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Blaenhirwaun Colliery.
At the end of the 19th century the Blaenhirwaun Anthracite Company Ltd sank two shafts near Cefneithin. The mine was adjacent to the Mynydd Mawr railway line, which ran down through the valley to the port of Llanelli. One of the shafts was over 200 meters deep and the pit worked 6 seams of coal, Green, Trichwart, Big vein, Stanllyd, Pumpquart and Gras.
Later in came under the ownership of S.R. Anthracite Collieries Ltd., who employed 413 at this colliery in 1918.
From a list 1923, there were 585 men employed, producing from the Green Vein, Big Vein and Stanllyd seams.
During the 1930's the New Blaenhirwaun Anthracite Collieries Ltd.became the owners.
The mine had a somewhat chequered life but was not affected to a great degree by blowers of methane gas. However, on September 6th, 1955 an explosion resulted in the death of 5 men.
Killed in the initial blast were; John Davies, Norris Howells, Thomas Richard Morris and William Henry Richards.
David Pennington died some weeks later of severe burns.
Thirteen other men were injured and some badly burnt.
Blaenhirwaun closed in 1962 with the workforce being the first to be transferred to the Cynheidre complex.