Symbol of copper mining industry is restored

A RARE mountainside relic in West Cork that stands as a symbol to the copper mining industry internationally has been restored.

A 90-year-old geologist, engaged 50 years ago as a consultant at the Allihies mine, returned to the Beara Peninsula last night for the unveiling of a memorial plaque at the site of a Cornish Man Engine House.

Canadian Jim McCannell said it had been one of the biggest disappointments of his working life that the disused mines had not re-opened after he conducted a geological survey at the site between 1956-1961.