Not sure they could do anything Southey. You probably have to remember that they could have been running for the shelter as if their lives counted on it. Which it quite possibly did. I doubt they would have any tools with them even if they had the power to drive them. Then you have to remember that they could well be semi-skilled themselves. Althought experienced miners they are not trained structurally. Not to say they couldn't work out what was safe IF they had experience, but since safety is a big thing in such a dangerous occupation I am sure they have standard operating procedures. That probably means staying put. All I know is that rock is unpredictable, you just don't know how safe a mine could be. I'm no expert, its been about 18 years since I was taught the rudiments of mining engineering, so I can't be sure of the facts. I'd say that unblocking any tunnel is pointless. You might trigger another cave in or you might just be working on 100s of metres of cave in. You just don't know. Even those on the surface won't have an idea of that so how could they being in the dark or with limited battery life in their lights work that out. If you don't know what the situation is like how can you work out what to do.
No, I'd say to sit tight and wait for instruction from above. Its all they could do.
As to the geologist? It would be a mining engineer who would have worked on the bracing plans based on geological data. That data probably wouldn't be sufficent to guarantee risk free bracing. TBH mining is a risky occupation. Whilst mining and structural engineers minimise risk it is not foolproof. Accidents happen.
I did a mineral engineering first degree and as part of it I did study mining engineering in the first term with the mining engineering students but then on they moved off into their field and we went more into the geology and metallurgy side. I did learn a bit about structural side of things,. however I have forgotten it as not in that sector. I just kinow that it is a difficult occupation, that it has its risks but it can also pay off big time. A miners working life is all about minimising the risks. That means if anything could have been done to prevent this it would have been done. Similarly sitting tight is probably also the best thing that they can do for themselves. I did nearly go into the quarrying side of things in this country. Mmmmm! Explosives! Blowing up the side of a hill would have really suited me. I might not be able to make stuff like a lot onhere but I sure as 'ell could destroy things as good as anyone. That job would have meant early on I'd have gone on explosive training courses. Got my licence and learnt how to plan the explosives for a blast based on geological info and the like. Wow what a job!!
No, I'd say to sit tight and wait for instruction from above. Its all they could do.
As to the geologist? It would be a mining engineer who would have worked on the bracing plans based on geological data. That data probably wouldn't be sufficent to guarantee risk free bracing. TBH mining is a risky occupation. Whilst mining and structural engineers minimise risk it is not foolproof. Accidents happen.
I did a mineral engineering first degree and as part of it I did study mining engineering in the first term with the mining engineering students but then on they moved off into their field and we went more into the geology and metallurgy side. I did learn a bit about structural side of things,. however I have forgotten it as not in that sector. I just kinow that it is a difficult occupation, that it has its risks but it can also pay off big time. A miners working life is all about minimising the risks. That means if anything could have been done to prevent this it would have been done. Similarly sitting tight is probably also the best thing that they can do for themselves. I did nearly go into the quarrying side of things in this country. Mmmmm! Explosives! Blowing up the side of a hill would have really suited me. I might not be able to make stuff like a lot onhere but I sure as 'ell could destroy things as good as anyone. That job would have meant early on I'd have gone on explosive training courses. Got my licence and learnt how to plan the explosives for a blast based on geological info and the like. Wow what a job!!
