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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
