Site to assist in the management of the North Wales Mine Inspections for the LCMLA
Thank you to everyone who came along to the meeting on Friday, it was really valuable to get such a broad range of opinions chatting about the use of the mines in such a positive way.
I’ve sent out a summary of the action points to the mine reports group. If you want a copy get in touch and I’ll send a copy out (I don’t want to publish it online as it lists all attending and has a few email addresses in it)
Gethin
Friday, 29th January, 2016
Oaklands OEC
10am-1pm
Just to confirm we’ll beholding a meeting for those who regularly lead groups underground in the mines of North Wales. The aim of the meeting is to try and discus a range concerns that some users have expressed over the last few months, as well as other topics such as access, bolting, radon and this years round of mine inspections. Can I just highlight the concerns expressed have not been targeted at one user group in particular but broadly!
This is an open meeting to anyone who leads groups underground in North Wales, if you are free please do call in.
Rough Agenda
I’d hope we could rattle through this lot in a few hours, hope you can make it. Directions to Oaklands can be found here: http://oaklands-centre.co.uk/index.php/contact-us/how-to-find-us/
Gethin
12 January 2016
Hi All,
I’d like to organise a meeting for those who regularly lead groups underground in the mines of North Wales. The aim of the meeting is to try and discus a range concerns that some users have expressed over the last few months, as well as other topics such as access, bolting, radon and this years round of mine inspections. Can I just highlight the concerns expressed have not been targeted at one user group in particular, but broadly!
If you’re available please let me know by following the link: http://doodle.com/poll/57hb9nby7ad6ht6b with your availability, we can then make a decision on a date & venue. The link is also available on the North Wales Mines website: www.northwalesmines.worpress.com
Rough Agenda
To make this worth while it would be great to get a broad range of input, so if you are available please let me know ideally here: http://doodle.com/poll/57hb9nby7ad6ht6b. Also let me know if theres anything else you’d like to discuss.
All the best
Hi All,
Comment: Rhiwbach Fall.
Yesterday (19th July 2015) our staff reported a fallen block in the ‘Caban’ chamber of the drainage level in Rhiwbach slate mine. The fall occurred in the rear of the chamber, an area not normally visited by groups or staff. If you were to stand with the caban on your immediate right looking inbye, this is the area of the chamber directly in front of you. The staff member was in the chamber when the fall occurred, and based on his experience as a slate quarryman and quarry blaster, he estimated the fall to be in the region of 1 to 2 tons. We have had the chamber roof inspected by a CIC holder today, who has reported back to us that the roof and chamber walls in the immediate area used by staff going to get the boat are not affected by this fall. Misty conditions due to the wet weather today did not allow for a totally clear view of the rearmost reaches of the chamber, so at this point we have been unable to establish the exact location and extent of the fall. Another inspection will be done tomorrow, hopefully with better visibility in the chamber. I am aware that some users take their groups to have lunch near the caban in this chamber, and would urge all users to exercise extreme caution in this area. We will inspect this chamber and the surrounding areas on a daily basis for the next few weeks and report any updates or further changes here.
Chris Phillips Operations Manager, Go Below Underground Adventures Ltd.
For those who’ve not picked this up yet, the gate code for Rhiwbach was changed on the 1st of May. The new gate code has been passed on to those who’ve bought into this years reports and the Cambrian Caving Council. Gethin
This years inspection reports are now available to download. Please get in touch with the 2 email addresses you’d like to register with the scheme to gain access to the reports.
This years reports are likely to cost a little more than previous years as we’re planning some Radon tests over the Summer months. The results of the tests will be made available as soon as we have them.
Gethin
This years mine inspection reports have now been completed and will be available soon.
We’ve extended some areas and have had to remove one chamber on floor 1 (technically floor 2) of Rhiwbach, this being the forth chamber in along the last set of workings to the right (as you’re walking in) of the main adit. Also the chamber on floor 4 with the remains of a tripod on the floor (third to the right of the main drive) which had access partly into the chamber has had the whole chamber condemned. Plans of the effected areas have been emailed to those who’ve purchased the reports.
Also some rock was taken down in Wrysgan on floor 3, in the same area highlighted a few months ago. This route has not been condemned but does require monitoring.
We’ll be looking to conduct Radon tests in a few of the main mines used this Summer, so the cost of this years reports will be slighting increased to cover this cost. We’ll publish the results of the Radon tests as soon as we get them.
Gethin
Happy New Year!
Gethin