My wife's forebear, one Robert Barker, was a Mining Engineer at Greenside Lead Mine from about 1755 to 1763. He married a local Ann Dobson in 1757, and had two sons (John 1758) and (Thomas 1760), before moving to Leadhills lead mine near Sanquhar, in Dumfries-shire where he was a Mine Superintendent. He was originally from Derbyshire.
It appears likely that he was involved in some capacity with Anthony Tissington of Derbyshire (1703-1779) who was a major player in mineral exploration / exploitation in the 18th Century. Tissington was made a Fellow of the Royal Society and was very well acquainted with Benjamin Franklin.
The moves from Derbyshire to Westmorland to Dumfries-shire are likely to have reflected technological changes with moves to Cupola furnaces using coal (rather than charcoal) in the first half of the century, and the use of steam driven (rather than water) pumping engines in the 2nd half of the century. (I have correspondence between Robert's son John and James Watt jnr (of Boulton and Watt) regarding pumps for the Leadhills mines).
I am currently researching Robert Barker's background and would welcome any information that other members might have about the Greenside mine in c 1750. e.g. who was the mine owner - possibly Duke of Norfolk, possibly John Mounsey, "King of Patterdale".