East Van Mine

In 1871 The East Van Mining Company was floated with a capital of £15,000 to work lead ore at Van near Llanidloes. They sank an engine shaft and eventually purchased a horizontal steam engine with a 24-inch diameter by 48-inch stroke cylinder to wind from the shaft. A 30 feet by 7 feet diameter boiler was supplied by the Sandycroft Foundry. It was first steamed in April 1872. Output was minimal and only 1880 saw production with only 21 tons of lead ore raised. This was after £90,000 had been subscribed to the company which was inevitably liquidated in 1882.

Today the remains of this ill-fated venture comprise the octagonal chimney, foundations of the engine house and boiler, a run-in shaft, and a small brick building which was probably an office and maybe also contained a blacksmith's shop.