24 June 2016 – 175 947
Underground Mining
This morning we packed up and headed into Mt Isa. We have booked in for four nights at the
Discovery Big 4 Argylla.
https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/caravan-parks/queensland/mount-isa-argylla
We did a full set up with awnings, table, chairs etc since we will be here for a few days. I gave the van a good interior clean and did two loads of washing. After lunch we ventured underground on the Hardtimes Mine Tour at Outback at Isa. https://www.mietv.com.au/
https://www.mietv.com.au/Outback-at-Isa/Hard-Times-Mine.aspx
This was a three hour tour led by a former underground miner into a replica underground mine. After kitting up in hard hat, overalls, boots and miners lamp we descended in a “cage” to 20m – this is nothing compared to the current lowest levels at the Mt Isa mine, 1980m. The tour guide, Ian, then explained the various processes involved in underground mining – how the broken up ore is “mucked” out; how the walls and roof are reinforced with mesh, rock bolts and resin; how the raise borer creates the vertical holes for ventilation; how the holes for the explosives are patterned, created and charged; how the charges are fired; and the process repeated again and again. Each person had a turn on one of the big drills, with assistance. Some of the machinery was started up to give an idea of the noise and vibration that is experienced working in this environment. Next stop was the crib room for afternoon tea, before heading back to the surface in a Toyota. All round an interesting tour.
https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/caravan-parks/queensland/mount-isa-argylla
We did a full set up with awnings, table, chairs etc since we will be here for a few days. I gave the van a good interior clean and did two loads of washing. After lunch we ventured underground on the Hardtimes Mine Tour at Outback at Isa. https://www.mietv.com.au/
https://www.mietv.com.au/Outback-at-Isa/Hard-Times-Mine.aspx
This was a three hour tour led by a former underground miner into a replica underground mine. After kitting up in hard hat, overalls, boots and miners lamp we descended in a “cage” to 20m – this is nothing compared to the current lowest levels at the Mt Isa mine, 1980m. The tour guide, Ian, then explained the various processes involved in underground mining – how the broken up ore is “mucked” out; how the walls and roof are reinforced with mesh, rock bolts and resin; how the raise borer creates the vertical holes for ventilation; how the holes for the explosives are patterned, created and charged; how the charges are fired; and the process repeated again and again. Each person had a turn on one of the big drills, with assistance. Some of the machinery was started up to give an idea of the noise and vibration that is experienced working in this environment. Next stop was the crib room for afternoon tea, before heading back to the surface in a Toyota. All round an interesting tour.
Mum
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