Forged from the earth : how subterranean resources shaped the lives and culture of South Wales

This article explores the enduring significance of subterranean resources (e.g. coal and iron ore) in shaping the identity, culture, and resilience of communities in South Wales. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, it highlights how the region's industrial heritage, particularly its mining and steel production, has left a lasting imprint on the social fabric. As deindustrialisation continues, including the recent closure of blast furnaces in Port Talbot, residents navigate the loss of economic security and the erosion of their material connection to the land. Yet, this process is met with both mourning and adaptation. Through narratives of pride, solidarity, and memory, communities reassert their identity and seek new ways of reconnecting with the land, including grassroots initiatives that renew bonds with place and environment. The article reflects on how these human-material relationships can inform more just and sustainable futures in post-industrial regions.