Author: nwmines

Bwlch y Plwm Ropes

Bwlch y Plwm Ropes

nwmines

For info the frayed section of rope on the lower level traverse (the one around the water) within Bwlch y Plwm has been re-positioned so the frayed section has been taken out. This has been done with the spare rope left at the start of the traverse so any further damage will require a new piece of rope putting in. We can look to build that into next years plans as that whole section is getting on a bit.

In addition a 10m length of rope (details below) has been put in place replacing the first section of the Vertical Leader traverse across the top of the stope (see photo). This is for staff only who should be rigging their own ropes for group members to comply will the applicable regs. Note the ropes dated March 2025 (not Dec 2025 when it was placed).

I’ve tried to rig the new ropes/ sections close to anchors to reduce the need to move clips and where possible added some rope protectors but as ever instructors need to be vigilant.

Rope details here:

The rope is an DMM Worksafe 11mm. 

Manufactured: September 2024

Serial Number: 24/09-008159

Rhiwbach BAs

Rhiwbach BAs

nwmines

Last month Ed dropped off a batch of new BAs to replace some of the more tired looking or retired ones. I’ve just updated the list of BAs which can be downloaded here, or viewed from the mine reports website.

I’ll pop a hard copy in the mine in the coming days.

Rhiwbach Buoyancy Aid Log sheets_November25Download
Rhiwbach Traverse Pool Rope Replaced

Rhiwbach Traverse Pool Rope Replaced

nwmines

The rope reported as being damaged around the traverse pool on the adit level to Rhiwbach (technically floor 2) has been replaced. The new rope is labeled as being installed in March 2025, this being the purchase date.

The rope was originally cut into 2 lengths, one 10m, the other 32m. The longer length has been used to traverse the pool with the shorter length at the relatively recently bolted lead in section where the two ropes are attached as close to an anchor as possible (see photos).

Being recently installed the knots may need adjusting and so users should use the traverse with care until the rope and knots have settled. There’s at meter or two of spare rope at the far end of the traverse so should a section be damaged again it could be isolated rather than an additional rope rigged over it. Please do let us know if it gets damaged again via the email group.

The rope is an DMM Worksafe 11mm.

Manufactured: September 2024

Serial Number: 24/09-008159

Wrysgan Handline Rope Replaced

Wrysgan Handline Rope Replaced

nwmines

The rope fixed for leaders to use when ascending the slab from floor 2 to 3 within Wrysgan has been replaced, it showing significant damage.

The rope installed is 32m of DMM Worksafe 11mm, manufactured September 2024.

As a reminder this rope is not inspected every 6 months within LOLER regulations, and so should not be used in any PPE capacity. Leaders should not be using any part of the fixed rope as part of their life lining system, rather rigging directly to either the anchors or large boulder as appropriate. If knotting the fixed rope please ensure all knots are removed following use as this appears to have been the cause of the damage.

Please ensure any damaged ropes are reported to info (at) nwminereports.co.uk.

    • Mine Inspections Completed (2025)

    Mine Inspections Completed (2025)

    nwmines

    This years mine inspections (2025) are now completed. There’s nothing urgent to report to users folioing the inspections.

    Invoices will go out shortly to those who bought into the inspections last year, currently it’s looking like the overall cost of the reports will be similar to last year.

    If any of your details have changed, such as e-mail addresses for those to access the reports via Google Drive, or be included in the mine reports email group please click here (https://forms.gle/fBTN56XkSGWCrBHKA) to fill in an application form.

    Thanks again to those who helped out this year,

    Gethin, Ed & Phil

    This years mine inspections (2025)

    This years mine inspections (2025)

    nwmines

    Hello all,

    Quick heads up that this years mine inspections will take place week commencing the 17th of March. We’re drawing up a plan for the inspections which this year will include Fish Caves, Rhiwbach, Wrysgan, Bwlch y Plwm, Cwmorthin, and Minllyn. We may also look at a new venue in the Nantlle Valley.

    If any of the mines inspected in request require another look please let us know ASAP!

    We’ll also look to complete a buoyancy aid inspection in Rhiwbach during this week.

    There may be limited opportunities to accompany the mines engineer. If you’re interested get in touch.

    Gethin, Ed & Phil

    Users Meeting: 9th June 2023. 10:30am

    Users Meeting: 9th June 2023. 10:30am

    nwmines

    Apologies all; this post didn’t go live when it should have so late notice to say the least but…

    Hopefully people are aware that we’ve a users meeting planned for 10:30am (no earlier!!) at Plas Dol y Moch (https://goo.gl/maps/PjR8rm38VRcAJV5p7) Friday the 9th June to discuss the use of the mines within the LCMLA scheme. The plan for the day is to provide people an opportunity to discuss any issues with the mines and to update users on some of the outcomes from this years inspections which will have an impact on many of us.

    Following the meeting the hope is to have a working party head up to Wrysgan Slate mine to complete some of the works we’ve been asked to do. This is basically building up some wall barriers so underground kit and gloves are recommended.

    See you all tomorrow,

    Gethin, Ed & Phil.

    Bwlch y Plwm Rope Replaced

    nwmines

    80m of rope has been put instu within Bwlch y Plwm to replace the damaged rope reported earlier this year. Some additional anchors have also gone in to hopefully reduce the rub points although some sections have clear plastic tubing over the rope to protect it.

    We’ve also left about 2m of rope either end of the traverse so should a section be damaged we’re spare rope to cut out damaged sections (please don’t trim it!)