AS others have pointed out ironstone from the coal measures occurs in
horizontal seams. Some of these lie a short distance below coal seams. I
suspect that the technique was to work the coal and then the ironstone. I
gather that the large slag heaps associated with coal mines (for example in
the Black Country) were not in fact waste from coal mining but ironstone
mining.
This means that an authentic reconstruction would have to be of blasting in
a coal mine. I doubt that is achievable due to safety considerations. As
Peter Claughton pointed out few months ago entering disused coal mines is
hazardous in the extreme.
However argillaceous ironstone was not the only variety in Britain. Iron
ore was also found in Cornwall and in the west of County Durham as some kind
of matrix associated with non-ferrous minerals, and I assume in veins.
Alternatively, you might look at the Forest of Dean, where limonite formed
through iron replacing calcium in limestone beds. Achieving something
looking authentic may involve adjustments to the script.
Peter King
49, Stourbridge Road,
Hagley,
Stourbridge
West Midlands
DY9 0QS
01562-720368
[log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Poyner, David
Sent: 06 November 2008 10:10
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Shropshire Iron Minining
Bernard has made an important point; the ironstone is found in the coal
measures as a horizontally bedded ore and, as far as I know, was essentially
worked in the same way as the adjacent coal seams. If you are striving for
authenticity, you'll need to avoid filming in a large stope. Although I
suspect the distinction will be lost on the vast majority of viewers.
David Poyner
-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Bernard Moore
Sent: 06 November 2008 09:55
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Shropshire Iron Minining
Dear Rick,
It might be an idea to contact Mike Moore (Mike Moore Books), to see what
books he has on the Shropshire Coal Field. I know little about coal - it
not my
area of knowledge or interest - but I have seen a few books on this coal
field and most likely you will get what info. you want/need from them (and
maybe
ills. as well) - and I am sure Mike would be able to oblige.
Regards, Bernard
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