Hi John,
I regularly take novice mine and cave explorers in there. It’s a very easy layout, no need for a plan, just watch your step as there are big drops, but as far as I’m aware there’s no false floors to watch out for. There’s only one section which would require SRT, and it’s easy to leave out, just don’t go down the first ladder once you’re in there (you balance on rails over the top). It’s generally a dry mine, the lowest level is rather variable on water levels, I think at the moment it’s totally flooded and you’ll not get near it, but there’s plenty to see above there. It’s literally about 5 minutes from where you’ll be so a good choice, although you’ll probably find finding the entrance to the place the trickiest bit!
We generally park in the Royal Oak pub car park, let them know what we’re doing and head in there for a pint afterwards- they’ve got some nice pictures in there of some of the local mines too.
Yup, the entrance is open, and I normally get a novice group round there in about 2-3 hours, depending on whether the lower level are accessible. If your friends are up for it it’s a good one to take them to. Very easy, only one very short crawl at the entrance, all fixed ladders and a short scramble which now also has a ladder to help.
Crocodile 1, Space ship 0!