Penallta Colliery

Situated near Hengoed, the sinking of Penallta colliery began in 1906 by the Powell Duffryn Company. In 1908 there were 291 men employed. The two shafts Nos.1 (downcast) and 2 (upcast) were 783 and 750 yards deep respectively.
The first coal was raised in 1909 and it was considered one of the most advanced collieries of this period using up-to-date coal cutting machinery.
In 1923 there were 2,395 men employed, producing from the Six Feet seam.
At its peak there were over 3,200 men employed here and by the year 1935 it held the European record for coal production.
Powell Duffryn maintained the ownership of this colliery until Nationalisation in 1947 when at this time there were 1,920 men employed.
In the late 1940's the Meco-Moore Cutter Loader was installed, one of the first power loaders to be used in British mines.
During 1960 the shafts were extended to reach 800 yards as part of a scheme, which also included electrification of the shaft winding engines.
In the mid 1970's 700 men were producing 210,000 tons yearly from the Lower Nine Feet and Seven Feet seams.
The last shift led by a brass band left Penallta on November 1st 1991.
Much of the land occupied by Penallta colliery now forms a Business Park,

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This photograph is by Anthony and was uploaded January 4^th 2009. © Anthony please do not copy or distribute without prior express permission.

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