stoyve said:
Gday Goldierocks,
It's really good of you to alert forum members of the many dangers in underground mine exploration.
But I thought I would let you know about Dean65 and the guys who go underground with him.
Dean is well practiced in this activity and uses a gas metre, also one of the team that goes with him is a very experienced miner who has been working underground in the Ballarat gold mine at Mt Clear.
He is very knowledgeable in every aspect of mine safety and always explains where and why there is a hazard.
For any other members of the forum who may be tempted to participate in this activity, BEWARE!!!
What may seem a benign or harmless mine maybe your last place on earth.
I have been going underground for nigh on 40 years and I never have or will take the dangers for granted.
Don't be tempted to go underground unless you go with someone who is knowledgeable and safety is there mantra.
Cheers Steve
Yes, I go underground a lot myself but have it checked by an experienced miner, although experienced myself from years underground in operating mines. My comments relate in particular to those without experience who may not appreciate the hazards and the need to test air, bar down loose hanging daily etc. Personally I don't think it a great recreational activity and would not encourage it for recreation, as there is always some risk even in a mine being worked full-time - I do it as part of my work because it is necessary. If you like going underground, I recommend joining a caving club rather than exploring old mines. Stability is better by far in caves, although not entirely without risk - lung diseases from bats (also in old mines) and rapid inflow of water during rainstorms are more the issue. But because caves don't involve blasting that opens up fractures everywhere, and because limestone takes a long time to dissolve to form tunnels etc, there is more time for roof and walls to equilibrate and be stable....also air is more likely to be better.