Reading the Semmens report there are a couple of things that dont make sense to me.
One is the description: "The present modus operandi is cable operation to an adit top immediately above the one which now forms the mine entrance, where a very small gantry line leads to the top of the aerial ropeway."
From this I am wondering if produce was raised up the internal incline and then a tramway led to the point one reaches going toward the mine by the 'long route' immediately before one descends to the mine, and then further as being elevated. I have often thought about rummaging around in the trees below this point, wonder if anything to find?
The entrance we all use emerges at a high point so the tramway from the portal must have been elevated.
The other is this: "the manager said it was the longest aerial ropeway span in the country."
Obviously never visited Silverband
My avatar is a poor likeness.