Site to assist in the management of the North Wales Mine Inspections for the LCMLA
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.
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
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.
This years round of mine inspections is now complete 🙂
No major issues where found which is pleasing to hear! Full reports will be made available to purchase in the coming weeks. Thanks to all who helped out during the inspections.
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!)
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!
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
Best avoid exiting via the airshaft for a bit until some loose material is sorted out. Check with those who buy into the inspection reports for more details.
The padlock (and cable) for the canoes in Bwlch y Plwm has been replaced. The new code is 2116
Please lock up the boats after use
Hello All,
We had a group in Rhiwbach today, the forest looks like a bombs hit it, I’ve not seen it that bad in the 16 years I’ve worked here! On entering the forest we quickly decided it was not a good place to be, with some amazing noises and swaying trees. Not long in the paths blocked by various large trees.
We retreated around the forest and up the hill to access the mine from the east. On entering from that side one of the trees above the mine entrance has fallen looking menacing but solid. Further into the forest there was a significant tree down blocking the path.
If accessing the mine from the fields it will be necessary to walk through the village which we’d need to be sensitive about.
Gethin
