Phoenix United Mine

The Phoenix United Mine sits in Minions, a village in Linkinhorne, Cornwall, on the south-eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, roughly 5 miles north of Liskeard. At 300 meters above sea level, it's England's highest village, surrounded by natural wonders like the Hurlers stone circles and the Cheesewring rock formation, with nearby archaeological sites adding to its allure.

This mine was a hub for copper and tin, yielding minerals like chalcopyrite, chalcocite, covellite, cuprite, malachite, azurite, and cassiterite. A standout is Chalcosiderite, a type locality mineral first identified here, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts seeking unique specimens.

Set within Bodmin Moor, part of the Cornubian batholith, the mine is embedded in granite from the Permian period. The granite's intrusion into surrounding slates created hornfels, with Holocene peat deposits and blockfields adding to the geological tapestry.

Operations began in 1836 as Cornwall Great United Mines, struggled initially, and were revived in 1844 by James Seccombe as Phoenix Mine, later Phoenix United. It peaked in the 1850s for copper with 130 workers, transitioned to tin under William West in 1864 with up to 600 workers, and ceased by 1914, leaving a legacy of engine houses and spoil tips.

Minions, with its mining heritage, features a museum in a restored engine house and tearooms, embracing its name's connection to the Despicable Me franchise for tourism. The area is steeped in history, with stone circles and barrows like Rillaton, offering a blend of industrial and prehistoric charm.

The oceanic climate here is cooler, windier, and wetter due to elevation, with marshes, pastures, and heathlands. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Important Bird Area, home to species like European stonechats and Eurasian golden plovers, with water bodies like Dozmary Pool enhancing its ecological richness.