Wales has a large region rich in coal deposits.
 As the South Wales coalfield was exploited, Cardiff, Swansea, Penarth and Barry grew as world exporters of coal
 In the north, John Wilkinson's Ironworks at Bersham was a major centre, while in the south, at Merthyr Tydfil, the ironworks of Dowlais, Cyfarthfa, Plymouth and Penydarren became the most significant hub of iron manufacture in Wales

