Draethen Lead Mine is on a hill overlooking Lower Machen which is approximately one kilometre away. The surface and shaft lead workings are extensive. The mine has rock cut galleries that are associated with Roman pottery. In the main passage was a hearth associated with counterfeit coins of Tetricus I (AD 271-3) in various stages of production. Viking artifacts have also been found and the mine was worked until the middle of the nineteenth century. The site is currently heavily forested.

Bibliography:
Barker, P. P. & Mercer E. J. F. 2000. Geophysical survey carried out at Lower Machen, Newport, South Wales, Worcester: Stratascan unpublished report ref 1438/1.
Boon, G. C. 1971. Roman counterfeit coins from Monmouthshire and the Mendips, Antiquaries Journal 51, 311-2.
Giblin, J. 1999. Lower Machen, Archaeology in Wales 39, 106.
Nash-Williams, V. E. 1939x. A new Roman mining site at Lower Machen, Monmouthshire, Archaeologia Cambrensis 94, 108-10.
Nash-Williams, V. E. 1937-9. A new Roman mining site at Lower Machen, Monmouthshire, Bulletin Board of Celtic Studies l9, 375-8.
Tuck, W. & Tuck, J. P. 1965. Roman Mine, Bristol Exploration Club, Caving Report 15.

Edith Evans, GGAT, for Roman Frontiers in Wales volume.

& A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of South East Wales, AIA, 2003

Claire Parry, RCAHMW, 22 June 2011.