I do not think I am going to be an explorer!!! Spent a week in South Wales and went down the 'Big Pit' and now reading Coombes book. Frightening world this coal mining. I am here because I was trying to learn a bit about coal and Welsh Dry Steam in particular to use in my steam engine. Have found out that what comes out of Ffos-y-fran is steam coal as it is on the edge of the rim but is also sold as house coal but not for smoke free zones:). The driver of the Bleanavon and Pontypool railway gave me four big lumps to try so I got 50 kilos!!! Really looking at the seams and the old mines that worked them!
Cheers David:)