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GOING UNDERGROUND. November 2007
Andy Uren, 38, of Illogan, who used to work for a supply firm on the Treleigh Industrial Estate, grasped the chance to work at the mine after bumping into an old work colleague last month.
As the men were swapping news whilst waiting for their fish and chips Andy discovered his friend had taken a job at South Crofty. He asked for an introduction to the mine's manager and within weeks had joined the mine team despite having no experience at all.
"I love it!" said Andy. It already pays more than my old job and the prospects are great. There's going to be a lot of money coming out of this mine very soon. I don't mind getting mucky, I don't mind hard work and I have worked in the construction industry before - above ground though."
Andy is being trained on the job, particularly in safety, but by the end of his first week he was securing the new tunnels as they were being drilled, helping with blasting, learning how to hand-drill and preparing for lessons in operating the scoop tram loaders.
"As a warehouse manager I spent a lot of time working on my own but mining is a team job. I'm working with a good group of lads and the camaraderie is great," said Andy.
Another first for Andy will be working night shifts. With the mine's exploration phase well underway, miners are now working both day and night at South Crofty.
"I've never done night shifts before but I haven't got a problem with that. It's dark down the mine whatever time you work, and I've discussed it with my wife and she doesn't mind either," said Andy.
Managing Director of Mine Operations, Kevin Williams, said: "Andy may not have experience but he's a complete natural and a real asset to the team. He's just one of a number of new lads we've taken on in the last few weeks and we're looking for more. Production down the mine has moved up several gears in the last month as we work towards full tin extraction within two years."
