Thomas Bowen started mining operations in Ffosfach shortly after being granted coal leases and was shipping coal by 1752. He worked coal seams in the Pencoed and Ffosfach areas of Bynea using a water engine. A tramroad linked the Ffosfach and Genwen pits to Spitty Bank, from where coal was exported to London.

References:
Llanelli-history online
History of Carmarthenshire Vol II.

RCAHMW, 2009.