A RARE chance to see a unique time capsule of a small mining site will be soon be available.
Kelly Mine, near Lustleigh, will be open to the public for the first time in two years on September 1.
Restored surface buildings, processing machinery and tramways illustrate how micaceous haematite, or ‘Shiny Ore’ as it is known, was extracted and processed.
The mine was first referenced in 1797 but archaeological investigation on the site has revealed evidence of much earlier iron smelting.
Finally closing in 1950, it lay dormant until the Kelly Mine Preservation Society leased on the site and laboriously restored it to a state it would have been in the 1920s.
The society holds an open day every two years offering tours of the site and demonstrates the processing of the ore.
Entry is free though donations are gratefully received. Light refreshments will be available.
More information on the society website www.kellymine.co.uk