Esgairhir and Esgairfraith (NPRN 32977) are two lead mines to the north of Nant-y-Moch reservoir that were worked by the landowner Sir Carberry Pryse from 1689. There were several shafts including one for copper. A shaft on the northern slopes was pumped by a half-mile long run of flat-rods. The mines went into liquidation in 1882.

The Ordnance Survey County Series map for Cardiganshire, dated 1887, (sheet number IV, 3) shows the mines are names as Cambrian Lead Works (Esgairhir) and Cambrian Copper Works (Esgair Fraith). In 1984 the site was recorded as still having a standing engine house (NPRN 33839) with wheel pits, dressing floors and tramroad embankments. There is evidence of early workings.

Claire Parry, RCAHMW, 3 June 2011.

SOURCE: Association for Industrial Archaeology: A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of Mid-Wales, 1984