News: Cwmystwyth Mine works – Phase 1 completed

Cwmystwyth Mine. The site of 2016 stabilisation works by Cambrian Mines Trust. Photo: Roy Fellows
Cwmystwyth Mine. The site of 2016 stabilisation works before remediation by Cambrian Mines Trust. Photo: Roy Fellows

Roy Fellows reports another completed stage in the stabilisation program in Cwmystwyth Mine.

The underground works phase 1, support of the stull above the skipway, is now completed and the area cleared. Normal access to Roman Level is now open, the path has been widened at the bottom as the work has encroached on this area.

Roy carefully considered the options for what could be done to prevent further deterioration of the stull, and opted to use concrete and a blockwall, disguised with waste rock. He explained “It’s a crying shame to cover in some of this lovely ‘old mans’ work, but leaving it would eventually lead to a catastrophic collapse with possible loss of access to the skipway”.

The strategic placing of some old rails in the new support has also kept an air of authenticity to the resulting structure.

Cwmystwyth Mine stabilsation work in progress, Spring 2016. Photo: Roy Fellows.
Cwmystwyth Mine stabilsation work in progress, Spring 2016. Photo: Roy Fellows.

More information on the work can be found at the Cambrian Mines Trust website.

Phase 2 will be starting in a few weeks which is the replacement of the awkward second drum with a full walking height roadway. This will drain the area immediately behind where water is heavily ponded.

Access should remain unaffected, but will visitors please respect tools and materials etc and not interfere with anything.

Take care.

Cwmystwyth Mine stabilisation work, phase 1 completed. The waste rock facing and old rails give the pack a credible air or authenticity. Photo: Roy Fellows
Cwmystwyth Mine stabilisation work, phase 1 completed. The waste rock facing and old rails give the pack a credible air of authenticity. Photo: Roy Fellows