© University of Liverpool 2019
FIELDWORKSAFETY

Planning for mine workings

You should never enter old mine workings unless: • you have the owner's permission in writing • you have your tutor's permission in writing • you are accompanied by a guide who has full knowledge of all of the workings • the workings are known to be safe.
This is a view of an abandoned mine at Ettersgill in County Durham. One hazard associated with working quarries may be seen here. Click on each hotspot to remind yourself about this hazard and to find out about additional hazards in disused mines.
Steep slopes, shafts, snakes and spoil heaps This is the copper mine at Parys Mountain in Anglesey. Mining began in the Bronze age. Initially ore was worked on the surface from shallow shafts. It was next worked by open-pit mining and finally from underground via adits or shafts. Hazards here are uneven walking surfaces and steep slopes in the pit; adits and shafts into underground mine workings; overgrown areas of brambles that are trip hazards; a deep heather covering that may shelter snakes. Even the water in ponds and pools on this site must be avoided because it is strongly acidic.
Disused mine equipment This is part of the Corrie Buie Mines in Perthshire where galena (lead ore) was worked. These mines were abandoned in 1921. The winding gear shown here is in a poor state and would be dangerous to use. There is also a deep shaft shown. You need to be aware that underground levels may open into deep shafts without warning. This mine has steep rock walls, which are a hazard with risk of collapse of unstable rock faces or rock falls resulting in head injuries, broken limbs, burial and death.
Copyright: BGS Image P001587
Abandoned mine buildings This is a view of Trewavas Cliff mine in Cornwall. Trewavas mine is a disused tin mine. The abandoned mine buildings here are a hazard because they are in an unstable and dangerous condition. Another hazard at this site is the grassy slope above the vertical cliff faces.
Mine waste These are views of Ecton Hill mine which was was once a rich copper mine in an area of Derbyshire. The main hazard at this site is the extensive piles of rock waste produced as a result of mining and which have been left on the hillside.
The following images highlight some of the additional hazards presented by disused mines.
© University of Liverpool 2019
FIELDWORKSAFETY

Planning for mine workings

You should never enter old mine workings unless: • you have the owner's permission in writing • you have your tutor's permission in writing • you are accompanied by a guide who has full knowledge of all of the workings • the workings are known to be safe.
This is a view of an abandoned mine at Ettersgill in County Durham. One hazard associated with working quarries may be seen here. Click on each hotspot to remind yourself about this hazard and to find out about additional hazards in disused mines.
The following images highlight some of the additional hazards presented by disused mines. Steep slopes, shafts, snakes and spoil heaps This is the copper mine at Parys Mountain in Anglesey. Mining began in the Bronze age. Initially ore was worked on the surface from shallow shafts. It was next worked by open-pit mining and finally from underground via adits or shafts. Hazards here are uneven walking surfaces and steep slopes in the pit; adits and shafts into underground mine workings; overgrown areas of brambles that are trip hazards; a deep heather covering that may shelter snakes. Even the water in ponds and pools on this site must be avoided because it is strongly acidic.
Disused mine equipment This is part of the Corrie Buie Mines in Perthshire where galena (lead ore) was worked. These mines were abandoned in 1921. The winding gear shown here is in a poor state and would be dangerous to use. There is also a deep shaft shown. You need to be aware that underground levels may open into deep shafts without warning. This mine has steep rock walls, which are a hazard with risk of collapse of unstable rock faces or rock falls resulting in head injuries, broken limbs, burial and death.
Copyright: BGS Image P001587 Abandoned mine buildings This is a view of Trewavas Cliff mine in Cornwall. Trewavas mine is a disused tin mine. The abandoned mine buildings here are a hazard because they are in an unstable and dangerous condition. Another hazard at this site is the grassy slope above the vertical cliff faces.
These are views of Ecton Hill mine which was was once a rich copper mine in an area of Derbyshire.
Mine waste
The main hazard at this site is the extensive piles of rock waste produced as a result of mining and which have been left on the hillside.