin Management & Workers 12-headed Cornish Stamp Sulpher & Arsenic Waste Disposal.
Water Power The Sand House The Slime Plant. Assaying. Smelting Trevithick Trust
TOLGUS Tin streaming at Redruth