Cligga


Copper and Tungsten Mine
Worked until 1962

Jan 1st, 2024 from RF by Buddle-Bot

Sep 16th, 2025 by aricooperdavis



Cornwall
Perranporth
50.3393936, -5.1777248
SW 7398 5366
Open Access
74m
#7,896


Primarily a wolframite (tungsten) mine. Situated along the cliff edge at Cligga Head, positioned just northeast of the greisen-sheet vein stockworks. Workings are extensive, with large stopes and substantial equipment left in situ.

Adjacent to these workings, at the same level, is a substantial dump filled with arsenopyrite, wolframite, iron, and copper minerals. However, it’s important to note that some of these dumps may originate from the Perran Great St George and Good Fortune mines, which also have workings further inland, west, and north of the airfield currently utilized by a glider club.



1920s 1940-1945 1962



Access to the mine itself is possible through the cliff portals at each of the three levels (top, middle, and bottom). The bottom level is accessible from the beach at the cliff foot (tide permitting). Access is also possible through a shaft at the surface. It is possible to navigate between levels internally. Top-to-middle level requires ropework, but middle-to-bottom level can be navigated without equipment.



Cligga is a popular location due to the relatively easy access and nearby parking, so the internal damage is considerable. Please treat this location with respect, and don’t add to the spray paint, litter, or mineral hunting devastation.



Publications (12)

  • (1923); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol I - Tungsten & Manganes Ores; 93 pages
  • (1943); Cligga, Rolls - Invoice; 1 pages
  • (1996); CATMHS - Newsletter 046; 28 pages
  • Dines, Henry George (1956); BGS - Regional Memoirs - Metalliferous Mining Region of South West England Vol1, The; 567 pages
  • Fellows, Roy; Cornwall Underground; 25 pages
  • NMRS; British Mining 19 - Memoirs 1980-1982; pp.55.
  • NMRS; British Mining 48 - Memoirs 1993; pp.60.
  • NMRS; Newsletter Aug/1982; pp.4.
  • NMRS; Newsletter May/1981; pp.5.
  • NMRS; Newsletter May/1994; pp.4.
  • NMRS; Newsletter Sep/1985; pp.4.
  • NMRS; Newsletter Sep/1987; pp.7.


formation inside cligga



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