Thanks Graham:
Being in mining classes just after it closed the story I remember was
about the problem that Glenrothes had with the faulting - though it
seems as though the flooding was equally a problem. I hadn't heard
of the Glenochil problems.
Dave
On May 24, 2007, at 1:44 PM, Graham wrote:
> David
>
> Take your pick from:
>
> ROTHES COLLIERY, Thorton, Fife - started by the Fife Coal Company
> in 1946, shaft sinking commenced by Cementation in August 1948.
> Sinking severely affected by water. No 2 shaft stopped 275 fathoms,
> and horizon development commenced at the 266 fathom. No 1 shaft
> finally reached 418 fathoms in February 1956. First coal from 5
> foot seam (a slight misnomer incidently for a seam that wass less
> than 2 foot thick here) in June 1957. Coal was also won from the
> Lochgelly Splint. Outputs were severely affected by burnt coal,
> water and extreme faulting resulting in 14 of the 16 faces worked
> being abandoned. Production & development ceased in March 1962
> (original cost estimate of £1.65 million took on Holyrood
> proportions and finally bottomed out at about £20 million) There
> was a legacy however in the form of the newtown development at
> Glenrothes, the site is now partially occupied by Fife Council and
> Fife Fire & Rescue Service and for many years one of the shafts I
> believe was used for diving training. The winding towers were
> finally blown down in 1993
>
> Architcts vision: http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/images/706493_fu.jpg
>
> or
>
> GLENOCHIL COLLIERY, between Alva and Alloa, Clackmannanshire - NCB
> had ambitions for this to be the largest drift mine in the UK
> producing 3,000 tonnes per day for 50 years. Sinking of the drifts
> began in January 1952 again with the intention of developing a
> horizon mine development (at 1500 yards, 2170 yards and 3000 yard)
> The 1500 yard horizon was reached and development work commenced in
> June 1956. Production began in December 1956. Unfortunately the old
> fellas had been before them and cherry-picked the best of the
> coals, leaving only very thin seams, coal in faulted pockets and
> coal protecting surface features (probably Gartmorn Dam). Closure
> was announced in 1961 and the last shift was on 1st June 1961
>
> The tragic waste of money at Glenochil is particulary well covered
> in a fascinating wee book by Robert Halliday "The Disapearing
> Scottish Colliery" (1980) who I believe was an NCB geologist. He
> castigates the NCB for a complete failure to consult with or
> inspect the papers of the old Alloa Coal Company or take any
> cognisance of their lack of interest in developing a new mine or
> extending the pre-existing King O'the Muirs pit. Ironically the
> neighbouring low tech drift mine development at Dollar was a real
> big hitting success.
>
> Cheers
> Graham
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Summers" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2007 6:56 PM
> Subject: A mine in Scotland
>
>
>> I wonder if I could ask for a little assistance. Back in the
>> 1960's, as I remember, there was a mine being developed by the
>> NCB in Scotland with significant prospects. However, when they
>> sank the shaft they found that the ground was sufficiently
>> faulted that it would have been uneconomic to develop and so they
>> sealed the shaft and shut it all down. Does anyone remember the
>> name of the mine, please?
>>
>> Dave
>>
>>
>> --
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