The maillons at the top of the ladders and plank walk on Level Fawr are in need of replacing. Was quite glad i'd not used the in situ when I got to the top!

Apologies I didn't have any spare to put in, but will take some next time in case they haven't been done yet.

Any safety issues should be reported to the mine owners please, but this has reached the right address anyway.

I am not sure exactly where you mean as there are two plank walks, one about half way up the main ladderway, safety line was installed by SCMC as was the in situ rope on the ladder, with the authority of CMT who, as mine owners should always be consulted.

There is no plank walk "on" Lefel Fawr, they are above it.

The other plankway is at the highest stope and is not used much as the area is rarely visited.

Please note that Cambrian Mines Trust do not accept any responsibility for fixed aids, also that the workings above Lefel Fawr are very loose and have already been the scene of one accident. A notice has been posted in the mine.
They should not be visited except by the most experienced.

I am also curious as to why Maillons need replacing, bolt loose, almost rusted through, whatever?
Please advise.

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The ladders were the two in succession fixed(assuming this is the main ladder way), leading up from Level Fawr. They were not the ladders by the Engine shaft leading to Coffin Level.

The bolts are fine, however both the maillions in the system are rusted out.

See my PM reply,

I will draw attention of SCMC to this, they are responsible for the rigging.

Please note that CMT do not allow third party interference with fixed aids and that appropriate notices have been posted in the mine.

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For the avoidance of doubt, this is the notice in the mine. This strict line has been taken following theft or interference within other mines in the area over which I have some control.
Free access does not mean free for all.

Cambrian Mines Trust : All Cwmytwyth Mines plus Goginan (gated and locked as required by the landowner who uses the site for family events)

Cave Access Ltd: Henfwlch, Talybont.

Frongoch: By agreement with the landowner.

READS:
Cambrian Mines Trust
Cwmystwyth Mines
Notice to Explorers
Please note that this mine is private property as is everything in it, and it is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument which extends to the underground.
Any removal of artefacts, ropes and fixed aids will be regarded as theft and reported as such, and ongoing incidents could result in the gating and locking of the mine.
www.cambrianmines.co.uk
Contact [email protected]

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I have had a reply from an officer of SCMC, quote:

"I am far from clear about where is being referred to but think it is the long ladder. I certainly went that way as part of NAMHO 2019 but saw nothing to give me concern.

Will look again when next in the area - a maillon being rusty does not concern me but if getting thin might be a different matter."

CJG, as you can see the matter is being addressed, so there is now really no more need for your further involvement.
I was in there a few weeks ago inspecting everything and gathering rubbish, the sack you would have seen in the portal, and from what I saw concur with SCMC assessment regarding rust.

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I have just received a photo of the offending maillon and it looks horrific.
I suspected a different location to that assumed. Will forward the picture to SCMC and get back on it.

The only way it would be removed is with a hacksaw.

If this is a plank walk right at the very top, close to where daylight can be seen, its an area to avoid anyway.

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Sorted, and was no where near a bad as was indicated. I have them here.

The issue related to a safety line which was fitted to the main ladderway and then extended across a plank which is at the first exit from the ladder. This enters a large stope with impressive views and a climb down at the back to re enter Lefel Fawr through Bell Chamber. So regulars will know where I mean.

The rope was professionally fitted using double belays as is established best practice procedure. The two maillons forming the double belay adjacent to the ladder had corroded, but not as badly as a photo I was sent suggested. They both unscrewed easily with a spanner.

The rope is seldom used anyway.

Anything that needs attention should of course be reported, but unless it poses a serious threat to explorers, an email to me will be sufficient,.

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