Dwayne Dibbley
14 years ago
Is the current Crofty mine a totally new mine? or still connected to the old workings? question is do the surrounding mines also get pumped out.

Thanks
Roy Morton
14 years ago
The present company is based at the South Crofty site and the old workings of South Crofty are owned by the present company.
Some of these workings have been surveyed to establish future economically viable reserves, and as the commodities market continues to improve, no doubt they will become serious contenders for development.
Meantime the spiral decline in the Tuckingmill Valley that was started when the mine was last in full production, is now being used and developed to search for reserves out toward the old Dolcoath Mine, where there are areas of 'untried' / undeveloped ground.
As for pumping...all present operations are taking place above adit and so there is no need to pump, but if / when the company decides to go deeper, then pumping will be necessary and the surrounding mines will see water levels fall.

Agricola will I'm sure, be able to fill you in much better than I can, but roughly speaking, that's the state of play at present.



"You Chinese think of everything!"
"But I''m not Chinese!"
"Then you must have forgotten something!"
Dwayne Dibbley
14 years ago
also found this article:

At the present time (January 2011) work concentrated around the decline has been halted as the current drive is surrounded by flooded workings which need to be de-watered before further progress can be made. Workings to date include a crosscut (at the 10 fathom level) driven north, which has intersected both Middle Engine Shaft and New Cook's Kitchen Shaft (for access & ventilation); and an exploration drive/decine driven west southwest to parallel Dolcoath Main Lode. The drive passed through The Great Crosscourse after being driven through some very challenging ground conditions (a collapse of ground at the intersection with some old workings ran through to surface and had to be plugged with concrete); it was then ramped down (at ~ 1 in 6) below the water table and is just past the 340 m mark from the top of the ramp. The drive is now close to a point beneath Church View Road in Camborne. In order to drill further diamond drill holes, a horizontal spur level (above water level), from the top of the ramp, is being driven parallel with Main Lode to a point below Dolcoath Road in Camborne. A crosscut south has already intersected an old stope on Dolcoath Main Lode, adjacent to Water Engine Shaft. This is the first time anyone has seen the Dolcoath workings since the mine closed in 1920.
derrickman
14 years ago
yes, but most if not all of that, is old news or generally known.
''the stopes soared beyond the range of our caplamps' - David Bick...... How times change .... oh, I don't know, I've still got a lamp like that.
matty
  • matty
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  • Newbie
14 years ago
Hello

I while back I was fortunate to be given a place on the Crofty tour underground with AditNow. I am also a committee member of The Russell Society..a mineralogical society..we have 600 members. on the 7th and 8th April 2012 we have an AGM in Truro and would really love to offer the same tour to 10 or so of our members..I was wondering could we join with AditNow on that tour if indeed it was possible for South Crofty to conduct it? I would also very much appreciate any help anyone could give for another site suggestion that weekend, contact information or any help at all really on finding one or two good trips underground in Cornwall. As a society we have all the required H and S policies in place and insurance etc....Thanks Matty 🙂
Dolcoathguy
14 years ago
I was fortunate enough to be offered a trip to South Crofty with the Russell soc in Cornwall in 2006.
I know some of the guys in the South West (Cornwall) branch of the Russell soc, I think some are AN members as well and could help you with this, will pass your request on the guys I know.
Is it safe to come out of the bunker yet?
matty
  • matty
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14 years ago
Very many thanks for that :)

I have contacted Crofty and will keep this post informed...Can anyone suggest an alternative venue that is 'easy' underground ?

Is there access to Wheal Gorland or Wheal Euny?
Alasdair Neill
14 years ago
Wheal Uny- access with the then Kerrier District Council (who leased the surface from the landowners, I believe the Church Commissioners) was arranged for the NAMHO conference some years ago. They pulled the access at the last moment. It would now be Cornwall Council. Best to contact kevin Baker (Carn Brea Mining society/NAMHO). He could probably also pass you on to the Gorland group.
stuey
  • stuey
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14 years ago
Matty. If you are russell soc, you'd be best off talking to Rob S from down here. He's pretty well known and has some good legit trips.

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