Copper in Ancient India c12.17

c12.17

Sites of old copper mines have also been discovered in the adjoining district of Ghorwal some of which are still being worked. They are more extensive and are said to have borne a higher reputation than those of Kumaun. Amongst other places the copper mines of Dhanpur, Dhobri, Agor Sera and Pokri are the most well-known in the district. Regarding Dhobri mines, Mr. Barratt gives the following description of one of these mines¹—"The incline dipped with the ore from the outcrop on the mountain side at an angle of 10° south west. The seam of ore, for it does not appear to be a true load, was 2 ft. thick and was rich in copper pyrites and purple copper. The pyrites is said to contain 25% of copper." Mr. Barratt was of opinion that this mine with proper system could be worked profitably. "To the west of the village there are several deserted mines, the custom of the miners having been to open a new mine on the outcrop when the passages in the old ones become too intricate." Regarding Agar Sera mines "There are old mines which appear to be not much worked, owing to their depth and the badness of the ventilation." As regards Pokhri mines "This locality is in the centre of a group of mines bearing the following names: Chaumathija, Raja's Nota, Thala, Danda, Talapungla and Khorua. These mines were worked in early periods by the Gārhwal Rajas and subsequently by the Gurkhas"