Simdde Dylluan Anchors (and testing)

Simdde Dylluan Anchors (and testing)

Hello all,

A dedicated team have been busy placing and then testing anchors within Symdde Dylluan before Christmas, here’s the info they’ve provided:

In and right traverse x 6 bolts. All passed. Removed the metal bar at eye height.

In and right further in traverse x 5 bolts, last bolt had some movement but passed.

In and left traverse and pitch head left x 9 including 2 expansions.

First bolt on the left as looking out of the mine failed. Both expansion bolts failed.

I have replaced the one that failed, retested and passed. I have removed the 2 expansion bolts.

In and left pitch head right and back wall x 9 bolts. Looking at the back wall with a drop behind, the right-hand bolt passed but had a little movement.

Bottom of the ladder, up to the next tunnel x 6 bolts including 2 expansion bolts above the ladder. All passed. The left-hand expansion bolt is missing a washer.

The small ladder in there is 2m long. Might be good to have a 3m ladder instead.

Up and right traverse.

First 2 bolts expansion, then 8 x bolts towards the pitch head.

5 bolts at the pitch head. Bottom right to be removed as in an uncertain block. Started to chip away at the suspect block but it’s really quite strong 😅. Will need more work to remove.

Bottom of this traverse back down to main edit. 7 x bolts. All passed.

Traverse down to wooden platform x 8 bolts. All passed. I got very wet.

End of the world traverse x 8 bolts, 2 extra bolts at end but not needed, all passed. 1 expansion bolt. Not needed and not tested. Should really remove it.

Top of mega lower. 2 bolts in boulder passed, 3 bolts at pitch head passed, bolt in between failed at 5kn, rock failed.

I cleared a large area of rock, placed a new bolt and tested. Has now passed.

Passed anchors have been tagged with yellow cable ties. Testing was done with a calibrated Hydrawjaws. It also sounds like the farmer would be keen for a gate to be installed so this has been measured up. Will keep users updated if a gate goes in and any associated access arrangements

Bwlch y Plwm Ropes

Bwlch y Plwm Ropes

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

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 Traverse Pool Rope Replaced

Rhiwbach Traverse Pool Rope Replaced

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

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.

Bwlch y Plwm Rope Replaced

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

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

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