nwmines

Rhiwbach Buoyancy Aids

December 17, 2017May 3, 2021nwmines

We’ve introduced a periodic inspection regime for the BAs in Rhiwbach, with a log of the inspections held on a red clipboard in the mine.

Illustrations of the cover sheet, log pages (blank and following first entries) and numbered/marked BAs are here

BAs Number/Size

File Cover

Checked Dec 2017

Could staff using the mine please make sure any defective BAs are removed from the mine given there’s no secure “isolation” bin for any found to be damaged. Please also let us know if you do remove any BAs so we can make sure we keep enough in stock either through the contact us part of this site or through the email group.

Here’s a video outlining the method used to float test a sample of the BAs. 2 older BAs were tested, both exceeded standard rated on the BA.

This system may well evolve based on feedback from users so feel free to get in touch if you think the system is not robust enough.

Rhiwbach Access

September 14, 2017April 19, 2021nwmines

Hi All,

Can all instructors please do their best to pick up any rubbish found on the paths to and from Rhiwbach, avoid toileting in obvious places (and pick up any toilet paper left behind), as well as stick to the main path leading down from the mine to avoid further erosion to the paths.

More info has been passed onto those buying into the scheme.

Thanks

Gethin

Rhiwbach Brow

August 5, 2017April 19, 2021nwmines

Following some recent observations and comments about the brow in Rhiwbach the GB team have been up to have another close look at the tell-tale paint marks.

There’s been the suggestion that small bits of the paint has been flaking off as it’s dried, rather than there been any movement in the main body of the brow. To try and resolve this the GB team re-painted the cracks and have provided the following photos.

Users may find it useful to print out a few of these photos so they can check for any changes.

Gethin

Rhiwbach Update

July 5, 2017April 19, 2021nwmines

I’ve just picked up a report of possible cracks in the paint marking the suspect rock in the roof of the boating chamber.

If you’re heading in can you let us know your thoughts.

Attached is a photo of the original painting.

Gethin

Latest mine reports available

May 4, 2017April 19, 2021nwmines

The latest set of mine reports are now available to those who are buying into this years scheme.

As with previous years the reports are only accessible to those who have bought into the scheme, if you’re working for a provider they should be providing you with access to the reports.

Gethin

Rhiwbach Gate Code Change

March 29, 2017April 19, 2021nwmines

Just a heads up that the code for Rhiwbach will change tomorrow (30th March 2017) with the replacement of the damaged locks.

Those buying into the mine inspection scheme and CAL (Cave Access Ltd) have been given the new code.

Inspection (Wrysgan and Geironydd) update, March 2017

March 28, 2017May 3, 2021nwmines

Inspections are going well. Today we looked at Wrysgan and the Geironydd trials.

There was very little of concern in both, however our mine engineer has suggested we monitor the brow of the adit that leads outside on floor 5 of the mine (the wet way out) as there looked to be some blocks that look like they may fall at some point, although there’s no evidence of a fall on the floor. This is the exit directly next to the eased block that fell several years ago (photo attached) directly above the solid ladder, and potentially somewhere groups may gather having scrambled up the ladder.

Also within Geironydd the frequently used trial (opposite the waterfall that drops into a short adit) had several bats in the back of the stope. There is a circular route that follows the back of the stope around several timbers and drops down via a short slide/slab. It may be prudent to avoid that section of mine in the Winter as the bats are hibernating.

Rhiwbach Update (and gate code change)

March 22, 2017April 19, 2021nwmines

Work has continued today to get the steel carried into the mine in place (thanks again to the Go Below staff for the work).

However we could do with some help on Saturday morning (10:30am at the Cwm car park) shifting more stuff into he mine (including a second boat).

Please get in touch if you’re able to help.

Also during the mine inspection week, on Thursday the 30th of March, the gate locks will be replaced with new, and the code changed. Contact whoever you’re working for to get the code.

Gethin

Mine Inspection Week

March 22, 2017April 19, 2021nwmines

This years round of inspections will start on Monday the 27th of March.

Here’s an outline of the weeks inspections:

Monday 27th. AM: Gaewern. PM Minllyn.
Tuesday 28th. AM: Wrysgan. PM: Gerinonydd Trials.
Wednesday 29th. Cwmorthin (all day).
Thursday 30th. AM: Rhiwbach. PM: Bwlch y Plwm.
Friday 31st. AM: Llanberis Tunnels. PM: Fish Caves.

Get in touch if you’re interested in coming along on any of the days.

Thanks!!

February 17, 2017April 19, 2021nwmines

Thanks to all who came along this afternoon to help move the steel into place in Rhiwbach. What started as a plan to get the steel partway up to the mine ended with all the materials in the mine within an hour!!

Go Below will get in touch when they plan to instal the steel as users will need to stay clear of the mine that day.

As we were there we also installed an additional anchor on the traverse (floor 1) to try and eliminate the rub point, it will need a stainless steel mailon.