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YOUNG MINERS HAVE THEIR FIRST UNDERGROUND EXPERIENCE. November 2009
The 26 students were given guided tours of Pool's polymetallic mine learning what to expect from working at a mine both above and below ground.
In small groups they explored the mine's old workings, some of which date back to Tudor times. WUM Safety Officer and miner Robin Whale shared his extensive personal knowledge and invaluable advice about being safe underground, illustrating his points with personal stories and memories.
Using the backdrop of the old tunnels as scenery, Robin brought Cornish mining's history alive for the students before going on to describe how it compared to the new modern mine that was being worked on just an extra few feet below them.
He said: "Mining is a lot safer than it used to be but the atmosphere is always potentially hazardous. You'll get lots of information from text books but you must always be flexible and trust your instincts when you're underground!"
The tour also included a visit to WUM geologist, Gareth Joseph, who explained: ""What we are doing now is an exploration project to see what is down there. The diamond drill is used to bring up samples of the rock core. The samples are kept in boxes and I analyse each sample and log of all the data collected to build up a model of the ore body.
"The geology here is very messed up but we have the hand-held XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) machine that breaks down and analyses the metals and materials in each sample within seconds, which makes the process much easier and quicker! By the time we've finished the exploration we will have analysed thousands and thousands of metres of rock core and so far it's revealing even richer and more diverse deposits than we had predicted."
The tour of the surface buildings also included a preview of a huge 3D model that is a virtual representation of the old and new underground workings that belong to the mine and lie beneath the Camborne, Pool, Redruth area. The model, which is used to help plan future drilling, has already taken almost three years to create and is expected to be complete by Christmas.
CSM student, Luke Goodden was extremely impressed with his visit to WUM. He said: "The mining industry is one of great opportunity and excitement. The visit to South Crofty was really good as it was certainly a reminder of how many opportunities we will have after graduating. It was fascinating to experience the conditions miners managed to work in and still create a fantastic Cornish industry and heritage. It was certainly a moving experience to realise that as part of CSM, we will have a chance to be part of that heritage throughout our course."
There are plans for the students to return to the mine next term to visit the new modern mine workings and see what their career future holds in store.
