I used to live a few miles from Van and used to knock around there for my own interest and for professional reasons. I did have access to various consultant's documents (including reports from Simon Hughes). These may be on record with Powys CC. There was a lot of remediation carried out, as at the time the Afon Cerist was one of the most polluted watercourses in Mid Wales. It was just mine spoil, the area had been used as a tip for other wastes. IIRC there was a story that the wastes from Aberystwyth's gasworks had been dumped there. The main adit is on private land and is inaccessible, with a culvert carrying the discharge. The large portal that everyone assumes is the entrance is in fact the loading bay for the rail link.

Hi, I think it was me asking a long time ago. I live there and I have explored the area quite extensively since asking and uploaded a pic or two.

I have just ordered the book that Llani Graham mentions and I would be interested in making some contact to ask about the history if that is OK. Also there are some workings in the woods if anyone has any info on what they are and where they lead please?