| Site Description |
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 | | Dechomet iron mine, south of Dromara, Co.Down, May 1997. |
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| Highlights: |
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| Hematite cement in spoil of former mine, of historical interest. |
| Introduction: |
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| Deehommed Mountain and Townland (pronounced ‘Dechomet’) are located 8km southwest of Dromara at the western end of the Slieve Croob range of hills. On the northern flank of the hill, 0.5km west of the Ringsend crossroads, is the site of an iron mine trial from which 3000 tons of ore were raised in 1874 (Cole, 1922, p.76-77). According to Cole, the ore was valued at £1800 but apparently not put on the market, and no returns were given for 1875. Evidently no development was undertaken although Cole says that ‘the spot has often been visited by prospectors’ and ‘the extent of the ore cannot be estimated until systematic opening-up has been undertaken’. According to an historical article by Peter McNeill (unpublished manuscript dated 15th March 1996), mining started in 1872 and lasted for three years, with ore being taken to Dundrum by traction engine. The mine was closed due to high royalties demanded by the landlord and difficulties in transportation of the ore. Attempts were made to re-open the mine in 1900 and again in 1937-1940. These revealed an old shaft and 2m-wide adit extending c.70m under the road to the south (orientation N20°W). A new shaft about 40 feet (12m) deep was sunk by a team of 6 miners in very wet, unpleasant conditions but apparently little good ore was produced. |
| There seems to have been much debate about the quality of the ore, which according to early company reports was over 51% iron, but according to a government report the seam was only 3 to 5 inches thick and the ore was of low grade. |
| Description: |
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| The shafts are located on the northeast bank of the stream (a tributary of the River Bann) c.80m NE of the gate giving access to the field at the crossroads. Red-coloured spoil material is conspicuous in the stream banks. This appears to be hematite-stained hornfels and shale. No solid hematite or other minerals were observed in the spoil material. |
| Interpretation: |
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| Geologically, the site is located within the metamorphic aureole of the Newry Granodiorite Complex, and the mineralization may be related to hydrothermal circulation following this intrusion in the Devonian, or possibly associated with faulting in the Triassic. |
| Conclusions: |
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| Conservation of the site is recommended. |
| Notes: |
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| No Notes |