The conservation of features of geological importance is essential as such sites are vital in the training of future geologists and as research resources. Although much degree-level geology is today taught indoors, it is a science which is still essentially specimen-based.

In 1996 I began the four-year Minescan project. This was commissioned by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and I undertook the project as a consultant to the National Museums and Galleries of Wales (NMGW). The project involved field assessments of over 1000 old mines and other mineralogical sites throughout Wales, and the data obtained permitted an objective ranking of the sites relative to one another. As a primary result, a comprehensive network of SSSI and RIGS sites was identified, representing all aspects of mineralisation and metallogenesis in Wales. These sites have a real chance of survival as future scientific resources. The Minescan reports and databases are available by arrangement through regional CCW offices. A look at Wales' mineral sites may be had by clicking HERE. Central Wales RIGS group's website is HERE.