Mining for metals on the
Isle of Man probably began as early as the
Bronze Age. Early sites have been identified at
Langness and at
Bradda Head, where
copper could be seen outcropping in the cliffs. Snaefell Mine was situated at the eastern foot of
Snaefell; the mineral vein was originally discovered in the bed of a stream. The
mining sett was 567
acres (229 hectares) in area and was originally a portion of the Great Laxey Mining Company's property. In addition an adit level was driven north at a distance of 160 fathoms () to intersect with a very large east–west
lode, with another adit driven south to 70 fathoms. After a new working was opened at the 75 fathom () level in 1873, a substantial discovery of rich silver ore was made. Extraction of the ore had begun in 1856; the mine was originally worked by the Great Laxey Mining Company until 1864. The cost of extracting ore from the mine continued to plague operations, and in 1883, following continued financial difficulties, the Great Snaefell Mining Company also went into liquidation. The operation of the mine was then taken on by the newly formed
Snaefell Mining Company, which had been registered on 24 December 1883. The principal shareholders were essentially those of the previous company, who had taken advantage of a clause in the company's
articles which empowered the directors to sell their shares, to then have them re-sold to a third party, and then transferred to the original shareholders. A meeting of the shareholders was subsequently held; and the plan arranged was submitted to and adopted by the meeting. The difficulties of this arrangement were eventually overcome, and 6,000 more shares were issued. Miners had finished their shift on 8 May, and the mine was closed on 9 May. On Wednesday, what had by then become a recovery mission recommenced, consisting of Foxdale miners with a Snaefell miner working as pilot. ==Subsequent use==