Author: nwmines

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!)

Bwlch y Plwm Bridge Fixed

Bwlch y Plwm Bridge Fixed

nwmines

A few weeks (maybe months!!) ago we had reports that the bridge in Bwlch y Plwm (top of the stope) was dead…

Good news it its now been fixed! The new bridge has yet to be secured to the floor so please be careful if you’re using it (the exit at that level was flooded when we looked at it last week (19th Oct, 2022). We’ll look to bolt/tie it down soon. There’s also no mesh on the top so it may become slippery over time; we’ll need to monitor this and sort it out if it’s problematic. Please do let us know!

Rhiwbach update

Rhiwbach update

nwmines

For those using Rhiwbach, you’re likely to be aware of some areas of concern highlighted last month (notices were placed at the entrance to the mine).

This area does not appear to have changed in over a month. Those buying into the inspection scheme have been issued an update on the area today. Please check in with whoever you’re working for to ensure you’re aware of the update.

Please continue to report any changes immediately via the mine reports email group