Description by ICLOK
Apedale mine was located at Chesterton west of Newcastle-under-Lyme. It was operated by The Holditch Mine Company up to nationalisation in Jan 1947. It remained part of the NCB until November 1969. Latter owners were Hampton Gold Mining Areas Ltd from 1971 to 1976 and finally Great Row Colliery Co Ltd until 1994, thereafter followed a management buy out known as the Aurora Mining Ltd until closure on the 28th August 1998. During the 1980's 7 drifts were in operation and the mine was the biggest private concern in operation in the uk.
The Aurora Co made significant rationalisations to the site operating from 3 drifts only.