Copper mining around Bunmahon goes back to around 1730, hence the name "Copper Coast".

Power for the mines was originally provided by a 40 foot waterwheel but in 1841 two steam engines were built, more were added later. The deepest shaft was over 1000 feet and the mine extended inland and under the sea. The mines were productive and profitable for many years, with high copper content, so that the Bunmahon ore fetched good prices. Eventually the veins were mined out, costs rose and income fell, until the mines went into deficit and closed down.
An attempt was made to reopen the mines in 1904 by the Bonmahon Copper Mines Development Syndicate but very little copper ore was produced compared to their heyday in the 1850s.

it is currently in the process of being restored.