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| WE PAID TO LOOK LIKE THIS! |
THURSDAY 2.2.2012: We had read about the mine tour, but were undecided on whether or not to sign up. SO pleased we did, a thoroughly informative and interesting day. Anthony our tour guide (a former miner), was enthusiastic and provided a wonderful insight into the mining culture. OH&S insisted that we 'deck' out in the safety gear, but it took a considerable amount of time before we could look at each other without laughing! Anthony runs the Underground Mine Tours - a 3 hour guided tour of the working mine at Mount Lyell.
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| MINE ENTRANCE (PORTAL) |
We were driven into the mine through an open portal then down 1200 meters below ground to the 18th level. Blasting occurs on the 19th level. The Copper Mines of Tasmania Pty Ltd Earlier known as Mount Lyell Mining Company Limited (MLMC) was founded in 1883 and full scale production commenced in 1896. Mount Lyell is the oldest, continually operating mining field in Australia. This mine was acquired in 1999 by Monte Cello BV, which became a subsidiary of Sterlite Industries (India) Limited. Since its acquisition by Sterlite, its capacity has increased from 2.0 million TPA to 2.7 million TPA. As the drilling deepens each level becomes a miniature city with petrol stations and workshops in operation.
The current owners are making every effort to solve the environmental issues, with massive replanting undertaken.
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| 'CRIB' - (MESS) |
The crib serves as a mess area, plus where employees assemble when blasting occurs.
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| TAG BOARD |
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AT TIMES
VERY DARK! |
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ESCAPE HATCH - 9
LADDERS UP BEFORE YOU
REACH THE LIFT TO THE SURFACE |
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| LIFT EXIT |
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| ACID WATER |
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