Mines Rescue team searches abandoned mine

A US based mines rescue team has completed a search today of a sealed abandoned mine for a missing person. The mine was reportedly last entered in 1998.

According to reports, the mine, in Boone County West Virginia, was permanently sealed off until two men broke through a concrete barrier at the portal. The mine was apparently signposted with no trespassing signs.

The men had reportedly entered the mine to steal copper cables (possibly for scrap resale). Police said in a statement “One man came out from the mine but the other went missing”

The Director of the West Virginia Office of Miner’s Health, Safety and Training said this morning that that they led a joint effort with Blackhawk Mining to enter the mine and start the exploration process underground for the missing man. A team of three rescuers, comprised of two members from MHST and one from Blackhawk Mining, equipped with breathing apparatus and gas detectors.

An abandoned mine can pose complicated for entry a spokesperson said “Roof falls, toxic levels of gas, flooding and other dangers may exist. We will take every measure possible to ensure the safety of the rescuers entering the mine.”

While the man was not recovered from the abandoned mine by the mines rescue team, the team stated the conditions inside the mine were especially dangerous. Authorities are still investigating where the missing man may be located.

Australasian Mine Safety Journal is a print and digital publication that provides features and news articles relating to safe mining industry practices in Australia.

The Australasian Mine Safety Journal (AMSJ) is the only independent publication in Australia specifically targeting safety professionals in our country’s burgeoning resources sector.

For more information about Mining Emergency Rescue Services Australia visit the site : http://www.amsj.com.au/

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