HISTORY | THE MILL

>>Visit a virtual exhibit on the Mill at www.theconcentrator.ca

The Importance of the Mill

The Mill -- also known as the Concentrator -- is the last remaining example of the gravity-fed concentrator mills that characterized hard rock mining operations in the Canada. Mining, along with other resource based economic activity, was very important in building the early economy of Canada.

Its primary function was to separate the waste rock (tailings) from the precious ore (Chalcopyrite, an ore of Copper). The ore was crushed from the size of beach balls to the consistency of flower by moving through the different levels of the building with the use of gravity. The design was highly innovative at the time of its construction, in particular in the development of the separation process of froth flotation.

To learn more about the Concentration process please view The Concentrating Process

The Concentrator holds many important values; not only for the museum but also for the communities we serve.

The Mill represented the health of the communities of Britannia Beach and The Townsite (Mt.Sheer).
The Mill was the economic heartbeat of the community of Britannia Beach that processed over 50 million tonnes of ore during its 50 years of operations.

The Mill holds a legacy of knowledge for today's students.
The Mill is one of the last gravity fed mills left in North America; it was a feat of engineering and architecture at the time of its construction in 1922. The information that its structure contains is still very significant to students learning architecture and engineering today

The Mill is a reflection of Britannia Beach itself.
The Mill has always been a poignant reflection of Britannia Beach. As we move into a new exciting chapter for the community, most importantly the successful environmental clean up and The Britannia Project, the refurbished Concentrator will be a reminder to Britannia's important past and vibrant future.

The Mill is an essential element of the historical Howe Sound view.
There are 1,194 windows and 18,792 panes, each one adding to the commanding presence The Mill extends over the landscape of Howe Sound since 1922.

The Mill soon will also be accessible in an exciting online exhibit. The BC Museum of Mining has been granted funding from the Federal program, Virtual Museums of Canada to feature The Mill in an online, interactive format. With interesting stories and animations, this virtual exhibit will strive to present the mill in an entertaining and educational approach.