Returning to a Great Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine

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  • čas přidán 24. 04. 2021
  • Link to first video: • An Incredible Lead-Sil...
    We recently returned to this mine to explore new areas and drop the two winzes on the 400 ft. level. The first area we explored was an open stope that dropped into a part of the 50 ft. level we could not access last time. This part of the mine turned out to be way more extensive than we thought it would, and there were winzes and stopes dropping all the way down to the 200 ft. level. After exploring this we headed back outside and went down the main shaft. We re-explored each level to look for anything interesting we may have skimmed over, but we didn’t find much.
    Once on the 400 ft. level, we set out to drop the two winzes we found the last time. To clear up any confusion, I mistakenly called the 400 level the 640 level in my last video. I also mistook the 300 ft. level for the 400 ft. level (The mining reports seemed to have left out a level leading to this confusion). This meant that one of the two winzes we were about to drop went down about 240 feet. The first one wasn’t it, and only went down 35 ft. The second turned out to be the winze we were looking for. It definitely didn’t appear to be at first as it looked more like a crude test winze. However, it only looked so rough because almost all the infrastructure for it was dismantled. We found the headframe remnants scattered about the 400 level.
    The winze was extremely dusty as there was no airflow to remove it. This made descending the winze very unpleasant, even with masks. There were a couple small drifts on the way down, but the bottom level was the most extensive and featured a number of degraded artifacts.
    Heading down to this bottom level we were putting our lives at risk due to our own stupidity. We decided not to wear harnesses because we wanted to be quick and we didn’t think the winzes would be difficult to descend. It wasn’t terrible using the handlines, but we definitely should have used harnesses to be safe. Our worst offense, however, was our lack of air quality monitors. I had been using an o2 meter, but the sensor had failed before this trip. Xavier’s 4 gas detector had also expired. With the lack of airflow we knew we shouldn’t have pursued this, but we did it anyways. The phrase “curiosity killed the cat” exists for a reason.
    The oxygen at the bottom level was definitely lower than normal (20.9%). We could tell due to changes in our breathing and a slight lightheadedness. It was very unwise to explore this level, but we felt that if we carefully watched our breathing we would be ok. We were at least smart enough to walk slowly so as to not stir up any co2 that may have been pooled along the floor. I believe we were very lucky that the concentration of oxygen was not low enough to prevent us from climbing out.
    Seriously, if you find this mine, don’t descend that winze! As the wood continues to rot and the iron continues to rust, the air is just going to get worse. It is not worth it, especially when you can just watch this video from the comfort of your home.

Komentáře • 79

  • @MarkoKraguljac
    @MarkoKraguljac Před 3 lety +20

    That disclaimer at the end is spot on. Harness and air, never forget.
    Great video!

  • @mikenelson9111
    @mikenelson9111 Před 3 lety +10

    Your vids never disappoint ....please be safe, so you are able to make more :)

  • @mitchellbarnow1709
    @mitchellbarnow1709 Před 3 lety +5

    Thanks for sharing another awesome video!
    Xavier, it’s great to also see you on this channel, as well as on your own channel!

  • @TeamURBEXner
    @TeamURBEXner Před 3 lety +8

    Hey guys, you do things there !!! Unfortunately we don't have such mines, I would like to be with you :-) Keep it up, I like it :-)

  • @Ercole746
    @Ercole746 Před 3 lety +5

    This was a great follow up. The PSA a the end is 100% right we are getting too comfortable and taking too many risks. I got the New gas meter and proper harnesses so we will be much better going forward. Keep the videos coming and here's to many more safe explores in the future.

  • @kimbra1132
    @kimbra1132 Před 3 lety +1

    Oh yeh dusty down there. What a maze of stopes. The colors in that mine fabulous even the natural cave formations. Keep it up guys.

  • @DavidHuber63
    @DavidHuber63 Před rokem

    You guys riding in the ore cart is hilarious 👍🏻❤️

  • @NormanSurgeon
    @NormanSurgeon Před 3 lety +1

    ...What a brilliant explore...! And such great lighting and videography too...! Many thanks for sharing...!

  • @oakld
    @oakld Před 2 lety

    It is a very good thing to admit deficiencies. If you took a carabine hook and hooked it around your belt and used a descending knot, you'd dramatically improve your safety. But proper equipment like harness is of course much better. I wish you good luck with all future explorations!

  • @buffalojoe1970
    @buffalojoe1970 Před 3 lety +7

    As I was watching this I was thinking, where is the harness? You make good videos so keep safe and have fun

    • @devinb5937
      @devinb5937 Před 3 lety

      Harnesses are for wimps bro get real lol

  • @user-eo3cu2nk5y
    @user-eo3cu2nk5y Před 2 lety +1

    갱도가 좋군요.수직갱도도 많고!~옛날광부들 갱도안에 다이너마이트박스하고,목책(나무들)
    들을 얼마나 많이 가지고 들어갔는지 짐작이됨.
    좁은 갱도안에서 사다리는 어떻게 그렇게 많이
    만들은건지 정말 대단함.

  • @KubotaManDan
    @KubotaManDan Před 3 lety +5

    Great explore. You should sell rock-crystal specimens on ebay to support your explorations. include a description of what it is & which show it was found on and let the bidding begin

  • @fluffy_loco3136
    @fluffy_loco3136 Před 2 lety

    "Dont try to kill me man", You.
    "Sorry", Trevor from Trailer Park Boys. 😂😂😂

  • @futuresight6005
    @futuresight6005 Před 3 lety +1

    6 min. in...Awesome rock formation..Super Job Guys!..This is real, reality tv..There is no stage...There are real people going to real places and doing real things, and some are quite risky...Again , Loved It!

  • @donnadamelio5890
    @donnadamelio5890 Před 2 lety +1

    Enjoyed this very much.

  • @thechad4485
    @thechad4485 Před 3 lety +2

    All the blue that you see in most of these Californian mines is Chrysocolla, a copper mineral. If you lick it, it will immediately absorb moisture, and your tongue will lightly stick to the surface.

  • @SueGirling68
    @SueGirling68 Před 3 lety +1

    Hi, yes agreed it was incredibly stupid to go down without a harness and gas meter. A very cool explore though with some awesome artefacts on each level. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx 💖

  • @spockspock
    @spockspock Před 3 lety +1

    Those little support columns symbolize the faith of the men who made these holes that the earth would support their dreams.

  • @theduder2617
    @theduder2617 Před 3 lety

    The statement at the end chilled me to the core guys. This entire video is unnerving now.
    Even if we fans have to send you a couple monitors before a trip, please man... safety.
    I've only recently discovered this channel. But I've developed caring for you guys due to your non-destructive methods of exploring. Not to be weird and not to preach, but... we like you guys.
    We don't want those we like injured.
    We don't want to have to whoop a cave's ass for hurting someone we like. But we totally will! lol
    Well, until you release a new video, I am going to continue with my second trip though the content you have posted so far.

  • @hmc8171
    @hmc8171 Před 3 lety

    Mackay School Of Mines is located in Reno, NV at UNR. J.E. Hiner ( John Edward Hiner ) is a licensed geologist that has ties to many mining companies. In March of 2021 at the age of 73 he was appointed to the board of directors of Athena Gold Corp.. it would be pretty cool to hear his knowledge regarding the geology of this mine.
    The following is biographical information for John Hiner:
    John E. Hiner, age 73 is a licensed geologist in the State of Washington and SME registered member and he has an exploration history of over 45 years with several major mining companies exploring for geothermal energy, precious metals and industrial minerals. He has served as a director and/or officer of mineral exploration and mining development companies, and works as an independent consulting geologist for mining companies. Mr. Hiner is currently a director of Gold Basin Resources Corporation and Golden Lake Exploration Inc.
    Mr. Hiner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from San Diego State University (1978) and a Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of Nevada - Reno (1972).

  • @hunt4redoctober628
    @hunt4redoctober628 Před 3 lety

    Realy great filming again! Love the geology/ mineralogy and history. Keep it going. (from the UK) But just use your ropes and harnesses more...some pretty big drops.

  • @davidsnider1703
    @davidsnider1703 Před 2 lety +1

    Great video

  • @dkohler5226
    @dkohler5226 Před rokem

    So some professional info, the batteries you found at the bottom, there would of been batteries at the top of the win and the bottom to drive the bells at both locations, 12 Volt for signals for the lift, to much voltage drop in 600 feet to only have batteries at only one end. I was also confined space certificate and you need communications radios and someone as a watch at the entrance, the watch person needs to do a air sample and communication call on a scheduled bases, you also need a safety line in the hole all the way to the bottom and anybody in the space hole needs to wear a harness, and by mine safety protocols you need a brass in brass out board.

  • @-r-495
    @-r-495 Před 3 lety +1

    Good warning disclaimer in the end.
    May want to do some climbing coursed. I was astonished by the free-hand descent w/o gloves, a fix you put in the rock instead of the timber and a descending device.
    You’re doing good as even without a O2/combustible gas meter you were keeping time. That I would have given many thumbs down for recklessness.
    Thank you nonetheless for the fascinating images, I am often mesmerised by such veins and strata and the vista up at the top.
    Do you know why there is few old electricians who do dodgy wiring?
    I hope the answer is obvious - food for thought.
    You‘ll see the tasks ahead much differently after some rock climbing, even if it is an investment. It‘s worth it.
    Cheers 🪶

  • @rickmessina5396
    @rickmessina5396 Před 3 lety +1

    That one ladder appears to be upside down. Step on a rung and it could come off. Thanks for the adventure.....

    • @forgottenmininghistory
      @forgottenmininghistory  Před 3 lety +1

      Yep, these types of ladders should be approached with extra caution. Thanks for watching!

  • @mitchellbarnow1709
    @mitchellbarnow1709 Před 3 lety

    Putter patter, let’s get outa here! I like that one, Xavier. You’re in a dusty pit, devoid of artifacts.

  • @arty1799
    @arty1799 Před 3 lety +2

    Super cool video, was hoping to see some of the minerals under UV light though.
    That mine looks dangerous enough without the risk of passing out. Please do us all a favor and have your meters equipped so you can continue to make these videos.
    Hats off to you guys. Thank you for sharing this exploration.

  • @patriciatess
    @patriciatess Před 3 lety

    Give me Sliver blue and gold & Zinc to fight this cold of covid off in a level unseen before, is the color of the button skys i'm trolled . Love ya video

  • @chrisstrobel3439
    @chrisstrobel3439 Před rokem

    Have you explored any of those mines on the edge of Joshua Tree NP on BLM land? I use to metal detect placer gold out there and always was curious what’s inside the adits and vertical shafts I’d run into, did the same in the Randsburg/El Paso range. Also as a mineral collector these days I really appreciate close ups of the minerals, as close as you can film to any crystallized minerals in the future would be awesome. Also I like seeing other people every now and then in your vids .. helps perspective 👍

  • @clarencewagner1278
    @clarencewagner1278 Před 3 lety +3

    Well if you see a man with horns in a red suit with a pitch fork...RUN!

    • @MarkoKraguljac
      @MarkoKraguljac Před 3 lety +1

      Or wear a mask to avoid poisoning which would make you see things that do not exist.

    • @steve-o6413
      @steve-o6413 Před 3 lety +3

      Sounds like a case of Mercury poisoning like the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland...

    • @kimbra1132
      @kimbra1132 Před 3 lety

      Especially if it's our current President.

  • @workonitm8
    @workonitm8 Před 2 lety

    The heavy dust could be an indication of a cave in somewhere upwind from where you were.
    Just a heads up that there could be a possibility of some major activity going on in the area.

  • @kevinbrennan2004
    @kevinbrennan2004 Před 3 lety +1

    Dodged one there boys.

  • @FrankBenlin
    @FrankBenlin Před 3 lety +3

    It's really interesting when you find names and dates. Does your crew ever sign the guestbook to keep an historical record?

  • @kadoj
    @kadoj Před 3 lety

    What the hell... those dust particles at 10:26 or so are sure behaving..... very oddly. I’ve never seen anything quite like that before... and physics says they shouldn’t be doing what they’re doing. They almost look crystalline, the way they glitter, but they keep changing direction and even pausing or flickering in mid flight. So yeah. Dunno what else to say about that. Edit: and the geology in this place is incredible, thanks man.

  • @Greenlaser
    @Greenlaser Před 3 lety

    you should buy an ultrawide lens for your camera if you can so we can see a larger view of the caves! :D

  • @ruzzsverion2728
    @ruzzsverion2728 Před 3 lety

    You should explore old mining towns.

  • @LanceBeckman
    @LanceBeckman Před 3 lety +1

    Awesome!

  • @frankgaletzka8477
    @frankgaletzka8477 Před 3 lety +1

    Well done but one thing why do you not use some Falling protection
    The Rose loose between the fingers isent very safe
    Yours Frank

  • @backtheblue280
    @backtheblue280 Před 3 lety +2

    VELVET tobacco can from ligget. 1910s

  • @jimmerriman6920
    @jimmerriman6920 Před 3 lety

    At 18:44 to18:56, what material is all of that gold, dark grey, and brown rock? What does gold, iron, silver look like in it's pre-mined state?

  • @chrisstrobel3439
    @chrisstrobel3439 Před rokem

    Looks like the El Paso range in So.Cal. yes?

  • @workonitm8
    @workonitm8 Před 2 lety

    Don't trust those ladders with the rungs nailed flat on the bottom side.

  • @steve-o6413
    @steve-o6413 Před 3 lety +2

    Unfortunately your warning will only add suspicion to the curiosity Seekers as a invitation. Probably should have left it, if you want to make it to the bottom be prepared with full safety gear...

    • @steve-o6413
      @steve-o6413 Před 3 lety

      Even though decaying wood could be a sign of the presents of water that has long since turned into a gas (evaporated) leaving some Oxygen...

  • @mrjoesmith5930
    @mrjoesmith5930 Před 3 lety

    10:54, Coors light can bottom right somebody has been in there lately.

  • @Yeah-right-2024
    @Yeah-right-2024 Před 3 lety +1

    Do you guys ever have overnights in caves? To explorer everything?

    • @forgottenmininghistory
      @forgottenmininghistory  Před 3 lety +1

      Not yet! There are some very large mines we plan on exploring where that might be an option.

  • @stroebezine8008
    @stroebezine8008 Před 2 lety +2

    Nick, we miss you! Where are you?

    • @forgottenmininghistory
      @forgottenmininghistory  Před 2 lety

      Sorry, I've been very busy with college at the moment. My priorities go classes, exploring mines, and lastly youtube. Got a whole bunch of great footage that you'll hopefully get to see soon.

    • @stroebezine8008
      @stroebezine8008 Před 2 lety +1

      College is definitely top priority. Glad your busy. Thanks for the update.We'll keep looking for new footage.

  • @davecooper3238
    @davecooper3238 Před 3 lety

    Does the US have mine rescue teams ? The reason I ask is. End of April 2021 three men went into a mine in Teesdale, north of England. Something went amiss. One chap made it back to the surface & raised the alarm. ( Teesdale was a lead mining area but the workings closed over a century ago. I have seen CZcams videos from inside Teesdale mines. They were wet & the timbering appeared in poor condition. )
    The two men were recovered uninjured by the mine rescue team from hundred of feet underground in an operation that reportedly took a number of hours.
    I don’t know much about the teams but I believe they are much like the UK’s mountain rescuer teams. In that they are mostly volunteer enthusiasts who train rescue skills together. Have equipment in an off road vehicle that is all ready to go.
    Do you have that sort of resource you can call on in your area ? Or would you be on your own ?

    • @Rt395minerals
      @Rt395minerals Před 3 lety

      Dave, yes, there are rescue teams. I believe Mojave Underground might be one.

  • @edenuccio3690
    @edenuccio3690 Před 3 lety

    Are u in the El Paso mountains?

  • @jubu3136
    @jubu3136 Před 3 lety

    Why are the ladders newer than all the other wood?

  • @kingbeat101
    @kingbeat101 Před 3 lety

    What is all the blueish and silver color I see everywhere..??..

    • @Rt395minerals
      @Rt395minerals Před 3 lety

      Blueish is most likely chrysocolla. Silver is probably galena. Two common minerals in the copper mines in Cali.

  • @gutsngorrrr
    @gutsngorrrr Před 3 lety

    It's not worth taking chances when going in to places like this. You need the safety equipment. Harnesses, monitoring and better masks.

  • @erikalbrektson995
    @erikalbrektson995 Před 3 lety

    Where is this mine? Does it have a name?

  • @tm8747
    @tm8747 Před 3 lety +2

    without your air meter , YOU DONT GO. that meter is your life. yes i say that was pretty stupid for a thrill

  • @lkop09nowbterp
    @lkop09nowbterp Před rokem

    Limonite

  • @durwinpocha2488
    @durwinpocha2488 Před 2 lety

    That is one rich silver mine, so loaded with sulfides that it stinks. If not for the FDR's price fixers, those minors would have been rich, sad. 🤔😥😪🤐😎

  • @arneservatius8686
    @arneservatius8686 Před 3 lety +1

    Loose one member, live with the loss for ever. A hole on the ground is not worth a life. 🤪

  • @givememilkpls9709
    @givememilkpls9709 Před 3 lety

    I remember this

  • @vernm6189
    @vernm6189 Před 3 lety +1

    using Ropes going down levels without gloves, seems stupid? stay safe

  • @zalix512
    @zalix512 Před 3 lety

    Wow. It’s old.

  • @backtheblue280
    @backtheblue280 Před 3 lety

    26:07
    Disembodied voice.
    Can't make out what it says.

  • @thealonestargazer
    @thealonestargazer Před 3 lety

    10M

  • @Doggystyle944
    @Doggystyle944 Před 3 lety

    it's not safe to live and enjoy your life so stay home and watch CZcams
    that's terrible advice, you might as well say that mining is dangerous so play Minecraft instead