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UER Mobile > UE Tutorials, Lessons, and Useful Info > advice for exploring mine shafts? (Viewed 5037 times)

post by SadRobots

advice for exploring mine shafts?
< on 6/3/2015 7:37 AM >

Hello fellow explorers! I was wondering if anyone has any advice on exploring abandoned mines. I think I may have found one but i don't want to die exploring it.

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post by shotgun mario

Re: advice for exploring mine shafts?
<Reply # 1 on 6/3/2015 10:50 AM >

Have full gear for ascending and srt and be familiar with how to use it, have at least one friend with, and don't go down if it doesn't look safe. I'm sure some other more frequent mine explorers will chime in.

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post by DJ Craig

Moderator

Re: advice for exploring mine shafts?
<Reply # 2 on 6/3/2015 7:07 PM >

Here's some good threads for you:
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=117307
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=96947
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=108778 (gas detectors)
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=64569 (gas detectors)
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=116414 (caves)

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post by Rinzler

Re: advice for exploring mine shafts?
<Reply # 3 on 6/3/2015 10:59 PM >

the only thing you need for a mine is a gas detector, a helmet and lights. Bring a few things to snack on just in case. Always tell somebody the exact mine and location you'll be so they can come dig you out if need be. Or call somebody else. You don't need ascending gear if you can walk right in. And do not touch anything. Ever.

[last edit 6/3/2015 11:01 PM by Rinzler - edited 1 times]

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post by shotgun mario

Re: advice for exploring mine shafts?
<Reply # 4 on 6/4/2015 12:37 AM >

Posted by Rinzler
...You don't need ascending gear if you can walk right in...

He might be incorrect with termonology, but OP mentioned shaft, not adit.

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post by Rinzler

Re: advice for exploring mine shafts?
<Reply # 5 on 6/4/2015 1:10 AM >

Posted by shotgun mario

He might be incorrect with termonology, but OP mentioned shaft, not adit.

http://www.healeyh...ary/pics/Audit.jpg

I didn't realize the title said shaft, I just mostly read the first post about him not wanting to die in a mine. I was just assuming he meant an adit since he's never done a mine. Rappelling into your first one with no rappelling knowledge isn't the best idea imo.

[last edit 6/4/2015 1:13 AM by Rinzler - edited 1 times]

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post by Abby Normal

Re: advice for exploring mine shafts?
<Reply # 6 on 6/4/2015 3:40 AM >

I've done quite a bit of mine exploring. Here's my 2 centavos worth.

If you have not been mine exploring before, AND this is a vertical shaft, AND there are no good ladders, then I strongly suggest that you stay out of it for the time being. Put it on your list of explores for when you are more experienced with vertical. Vertical exploring is an order of magnitude more difficult than horizontal exploring.

At a minimum you should have some sort of head protection. Skateboard helmet, bike helmet, hard hat with a chin strap, or a true climbing helmet. I wouldn't head underground without at least 3 light sources, two of which are attached to the helmet. You don't want to be trying to hold your flashlight in your mouth as you use both hands to climb out.

If the mine requires rope, then don't even think of trying it without training up in rappelling, ascending, and rigging a safe anchor.

Gas detectors are a great idea, but they are quite expensive to buy and maintain. Depending on the are where the mine is found, it may have good air or it could be deadly.

I would suggest trying to meet up with some experienced explorers to learn the basics. Good judgement is really important underground.

Abby Normal

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post by SadRobots

Re: advice for exploring mine shafts?
<Reply # 7 on 6/5/2015 6:30 AM >

Thanks so much, this was really helpful

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post by rachelmackayy

Re: advice for exploring mine shafts?
<Reply # 8 on 7/30/2015 2:44 AM >

Good luck, definitely rope and head protection, probably gloves and eye protection

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post by legaltoker69

Re: advice for exploring mine shafts?
<Reply # 9 on 4/6/2021 5:58 PM >

I do limestone mines a lot. its pretty chill worst thing was i got smoked out by some drunk locals having a fun 4-wheeler mattress fire. Its easy bc the shafts are horizontal and massive and straight. All you need is flashlights, sometimes a kayak. A dirt bike would be fun.

Limestone mines, because of their size are always gonna be popular and people party/raise hell a lot in them expect some wild asses.

As far as vert exploration goes i guess you need a static rope, your choice of ascenders, maybe 3 jumbo prusiks for backup. Check out the west Virginia hellhole cave on youtube for an idea of what it'd be like. (I've never done it yet)

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