We started off with a 40 minute lesson on escape routes and use of safety/rescue equipment. The miners have to carry around self rescuers that would allow them to have breathable air for about an hour if they needed it. There are caches of these self rescuers placed strategically around the work areas in the mine. There are also large steele refuge containers scattered around the mine that would hold 24 men and supply them with oxygen enough for about 4 days, as well as a little food and water and first aid items. These are last resort- obviously in an emergency situation getting above ground would be first priority.
So anyway, in we went. I knew I was a nervous wreck about going underground, but I thought I would do better than I did. Driving into that portal was an eerie feeling. Then when we stopped the truck and got out I was whirling around and freaking out every time a little piece of rock fell from the wall. I don't know how he does it every day. It didn't seem to bother my parents at all either. All-in-all it was a very fun and interesting couple of hours.
The long wall wasn't running, so we got to see it up-close and personal. It is a 1000foot long machine that has a huge mean-looking shear that runs back and forth from one end to the other, cutting a few feet of coal from the wall in front of it with each pass. The shields on top are actually holding up the mountain as it progresses, and as the machine moves forward the mountain caves behind. Supposedly if you were to look at the top of the mountain from the air you can see these huge settled spots.
I know these are crap quality photos, but hey it was dark!
(EDITED to include photos from a 10-30-09 tour with my paternal grandfather and my maternal grandmother.)
Very cool!
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