Hey, I'm a long-time lurker turned explorer in the Lethbridge area. I've been interested in trying to find and exploring the old mine infrastructure in the Lethbridge area. I've been to a few places and have a few leads but am now looking for tunnels rather than just surface buildings.

I use GIS software to plot my locations and have a substantial amount of theoretical entrances to the rumoured 3200km of tunnels under the city and area. I've also heard rumours of the storm-drain system connecting with the old room-and-pillar mines, but haven't gone looking just yet. I also know of a hotel access somewhere on the south side.

I'm putting out this thread to hopefully trade some knowledge with those how have some intel on these tunnels and where I might find some entrances.

You have my curiosity, the few times I've passed through I've wanted to check out this location. But seems at least some group is trying to perverse it.

https://www.google...59?hl=en&entry=ttu

^{Boffo: fixed that link for you.}

@thegerm

Your GPS point routes to the old #8 compound. As a Lethbridge resident, that's one of my favourite places to go. I know its ins and outs as well as the best way to get there while minimizing the risk of getting caught.

The site, as far as I understand, has been abandoned since 1957 but is presently owned by a concrete company with the site unused. There are 5 main buildings (2 storage, house/office, water tower, and mine complex) with a number of smaller shacks and infrastructure scattered around. If you go into the mine complex building, the abyss of a mine shaft is there, but is covered by a huge iron slab.

If you're ever in the area, I can get you the full rundown on the site and the best way in. You can go in the daytime and be at no greater risk.

Appreciate it, and can likewise return the favor for northern Alberta.

Okay, a little bit of an update.

I've been playing around some more with GIS software and exploring the coulee areas in Lethbridge. About a week ago I stumbled upon the sealed entrance to the Sharen mine which was the first of its kind ever built in the Lethbridge area. As far as I can find out, the mine opened in 1876 and closed in 1901 which is 3 years before the High Level bridge was completed.

Now, here's where things get interesting. The entrance has been sealed with a combination of wooden planks and metal bars. The bars could easily be slipped through and someone in the past, not me, looks to have taken a saw to the wooden portion and carved out a body-ish sized hole in the wood. Peering through the hole reveals a small red iron gate blocking the entrance to nothing but darkness. However, there is no visible lock on the gate.

Understanding that long-sealed underground spaces are known to become contaminated with toxic and/or flammable gases, attempting to enter without equipment would be exceedingly stupid. Either you die of toxic gas or create a spark and detonate half of Lethbridge or both.

For this reason, I want to ask the community on tips for exploring underground spaces as my best ideas right not revolve around relatively expensive Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or the use of an RC truck and camera with limited range.

Thanks and safe travels,
-OO

That is interesting. Thanks for the update! I would forsure say an H2S monitor would be useful. Will be looking forward to hearing how you fair with this location!