Stepping inside the historic Concentrator at Britannia Mine reveals the enormous scale of this remarkable industrial building. Rising through multiple levels, its interior is filled with old machinery, steel structures, wooden elements and narrow stairways that once connected the different stages of copper processing.
Inside the Concentrator
Each level of the Mill had a specific role in the processing of ore. Together, these floors formed a complex system that transformed material arriving from the mine into concentrated minerals.
Level 1 – Thickening Tanks
The ground floor contained platforms for the thickening tanks, an important part of the mineral-processing system.
Level 2 – Ball Mills
Large ball mills were positioned on concrete platforms on this level. These machines were used to grind ore into smaller particles for further processing.
Level 3 – Drag Classifiers
Wooden trough-like structures known as drag classifiers were used to separate crushed material according to particle size.
Level 4 – Stairways
A network of narrow and twisting stairways connected the various levels of the Concentrator, allowing workers to move throughout the enormous industrial structure.
Level 5 – Historic Windows
This level provides an interesting perspective on the architecture of the Mill and its large exterior windows. Historic images also document restoration work carried out on these features.
Level 6 – Ore Storage
From this level, visitors can look over the large storage bins that once held ore as it moved through different stages of processing.
A 360° Look at Industrial History
Historic panoramic photography provides a valuable record of spaces that are difficult to experience through ordinary photographs. These views help document the machinery, architecture and engineering of the Britannia Mine Concentrator, preserving a detailed visual record of its industrial past.