Blond metal is a traditional term for a specific type of clay-rich iron ore historically mined in British coalfields. It was highly valued for producing tough, workable iron suitable for forging everyday implements like nails, axes, and horseshoes. The ore typically occurred in nodules or bands within the coal measures and was extracted alongside the coal seams.
Heard on the job
The old records show this pit was primarily sunk to extract blond metal for the local nail-making trade.