Mines

Bwlch y Plwm Canoes

May 13, 2022nwmines

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

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

Wrysgan fall and Rhiwbach Parking

October 10, 2021October 10, 2021nwmines

Hello folks,
We’ve had some reports of a possible rockfall in the upper floor of Wrysgan, just beyond the “eased block”. This possibly form the area highlighted by Les a few years ago as a potential loose area. If you’re in the mine and able to check it out/photograph the fall please get in touch.

Also there’s road re-surfacing work taking place in Cwm Penmachno this week. The work starts tomorrow and is programmed to go on until the 18th of Oct. The road will be closed during this work so access to Rhiwbach is unlikely from the Cwm carpark

All the best

Gethin

Rhiwbach traverse pool rope damaged

July 10, 2021nwmines

Hello folks, just to let you know the rope around the traverse pool on floor 2 of the mine is showing damage (the one before the zip line chamber). The damaged section has been isolated and a new rope ordered, this should be replaced in the coming weeks.

Also a reminder that the gate code changed several weeks ago on the instance of NRW. Access for groups remains for permit holders only, recreational users can access the new gate code through CAL on evidence of BCA membership.

Gethin

2021 Mines Inspections Completed

May 7, 2021May 7, 2021nwmines

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

January 27, 2018May 2, 2021nwmines

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

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