Abandoned and Inactive Mine Safety Training - Underground Mine Hazards

Geologic Resources Division; Burghardt, John

Geologists often have reason to enter abandoned mines. Mineral examiners conduct underground inspections in assessing mineral resource values for mining claim validity and patent examinations. Exploration geologists inspect inactive mine workings to assess further development potential. Wildlife biologists conduct surveys of underground mine workings to assess critical wildlife habitat. For instance, abandoned mines have become increasingly important to the survival of numerous sensitive and protected bat species since increased urban development, deforestation, and exploitation of caves threaten their natural habitat. Although external surveys can be used to gain useful information, underground surveys are best for assessing the importance of habitat provided by abandoned mines. Information from underground surveys is often essential in determining the most appropriate type of closure for a particular mine opening. Cultural resource specialists are interested in abandoned mines and related artifacts that may be left underground. Limited funding and time force abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation programs to prioritize closures. By entering abandoned underground workings, the true hazard level can be evaluated to determine which sites should be prioritized for closure. It is also often necessary to enter an abandoned mine in order to design and implement a suitable closure. Because members of the public will enter abandoned mines, it is incumbent on land managers to know what hazards are being left exposed to the public until appropriate closures can be constructed, and to take whatever temporary measures are possible and necessary to minimize the hazard. In the event that a rescue may be required, it is good to have an idea of the extent and layout of underground workings before entering an abandoned mine. It is wise, therefore, for qualified specialists to map underground mine workings. The maps not only help in rescue situations, but also assist geologists, biologists, and cultural resource specialists in conducting their assessments.

Abandoned and Inactive Mine Safety Training - Underground Mine Hazards

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