NEW LIFT INSTALLED AT MINE

 A new lift has been installed in Old Engine Shaft at South Crofty Mine.

The Alimak lift, ordered in 2004, has now been commissioned and is fully operational. Costing about  £200,000, it provides an important second access into the mine – the main access is the Tuckingmill Decline.

‘The Alimak is a 150 feet deep, powered, vertical lift which can carry up to 16 passengers at a time,’ said Kevin Williams, Managing Director of Baseresult Holdings Limited, the company that owns South Crofty.  ‘It represents an important milestone in the mine’s progress towards full operational status, the Alimak will be used when New Cooks Kitchen Shaft has the suspended submersible pumps in it that will start the de-watering process.  Once the mine is de-watered, the shaft will return to man riding and hoisting.’

The installation is one of a number of significant developments taking place in the mine.  A modern, diesel-powered Scooptram has just been purchased – at a cost of about £40,000 – and this rubber tyred underground loader will dramatically increase the rate of tunnel cleaning that can be achieved. The tunnelling work that began in April has passed through an interesting geological structure.

‘Mining for tin last took place on the structure that we found when the modern mine was being developed in the early part of the 20^th Century,’ said Mr Williams.  ‘At the time, it played a major part in the mine’s production and success and is certainly indicative of its continuing potential.  The new Scooptram will be an invaluable asset when we start mining the extension to the Tuckingmill Decline.’

The current tunnelling work continues and will be developed further as part of the preparations for de-watering. These preparations include water treatment trials, that have already started and the results, to date, are very encouraging. 

As well as playing an essential role in the mine’s development, the new Alimak lift can also be experienced by visitors.  Instead of returning to the surface by taking the arduous 650 feet walk back up the Tuckingmill Decline, parties of up to 15 people can travel straight up Old Engine Shaft at the flick of a switch.

                                                                                                9 February 2005