Silvermines, historically known as Bellagowan[2] (Irish: Béal Átha Gabhann), is a village in County Tipperary in Ireland.
It lies immediately north of the Silvermine mountain range and takes its name from the extensive mines of lead, zinc, copper, baryte and silver nearby.
The Magcobar mine closed in September 1992, and its extensive spoil heaps are a prominent local landmark, visible for miles.
[4] The Old Smelting House, now a ruin, is listed as a protected structure by Tipperary County Council (RPS Ref S477).
[5] Recently, the area has come to media attention as the integrity of the village's water supply was threatened by pollution from the tailings left behind at the mine.