Crisp Delph mine, which has earned the nickname Jenga Mine on account of it’s Jenga like concrete structures (which are supposed to support the ceiling but sorta kinda don’t really at all not even remotely a little bit) is a sandstone mine near Skelmersdale that is quite unique. It’s mined using the pillar and stall technique, but whoever mined it forgot the pillars. So, much of the ceiling is on the floor. The concrete reinforcing structures do support the roof, but seemingly just the roof immediately above them and not the rest of it. Because all the ceiling that is not immediately above them is often on the floor. Legend has it that it was once used as a bomb store. But legend also has it that it’s connected to the other sandstone mines in the area, which is something I’ve tried to investigate before with a couple of other folks.
Anyway, this mine has been on my radar for a while because it’s relatively local, it’s a nice sandstone mine and it’s novel if only just a little one. It came up in conversation, which prompted me to nudge TLR for some help. TLR kindly helped me out and I found myself heading off to the mine when I woke up far too late to snaffle the explore I’d intended to bag that day.
I seem to get up earlier with this hobby than I do for work. What the fuck is that all about.
So anyway, it would have been difficult to find the hole because it was covered in branches - if TLR had not told me where the hole was
Someone really doesn't like you poking about in their hole.
But they can fuck off, because I left a tactical lenser in their hole.
Looking up toward ze entrance (which doubles up as an exit too).
Looking back at the entrance / exit from a bit further down the main shaft.
Moar looking back!
Up near ze entrance. For some reason these Jenga blocks were stuffed full of little stones.
Peng ting collapse.
Narcissism in the name of establishing scale.
Turns out I am Peter Pan with a camera.
Collapses!
Jenga blocks propping up not a lot of ceiling and a lot of ceiling on ze floor.
Bottom of the mine.
See the little adit running off?!
Has a dodgy roof.
When you remember to leave the pillars in, the roof stays up! Who knew.
Old ceiling hole.
And that's about it! Quite a lot of snaps for a small mine. But it is pretty.
Hope you enjoy the report.
Cheers,
EOA
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