The St Just Peninsula was one of the most important mining areas in Cornwall. In the 19th century it was second only to the Central Mining District in total copper and tin production, which also reflected the number of women and girls employed at the mines there. This booklet gives glimpses of the lives of the bal maidens, from the late 18th century up until the second World War. Approximate numbers employed are given over time, as well as descriptions of their tasks and working environment. There is a dedicated chapter on the women and girls who worked at Levant Mine in he parish of St Just, and Ding Dong Mine on the boundary of the parishes of Madron and Gulval.