In 1846 William Lefeaux was fortunate enough to discover a rich lead orebody close to the surface at Pen-y-Clyn in about 1846. This did not persist in depth but work appears to have continued on and off here until at least 1869. It has been suggested that this was also known as West Van Mine.

The tiny engine house at Pen-y-Clyn Mine seems to have little information available about its history. David Bick suggested that it was erected c1863 and contained a rotative Cornish Engine of c20" cylinder. The buildings here have been subject to some restoration and consolidation by the Welsh Mines Preservation Trust.