Changes that Have Occurred in Industry in South Wales Since 1800

Changes that Have Occurred in Industry in South Wales Since 1800

The main industries that South Wales were dependent on since 1800 were

mainly mining for coal, iron ore and limestone, manufacturing steel

and labour. The main areas and ports in South Wales where the main

industries were located were Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Ebbw Vale,

Merthyr Tydfil and Port Talbot. Coal was mined locally in valleys in

the large area between Ebbw Vale to Swansea. Iron ore was also mined

in the area from Ebbw Vale to Aberdare, Limestone was also found and

mined locally.

The steel industry in South Wales decided to relocate because there

was only one coal mine located in Tower Colliery. The only steelworks

were located in Port Talbot and Llanwern and it seemed like quite a

long way to bring the coal to the steelwork area. The area of South

Wales was well equipt with all of the materials needed to produce

steel easily, but then the area started to run out of some of the

supplies of coal, iron ore and limestone. It was then decided to ship

in these material from other countries to keep the steelworks from

closing down. 'Break of Bulk' location is used to describe the

situation where ships pass on there heavy load lorries. This is the

type of transportation that started to be used in South Wales.

'Intergrated Works' is where all the stages in the manufacture of

steel take place on the same site.

The steel industry site was located to Llanwen. This was a good idea

because this area is located near the M4 and so then the steel being

produced can easily be sent of to market in England. Llanwen is also

located near a port and so material are easily imported from other

countries.

The new relocation of the steelworks has had good and bad effects of

the natural environment, people and jobs. The air became cleaner

because the pollution was less concentrated compared to when the were

many coal, iron ore ans limestone mines.