The iron mines North of Bristol (Frampton Cotterell & Iron Acton) appear to
be in a vertical vein and were probably mined using very similar techniques
to metaliferous mines in Cornwall
Those in the Forest of Dean that I have visited have the appearance of
natural chambers (that is now that the minerals have been extracted)
Coal mining techniques and Iron Mining techniques in the Bristol/Gloucester
area appear to be very different
(regarding the original question about filming I know sites in the Forest
where filming has been possible)
Regards
David
----- Original Message -----
From: "Simon Chapman" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2003 11:09 AM
Subject: [MINING-HISTORY] Iron ore mining details
Re : Jon Greenley
The Cleveland ironstone mines were particularly active from 1850 until 1964
with the highest output of over 6 million tons in 1883. Initially the
technical expertise came from experience in the nearby Durham coalfield
which was suitable as Cleveland ironstone was stratified i.e. in reasonably
horizontal seams, although at an average thickness of about 8 feet thicker
than was used to. However only at or near outcrop could it be worked by pick
and shovel, otherwise it had to be drilled by hand labour and blasted using
gunpowder. The larger companies working the deeper mines soon found that
compressed-air powered drilling machines achieved more efficient results;
first used in 1875, electrically powered drills were introduced after 1900.
From about 1920 the surviving mines re-introduced hand drilling methods more
effective and flexible for working pillars, until 1950 when powered machines
became standard with multiple-pattern shot-firing using more modern
explosives.
Workings were bord and pillar but some longwall was used in certain
instances. Generally the shallow mines were free of inflammable gas and
always used candles or other naked flames for lighting. However gas was
occasionally found and was responsible for the Lingdale disaster of 1953
when 8 men were killed in an explosion. The use of gunpowder for blasting
was responsible for great attention to ventilation from the 1870's which no
doubt helped to reduce the effects of gas being given off from the
bituminous shale in the strata above the seam.
Regards, Simon.
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