Cesar R M
Well-Known Member
Part 7:
Our guide and former miner, explaining the machinery used to pull the small elevators to move the miners up and down in the shafts as well as the tools used, and the warning sound signals. Also explained security.
Our first step was the "equipment" room. Where the former miners (still the same building) dressed up , changed, got their equipment and security gear and also showered to get in and out of the mines.
Each of us got our own helmet (no light, we used our cellphones, the guide had high powered hand torch)
And then we got into the "breathing" tunnel, used as drainage, ore removal and of course.. to let oxygen in.
The tunnel is almost 200 to 400 meters straight into the mine (this part wasnt clear, not sure if the tunnel is 400 meters long, which I dont think so.. or because we were 400 meters BELOW the mountain top where the main entrance to the mine was)
Our group.
There was light in the mine every 15 or more meters. SO it wasnt pitch dark.
The 25 meter mark. With equipment, tools, etc..
There were also graphics, old photos and stories where the guide explained the perils, dangers, tools, abuse, etc.. the miners experienced during their lifetime.
Also how every man had a job inside. From miners, to carry guys and even "poop" removal guys. Who had the terrible job of hauling what the miners did away from the tunnels.
There were a lot of side tunnels too. The mine is pretty big. Not so sure about this but I think the 800 meter mark is the farthest this mine goes downwards (with many meters longer in length)
Note this mine had been in operation from 1727 up to 1985 when it closed down. So it had a long life.
All the equipment has been maintained as it was left after its closure.
This is the interesting part, this area is pitch dark.. But shows a big round hole downwards where a giant ventilation fan was (now corroded) and most of the lower tunnel is flooded by a small amount of water (you can see the sand below the water just fine)
It also had the main elevator for the miners. The elevator of course was heavily damaged by corrosion, as water runs from the top constantly down the tunnels.
continuing on part 8.
Our guide and former miner, explaining the machinery used to pull the small elevators to move the miners up and down in the shafts as well as the tools used, and the warning sound signals. Also explained security.
Our first step was the "equipment" room. Where the former miners (still the same building) dressed up , changed, got their equipment and security gear and also showered to get in and out of the mines.
Each of us got our own helmet (no light, we used our cellphones, the guide had high powered hand torch)
And then we got into the "breathing" tunnel, used as drainage, ore removal and of course.. to let oxygen in.
The tunnel is almost 200 to 400 meters straight into the mine (this part wasnt clear, not sure if the tunnel is 400 meters long, which I dont think so.. or because we were 400 meters BELOW the mountain top where the main entrance to the mine was)
Our group.
There was light in the mine every 15 or more meters. SO it wasnt pitch dark.
The 25 meter mark. With equipment, tools, etc..
There were also graphics, old photos and stories where the guide explained the perils, dangers, tools, abuse, etc.. the miners experienced during their lifetime.
Also how every man had a job inside. From miners, to carry guys and even "poop" removal guys. Who had the terrible job of hauling what the miners did away from the tunnels.
There were a lot of side tunnels too. The mine is pretty big. Not so sure about this but I think the 800 meter mark is the farthest this mine goes downwards (with many meters longer in length)
Note this mine had been in operation from 1727 up to 1985 when it closed down. So it had a long life.
All the equipment has been maintained as it was left after its closure.
This is the interesting part, this area is pitch dark.. But shows a big round hole downwards where a giant ventilation fan was (now corroded) and most of the lower tunnel is flooded by a small amount of water (you can see the sand below the water just fine)
It also had the main elevator for the miners. The elevator of course was heavily damaged by corrosion, as water runs from the top constantly down the tunnels.
continuing on part 8.
![IMG_0002[1].JPG](https://d3ofq03apmfb8c.cloudfront.net/data/attachments/243/243117-7c7519c934e941fada1f3e476261f3e2.jpg?hash=fHUZyTTpQf "IMG_0002[1].JPG")