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Arsenic was a bi-product of metal mining in the South West. Once regarded as useless, the ore, arsenopyrite, was thrown away on the dumps. However, later, folllowing the copper crash of the 1860s and subsequent slow decline in the tin mining industry, it was realised that money could be made from the refining of the arsenopyrite to suppliment falling income. Thus, an important aspect of the mining industry was created. The ore was calcined (roasted) and the resultant soot in the form of crystals was further refined. This found use in the chemical industry and as a colourant with, for a while, an active overseas market in the States to eradicate the cotton boll weevil. There are currently many ruinous remains of this activity, notably around the mines of Botallack and Levant mines, together with inland mining sites such as Poldice.