Mines

2021 Mines Inspections Completed

2021 Mines Inspections Completed

nwmines

This years round of mines inspections for North Wales is now complete. Access to the latest round of reports is being made available to those who’ve contributed to the costs of the four days. It would be greatly appreciated if those who’ve yet to contribute could do so.

Note the website has moved (slightly!) and been updated. The same is true of the google docs location.

This was the last year Les, who’s been inspecting the mines for us since 2014, with the role now being handed over to Steve. As a sign of our appreciation Les was presented an engraved miners lamp:

If others would like make a donation towards the cost of the lamp you can do so here:

Users meeting & Wrysgan

Users meeting & Wrysgan

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Thank you to all who’ve contributed to the poll looking at peoples availability for a users meeting. If you’ve not done so feel free to let us know: CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE POLL

We’ll look to fix a date this Monday.

Anyone looking to use floor 6 of Wrysgan should have a discussion with whoever you’re working for as there has been some changes noted within the mine.

Gethin

Rhiwbach Buoyancy Aids

Rhiwbach Buoyancy Aids

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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

nwmines

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

Rhiwbach Brow

nwmines

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

Inspection (Wrysgan and Geironydd) update, March 2017

Inspection (Wrysgan and Geironydd) update, March 2017

nwmines
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.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Rhiwbach Update (and gate code change)

Rhiwbach Update (and gate code change)

nwmines

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

Wrysgan Rock fall

nwmines

Sounds like there’s been a small (but worth taking note of!) rock-fall above the traverse on floor 3 of the mine:

Hi Gethin,

Picture attached of a recent rock fall in Wrysgan. Abseil stance at the end of the L3 traverse, after the island!

Obvious missing bits from the roof but I couldn’t see anything hanging….waiting to drop!!

Couple of pieces managed to make it down to L2 at the bottom of the pitch!!

Regards

Jim.image002.jpg